Sitges Bear Week (May Edition): Fur’s Out, Thighs Out, and I’m On My Way

I’m flying out this Sunday, and let me tell you—I’m more excited than a cub at a daddy convention. This’ll be year three for me at Sitges Bear Week (May edition), and no, the novelty hasn’t worn off. Not even close. If anything, I’m worse. I’ve already packed five pairs of trunks, two fans, one mesh top I probably shouldn’t wear in daylight, and the quiet hope I’ll come back with a few more stories I absolutely can’t tell my mum.

The May vibe?

Think less chaos, more charm. Still stacked with gorgeous, beardy blokes—but without the stampede of the September crowd. It’s like Sitges throws open its windows, stretches, and says, “Alright lads, who’s ready for a little pre-summer mischief?”

The Scene: Low Key Filthy, High Key Friendly

There’s no official village or main stage in May. Doesn’t matter. The town is the party. Day or night, you’ll find the streets humming with energy—guys in tank-tops and smiles spilling out of bars, lounging at cafés, eyeing each other over cold beers with the kind of glances that say, “Fancy another?”

And you always fancy another.

Bears Bar: My Spiritual (and Slightly Sticky) Home

I land, I check in, I head straight to Bears Bar. It’s tradition. It’s muscle memory. It’s home. Underwear night is back on, which means I’ll be in something barely legal, clutching a beer, wondering how I got into this many conversations about jock brands and flight delays.

It’s not just a bar. It’s a reunion. A flirt-fest. A place where you lock eyes with someone across the room and suddenly forget whatever it was you were saying. It’s Sitges, condensed into one tight, sweaty, glorious room.

Balmins Beach: Suns Out, Buns Out

Every afternoon, the pilgrimage begins. Down to Balmins, towel in one hand, iced coffee in the other, and the knowledge that you’re about to see more bare backsides than a Turkish bathhouse. It’s clothing-optional, attitude-free, and perfect for those moments when you just want to lie in the sun and pretend your only problem in life is sand in your crack.

This beach has a vibe: relaxed, flirty, a little bit cheeky. You’ll talk to strangers. You’ll get compliments on your tan (even if it’s patchy). You’ll maybe find someone to share suncream and secrets with. Or you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the sea and snoring bears. Either way—win.

Barcelona Detour: A Touch of Steam at Sauna BRUC

Midweek, I’m making a deliberate escape to Barcelona. Just a quick train ride, but a whole different flavour of fun. I’ve got a date with Sauna BRUC, and no, I’m not going for the eucalyptus.

Mature men, friendly staff, steam so thick you could get lost in it and never be seen again (unless you want to be found). I’ll go for the health benefits, obviously. And if I come back relaxed, glowing, and walking slightly funny, well... mind your business.

If You’re Going Too—Some Unsolicited Wisdom

Book central or you’ll regret it.

Hydrate like your hangover depends on it. Because it does.

Pack light, flirt heavy, nap often.

Don’t wait for someone to talk to you. Say hi. Compliment someone’s tattoo. Offer suncream. Everyone here wants to connect—you just need to open the door.

And for god’s sake, bring a fan. The kind you snap open. Dramatically. Ideally while throwing shade.

See You There

I’ll be touching down Sunday, half-dressed and already hunting for a G&T. If you see a grinning, sweaty man dragging a suitcase and too much enthusiasm down a cobbled street—that’s me. Come say hi. Let’s make May stupidly fun, just the right amount of scandalous, and full of everything we’ll deny ever happened.