Svea De DeckerIn just one week, the Barcelona-Sitges Rally returns! Scheduled for its 67th edition on April 5th and 6th 2025, this rally showcases careful preserved automobiles and motorcycles from the early 20th century. It offers a nostalgic journey through automotive history. Like every year, the rally starts in the centre of Barcelona and will finish in the beautiful seaside town of Sitges.
The Barcelona-Sitges Rally has history
Established in 1959, the rally features vehicles manufactured up to 1928 and motorcycles up to 1938. Participants, dressed in period-appropriate attire, drive these vintage cars along the picturesque 46-kilometer route from Barcelona to Sitges, primarily following the scenic Garraf coastline. As a result, this combination of historic vehicles and authentic costumes creates a spectacle that attracts thousands of spectators each year.
Initially, the rally was conceived as a sporting event in which vehicles had to maintain a consistent speed relative to the varying inclines and descents of the coastal route. This competition, regulated under the rules of the FIA, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, an international federation of national automobile, motorsport, and touring clubs, added an exciting challenge. However, over the years, the rally evolved into more of a cultural and historical event, celebrating early 20th-century automobiles and the elegance of their era.
Barcelona-Sitges Rally highlights
- Vehicle Exhibition (April 5th): On Saturday, the vintage cars will be displayed at L’illa Diagonal shopping center in Barcelona, allowing enthusiasts to admire these classic automobiles up close.
- Rally Day (April 6th): On Sunday, the rally will begin at 10:20 a.m. from Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona. The procession will then make its way to Sitges, where the vehicles are showcased along the Passeig de la Ribera.
This year’s rally will feature 79 vintage automobiles and 10 classic motorcycles, attracting participants not only from across Spain but also from France, Italy, Portugal, and beyond, highlighting the international prestige of the event.
Kicking off from the historic Plaça Sant Jaume in the heart of Barcelona, the classic convoy will weave through the city, passing iconic landmarks like La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, and Gran Via, among others.
After that, it will continue through the towns of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellà de Llobregat, and Sant Boi de Llobregat, before reaching the scenic coastal roads of Costas del Garraf (C-246).
By 12:15 PM, the vehicles are expected to arrive in Sitges, where they will be welcomed by a festive atmosphere and excited spectators.
An overall experience
The Barcelona-Sitges Rally is not just about the cars, it’s also about the experience of stepping back in time. In addition, participants dress in traditional period-appropriate attire, adding to the charm and nostalgia of the event. From vintage suits to elegant dresses, the outfits reflect the early 20th century, bringing a touch of class and history to the rally. Moreover, this attention to detail, combined with the stunning vehicles and festive atmosphere, makes the rally a truly immersive event for both participants and spectators.
