Cadaqués

Scenic view of Cadaqués, Spain with boats on the sea framed by tree branches.
Mireca Deulofeu, Pexels

Cadaqués is a picturesque coastal village nestled on Spain's Costa Brava, offering a serene escape with its distinctive whitewashed buildings, clear pebble beaches, and a rich artistic heritage that famously inspired Salvador Dalí. It presents an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and tranquil relaxation.

The central promenade along Platja Gran and the charming, winding streets of the old town serve as vibrant areas for social interaction. Here, numerous local bars and restaurants provide a relaxed setting to enjoy traditional cuisine and drinks, making it easy to connect with other visitors and experience the local atmosphere.

Top 7 Things to do in Cadaqués

Activities in Cadaqués primarily revolve around exploring its artistic heritage, engaging with the natural beauty of the Cap de Creus, and enjoying its distinctive coastline.

1. Visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Port Lligat

Step into the former residence and studio of Salvador Dalí, nestled in the picturesque cove of Port Lligat. This labyrinthine house, a series of converted fishermen's huts, offers a unique insight into the surrealist artist's life and creative process, filled with his eccentric possessions and personal touches. The visit is conducted in small, restricted groups, making advance booking essential for guaranteed entry. Visitors typically spend around 50 minutes exploring the various rooms and the surrounding gardens.

Cost: Adults: €18 (online) or €20 (at ticket desk). Children (0-8 years): Free. Guided tours bundled with transport from other cities can cost more.

Transport: The museum is located in Port Lligat, a small bay adjacent to Cadaqués. It is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the center of Cadaqués, offering scenic views along the way.

2. Explore Cap de Creus Natural Park

Discover the wild and rugged landscape of Cap de Creus, a protected natural park known for its unique geological formations and panoramic views where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. Visitors can embark on self-guided hikes along various trails, ranging from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging routes, which offer breathtaking vistas of the coastline and hidden coves. Alternatively, boat trips provide a distinct perspective, allowing access to sea caves and secluded areas only reachable by water, often including opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

Cost: Hiking is free for self-guided exploration. Guided hiking tours typically cost around €50 per adult. Boat trips vary widely, starting from approximately €25 for shorter excursions to over €65 for longer catamaran cruises with amenities.

Transport: Several hiking trails are accessible directly from Cadaqués. For boat tours, many depart from Roses, requiring a taxi (approximately 30-40 minutes drive, cost around €40-€50 each way) to the port. Some tours may offer pick-up options or depart from Port Lligat.

3. Wander the Cadaqués Old Town and Visit Santa Maria Church

Stroll through the charming, winding cobblestone streets of Cadaqués's Old Town, where whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers create a picturesque setting. The area is home to numerous small art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Ascend to the Church of Santa Maria, perched atop a hill, to admire its Gothic architecture and the ornate Baroque altarpiece within. From its elevated position, the church grounds offer sweeping panoramic views of Cadaqués bay and the surrounding coastline.

Cost: Exploring the old town and church exterior is free. Entry to the church may be free or require a small donation.

Transport: The Old Town and Santa Maria Church are centrally located within Cadaqués and are easily accessible on foot.

4. Relax on Cadaqués' Pebble Beaches and Coves

Experience the unique coastline of Cadaqués by relaxing on its pebble beaches and exploring secluded coves. Unlike typical sandy shores, Cadaqués' beaches, such as Platja Gran (the main beach), Es Llaner Gran, Platja del Ros, and Cala Jugadora, feature smooth pebbles and exceptionally clear waters, ideal for swimming and unwinding. Many smaller coves are accessible via coastal paths or by water, offering more intimate settings. It is worth noting that nudity is common on many beaches in the area.

Cost: Access to the beaches is free.

Transport: Platja Gran is located in the heart of Cadaqués. Other popular beaches like Es Llaner Gran and Platja del Ros are a short walk from the town center. More secluded coves may require a longer walk or access by boat/kayak.

5. Kayak or Paddleboard in Cadaqués Bay

Paddle through the crystalline waters of Cadaqués Bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to discover hidden coves and enjoy the coastal scenery from a different perspective. This activity offers a blend of relaxation and gentle exercise, suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. Rental services provide equipment, and some offer guided tours to ensure a safe and informative experience.

Cost: Kayak rental typically costs €15-€20 for a single kayak for one hour, and €20-€40 for a double kayak for one to two hours. Half-day guided kayak tours can be around €58 per person.

Transport: Kayak and SUP rental points are usually found on the main beaches or in Port Lligat, within walking distance from the village center.

6. Discover Local Art Galleries

Immerse oneself in Cadaqués's vibrant art scene, a legacy of its appeal to artists like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp. The village is home to numerous art galleries showcasing a diverse range of contemporary and classic art from both local and international artists. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town reveals these galleries, offering opportunities to view unique exhibitions and perhaps acquire a piece of Cadaqués-inspired art. Notable galleries include Galeria Iturria, Galeria Cadaqués, and Blanco Mora Art.

Cost: Browsing the art galleries is generally free.

Transport: The majority of art galleries are located within the old town, easily accessible on foot from any central point in Cadaqués.

7. Experience a Wine Tasting Tour

Embark on a wine tasting experience in the surrounding Empordà region, which extends into the unique landscape of Cap de Creus. Wineries like Mas Perafita offer tours to learn about local viticulture, influenced by the 'tramuntana' wind and the Mediterranean climate. These tours often conclude with a tasting of regional wines, providing insight into the area's gastronomic heritage. Some tours combine a visit to Cadaqués with a winery experience.

Cost: Prices for wine tasting tours vary, especially if combined with transport and meals. A day trip including Cadaqués and wine tasting can range from approximately €173 per person for small groups, to private tours costing upwards of €400-€700 per person. Some tour options explicitly for wine tasting without extensive tours might be lower.

Transport: Wineries are typically located a short drive outside Cadaqués, often in the Cap de Creus Natural Park area. Many guided tours include transportation from Cadaqués or nearby cities like Girona.

Check out our other pages on Cadaqués

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Spain

Andalusia
Catalonia & The East Coast
Central Spain
Northern Spain
The Balearic Islands
The Canary Islands