Location, accommodation & travel information
Venue
The 3rd International Congress on Separation and Purification Technology (ISPT 2026) will take place at the Meliá Sitges Hotel Congress Centre, in Sitges, Spain.
Venue Details:
Meliá Sitges Hotel Congress Centre Joan Salvat Papasseit, 38, Sitges - Barcelona 08870, Spain
Tel: (+34) 938 11 08 11 Email: [email protected] Website: Meliá Sitges Hotel opens in new tab/window
Getting to Sitges
Well-connected to key attractions and landmarks
Located 35 km south of Barcelona, with easy road and rail access
Barcelona International Airport is just 25 km away (approx. 20 minutes)
About Sitges
Sitges is a picturesque coastal town situated between the Mediterranean Sea and nearby mountain ranges. It offers a rich cultural history, stunning natural scenery, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Local Attractions & Activities
Beautiful coastline with luxury residential areas
Golf courses and marina facilities near the beaches
Historic town center with cultural landmarks, including Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla churches
Tourist information: Sitges Tourist Guide opens in new tab/window
Places of Interest
Casa de la Vila – A 19th-century neo-Gothic architectural landmark
Palau Maricel – A unique blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements
Cau Ferrat Museum – Former studio of Santiago Rusiñol, featuring works by El Greco, Zuloaga, and Picasso
Maricel Museum – Home to a remarkable collection of Romanesque, Gothic, and Modern Art
Gastronomy
Sitges is known for its rich culinary heritage, with traditional dishes that highlight Mediterranean flavors:
Xató – A signature dish made with endive, cod, tuna, anchovies, and olives, dressed in a romesco sauce (roasted peppers, toasted almonds, garlic, oil, and chili)
Cuttlefish stew with potatoes and alioli (garlic mayonnaise)
Tuna casserole and fideuá (a seafood noodle dish similar to paella)
Local wines from Alella, Penedés, and Pla de Bages are highly recommended to accompany these dishes
Sitges offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it an ideal destination for the symposium.
Social events
Take the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues while enjoying the scenic beauty of Sitges.
Planned activities may include:
Yoga sessions for relaxation
Guided walking tours to explore the historic town
Stay tuned for updates on the registration page!
Travel information
Getting to Sitges
Barcelona Airport – The Closest Airport to Sitges
Barcelona Airport (El Prat) is the nearest airport to Sitges, located approximately 20 km away.
If you’re considering flying into Reus or Girona Airport, compare the total travel costs, as flights to these airports may be cheaper but could involve higher onward transport expenses.
A taxi from Barcelona Airport to Sitges takes about 30 minutes and costs around €65.
Transfers from Barcelona Airport to Sitges
By Train
There are no direct trains from Barcelona Airport to Sitges. Instead, follow these steps:
Take the C2 RENFE train from Terminal 2 to El Prat de Llobregat (the first stop after the airport).
From El Prat de Llobregat, transfer to a train to Sitges
.
If arriving at Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 to access the train station. For train schedules and journey details, visit: Barcelona Airport Train Guide opens in new tab/window Transfer Guide from Barcelona Airport to Sitges opens in new tab/window
By Coach (MonBus Service)
The MonBus runs directly from Barcelona Airport (T1) to Sitges.
If arriving at Terminal 2, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 to catch the MonBus.
The MonBus service follows this route: Barcelona City Centre (Ronda Universitat) → Barcelona Gran Via → Barcelona Airport (T1) → Sitges → Barcelona Airport (T1) → Barcelona Gran Via → Barcelona City Centre (Ronda Universitat)
Schedule:
Monday to Friday – Once per hour
Saturday – Every two hours
Sunday & Public Holidays – Four times per day
For ticket prices and schedules, visit the MonBus website and use the ‘Timetable Searcher’ (Enter: Aeroport de Barcelona → Sitges).
Barcelona Airport Transfer Guide opens in new tab/window
Visa Information
You may need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain. To check if you require one, visit: Who Needs a Schengen Visa? opens in new tab/window
What is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa allowing travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
It permits entry into any Schengen member country without border controls.
If you plan to study, work, or stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need a national visa for that country instead of a Schengen visa.
For more details, visit: Schengen Visa Information opens in new tab/window
Visa Information
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. These include 22 EU nations (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the UK), along with Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Who Needs a Visa?
Citizens or residents of EU & Schengen countries – No visa required.
Citizens or residents of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA – No visa required
for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period.
Citizens of other countries – Please check with your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. A full list of countries requiring a visa can be found here opens in new tab/window
.
Visa Processing Time
Visa applications typically take 2–4 weeks to process. To avoid delays, participants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Visa Support Letters
If you require an official visa support letter, please contact [email protected] with the following details:
Full name (as per passport)
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Passport number
Abstract number/title
(if applicable)
Applying for your visa early will help ensure you receive it in time for the conference.