Economic prosperity began during the late 18th century. The town became a summer resort for the Sitgetan Americanos. Its economic activity continued to come from peasantry, garden produce and, above all, the vineyards (today, only the Sant Joan Baptista). Trade was based on the exportation of clothes, wine, malmsey wine and eau-de-vie.

Sitges was a reference point for writers, musicians and other intellectuals and became an important center for

disseminating Modernism and the "Americanos", who, after returning with their "fortune" from their American adventure, commissioned large mansions from Modernist and Noucentista (post Art Nouveau) architects. Modern Sitges, still preserving important references from the middle Ages and the old farmers' and fishermen's town, offers visitors an impressive architectural and cultural heritage, the result of initiatives by artists and cultural energizers.

This creative movement has also made possible to create new projects like The International Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally, the International Film Festival, the International Jazz Festival or the Summer Concerts Series.

Sitges provides a trade offer covering a wide range of possibilities - both for price and variety and adapts perfectly well to everyone's wishes. The shopping area

of Sitges is located in the city centre, around the streets Sant Francesc and Major, the streets de Jesús and de les Parellades, the streets going down to the sea and the streets Sant Gaudenci, Sant Josep, Sant Bonaventura and Àngel Vidal. Sitges is a tourist town with free business hours and many shops open on Sunday and public holidays. Sitges has a remarkable amount of antique shops and markets.

The Garraf massif, a protected natural area, provides Sitges' visitors with a wide range of possible outdoor activities. From observing protected species -like the European fan palm or the Bonelli's Eagle-, or discovering significant spots and astronomical observation, to hiking, MTB, orientation, climbing and spelunking. There are various local companies which offer such guided activities. Sitges' shore gives you a chance to take long walks by the sea.

Sitges is a venue for many important sporting events: the Half Marathon, the Spanish Beach Volleyball Championship, the Beach Rugby Tournament, the Spanish Enduro Championship, the World Championship of Football Veterans, etc.

The three marinas of Sitges (Port Ginesta, Garraf and Aiguadolç) and several yacht clubs offer a wide range of nautical activities: sailing schools, boat and cruiser rental, charters, canoes, scuba diving, etc. Sitges is one of the Catalan coastal towns where, for decades, catamarans have been popular. Sitges has been the venue of the Spanish Championship of Catamaran and, this year, of the European Championship of Catamaran.