- Travel Enthusiast
- Aug 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 31
CADAQUES: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Cadaqués is one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Brava. Whitewashed houses line the bay, cobblestone streets wind through the Old Town, and the Mediterranean light has inspired artists for generations. Salvador Dalí lived here for much of his life, and the dramatic cliffs and rock formations of Cap de Creus feel like a natural extension of his work.
Many people come just for the day, but spending the night makes all the difference. Once the crowds leave, Cadaqués reveals its quieter side – peaceful evenings, golden sunsets, and a slower rhythm that’s hard to forget.
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CADAQUES HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re looking for the absolute best of Cadaques, these are the spots you shouldn’t miss:
Dalí House in Portlligat – Salvador Dalí’s quirky seaside home, filled with surreal touches and unique views that inspired much of his work.
The Old Town – A maze of narrow cobblestone streets with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and hidden squares.
Santa Maria Church – A hilltop church with a striking Baroque altarpiece and panoramic views over the bay.
The Promenade – A scenic seaside walk lined with restaurants and cafés.
Platja Es Llané – A beautiful beach just a short walk from the center, with calm waters and rocky surroundings that make it ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Cap de Creus Natural Park – Just beyond the village, this wild headland offers dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, and surreal rock formations.
GETTING TO AND AROUND CADAQUES
Getting around Cadaques:
Cadaqués is easy to explore on foot, with most streets and sights close together. Parking in the center is limited, so it’s best to leave your car on the edge of town. For nearby spots like Portlligat or the coves, you can walk, grab a taxi, or rent a bike. To reach Cap de Creus, a car or boat trip is the easiest option.
Getting to Cadaques:
By car – The best option if you can. From Girona it’s about 1.5 hours, and from Barcelona it’s around 2.5 hours, with a winding last stretch that rewards you with stunning views. Having a car also makes it easy to explore Cap de Creus or nearby towns.
By bus – The simplest choice if you don’t want to drive. Sarfa/Moventis buses go direct from Barcelona Nord (about 3 hours) and less often from Girona (about 1 hour 50 minutes).
By train + bus – The slowest way, since Cadaqués has no train station. You’ll need to go via Figueres or Girona, then switch to a bus. Worth it only if you’re stopping in one of those cities.
By guided tour – Perfect if you’re short on time and want to see more of Catalonia without worrying about logistics. This full-day trip from Barcelona combines Girona, Figueres (Dalí Theatre-Museum), and Cadaqués in one go.
CADAQUES ITINERARY
Most people squeeze Cadaqués into a quick visit, and Day 1 already covers a lot. But if you have more time, staying longer lets you slow down and explore hidden gems.
DAY 1
Morning: Visit the Dalí House in Portlligat, the eccentric seaside home where Salvador Dalí lived and worked for decades. With quirky decor, surreal sculptures, and views over the bay, it feels like stepping inside his imagination. Book tickets in advance, as entry is limited.
Then, wander the Old Town, where cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses, and flowered balconies create its timeless charm. Don’t miss the climb to Santa Maria Church for panoramic views of the bay that capture the essence of Cadaqués.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Talla Restaurant, right on the water’s edge with views of Cadaqués Bay, serving fresh Mediterranean seafood and creative tapas.
Afternoon: Time to enjoy the beach! Cadaqués has several small but beautiful beaches, each with its own charm. Two of the best options are:
Platja Gran – The main town beach, right along the promenade. It’s convenient and lively, with calm waters for a quick swim.
Platja Es Llané (Gran & Petit) – About a 10-minute walk from the center, this crescent-shaped bay is split into two parts. Quieter and framed by rocky cliffs, it offers a calm setting for swimming and relaxing.
Evening: Take a walk along the promenade at sunset and watch the colors change over the bay. Stop at Can Rafa, a local favorite known for fresh seafood and paella with views of the harbor.
DAY 2
If you have another day, use it to slow down in Cadaqués and explore the wild beauty and culture that surround it.
Hike or drive into Cap de Creus Natural Park – Discover the easternmost point of Spain, with lunar-like landscapes, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs. Don’t miss the Cap de Creus Lighthouse for sweeping views and a café perched above the sea.
Sail through Cap de Creus on a boat trip – Cruise past emblematic coves like Portlligat and Cala Guillola. Many tours, like this one, include swimming and snorkeling stops in crystal-clear waters.
Visit the Dalí Triangle – Explore the three places most closely tied to Salvador Dalí’s life: the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat (Cadaqués), and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. You can book a combined pass that covers all three here.
Beach-hop around Cadaqués – Beyond Platja Gran and Es Llané, check out Platja del Ros, a quieter beach with shallow waters, Cala Sa Conca, a more secluded cove, or Platja Portlligat for its charm and connection to Dalí.
Walk coastal trails to hidden coves – Follow scenic paths from Cadaqués to small beaches like Cala Nans, a gorgeous spot near the lighthouse that’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
Paddle along the coastline – Rent a kayak or paddleboard in town and explore the rugged shoreline at your own pace, discovering coves and rocky inlets along the way.
WHERE TO STAY IN CADAQUES
Staying overnight? Here are some great places to stay in Cadaqués:
Hotel Blaumar Cadaqués – A family-run hotel with rustic touches, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a quiet location just a short walk from the beach and the Old Town.
Hotel Playa Sol – A waterfront hotel with a pool and terraces overlooking the bay, just a short walk from the Old Town.
Hotel Llané Petit – A peaceful option right by Es Llané beach, with sea views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Boutique Hotel Villa Gala – Stylish and elegant, perched above the town with panoramic views and modern Mediterranean design.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Cadaques, Spain worth visiting?
Cadaqués is full of charm – a whitewashed fishing village where cobblestone streets lead down to a sparkling bay. It’s best known as Salvador Dalí’s home, but even without the art connection, the mix of seaside beauty and old-world character makes it one of the most memorable spots on the Costa Brava. If you can, stay overnight – it feels even more magical once the day-trippers leave.
What is the closest airport to Cadaques?
The closest airport is Girona-Costa Brava (GRO), about 1.5 hours away by car. Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is another option, around 2.5 hours away. Girona is more convenient if your main destination is Cadaqués, but both work well depending on your trip.
How do I get from Barcelona to Cadaques?
The most straightforward way is by car – around 2.5 hours, with the final stretch winding through scenic mountain roads. Direct buses also run from Barcelona Nord Station to Cadaqués, taking about 3 hours. You can also combine train and bus by taking a train from Barcelona to Figueres or Girona, then continuing by bus to Cadaqués.
Can you swim in Cadaqués?
Yes – Cadaqués has several small beaches and coves with crystal-clear water. Most are pebbly rather than sandy, but they’re great for swimming. Es Llané is popular with locals, Platja del Ros offers more space and shallow waters, and Portlligat has charm and history thanks to Dalí’s house by the bay.
BEYOND CADAQUES
Got extra time? Here are a few amazing places just outside Cadaqués that are worth checking out.
Figueres – The birthplace of Salvador Dalí and home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a surreal world of giant eggs, playful illusions, and rooms that feel like stepping inside one of his paintings.
Roses – A lively seaside town just 30 minutes away, with a wide sandy beach, a marina, and the ruins of the Ciutadella de Roses where centuries of history overlook the coast.
Begur – A hilltop town with a castle, winding streets, and views that stretch across the Costa Brava. It’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful coves in the region, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the scenery. Want to know more? Take a look at our Begur guide.
Costa Brava – Cadaqués is just one jewel on this famous stretch of coastline. The Costa Brava is home to rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and postcard-worthy towns like Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell. Want to know more? Take a look at our Costa Brava guide.
Girona – A medieval city with cobbled streets, a grand cathedral, and colorful houses along the Onyar River. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize filming locations here, but even without them, Girona’s Old Town is one of the most atmospheric in Spain. Want to plan a visit? Take a look at our Girona itinerary.
Besalú – A medieval gem with a Romanesque bridge straight out of a storybook. Its cobbled streets, stone archways, and hidden squares make it one of Catalonia’s most photogenic villages.
