Cadaqués, Spain is one of the Costa Brava’s most hidden gems. An almost untouched hillside village with colourful houses and cobblestone paths leading down to a harbour inlet. Right out of a postcard, it is no wonder that this Spanish village was once the home of artist Salvador Dalí. Just a few hours from both Barcelona and Girona, Cadaques makes for the perfect Costa Brava day trip!
Like most small fishing towns, the best way to explore Cadaques is to spend a day wandering the streets, tasting the local cuisine and taking in the atmosphere.
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How to get to Cadaques
Cadaques, Spain, is a coastal town in the Girona province of Catalonia. Located in the middle of the Cap de Creus Peninsula in the Northern part of Spain’s Costa Brava. Surrounded by hills, Cadaques is significantly separated from the rest of the villages in the area, with one main road in and out.
This road is the GI-614. If you continue along this road out of Girona you end up in the nearby resort town of roses, alternatively, you can turn off and head north to the beautiful El Port de la Selva.
Cadaques from Girona
Cadaques is around a 1-hour drive from Girona. The route is simple and quite easy. Taking the highway towards Santa Llogaia d’Àlguema and then following the C-11 to Roses. From here you can switch to the GI-614 which leads all the way to Cadaques.
Alternatively there is a direct bus from Girona Bus Station (Estación de Autobus de Gerona) to Cadaques. This bus takes around 2 hours but unfortunately does not run very regularly. You will find you have to leave early and return late if you choose this option!
Otherwise, you can catch the train from Girona to Figueres. This trip takes only 30 minutes and occurs regularly throughout the day. From Figueres, you can either catch a taxi (45mins) or the bus which runs 3 times a day during the summer months (1 hour 15 minutes).
You can find all the information here for trains and buses.
Cadaqués from Barcelona
Cadaqués is a 2-hour drive from Barcelona. The route is quite simple, following the highway towards Girona and then continuing on towards Santa Llogaia d’Àlguema. From here, take the C-11 to Vilatenim and change to the GI-614 just before Roses.
You can easily hire a car in Barcelona from Hertz which is what we usually do when we travel!
Alternatively, you can take public transport from Barcelona to Cadaques. There are a few options, the first is the direct bus from Barcelona Nord. This runs with Sarbus several times a day and takes around 3 hours.
If you don’t mind transfers, there is also the option to take the train to Girona or Figueres. From both of these stops, you can take a direct bus to Cadaqués.
What to do in Cadaques
Take a swim on one of Cadaques’ Beaches
Platja Gran
There are several beaches in Cadaqués! In the centre of the town, by the long harbour promenade, you will find Platja Gran. This is a small pebble beach with quite shallow water. This area of the water is also used as a harbour so the swimming area is quite small. However, it is definitely the most picturesque place to swim in Cadaques.
Platja Port d’Alguer
Round the corner, tucked into the edge of the town is Platja Port d’Alguer. This is a much smaller rocky beach, and a very popular swimming spot for visitors
Platja des Llané Gran
Further south, at the very edge of Cadaques is Platja sea Llané Gran. This beach is beautiful and a lot bigger than its more central counterparts! This is the best place to head if you want to spend a few hours at the beach rather than just take a quick swim!
Platja d’Es Sortell
Further south again you have Platja d’Es Sortell. This is a much more natural area, the beach surrounded by rock formations that supposedly inspired Salidor Dali’s art! Opposite the beach, you will see the picturesque Pont des Sortell which leads you over to Es Sortell observation deck. From here you get a fantastic view back over towards Cadaques.
Platja des Poal
On the other side of the town, you have Platja des Poal. The water here is very much used as a harbour for boats so there is very little space for swimming here.
Walk up to Vistes de Cadaqués
Vistes de Cadaqués is probably the best viewpoint looking back over Cadaqués. It is only about a 5-minute walk from the centre of the town and the walk there, around the winding cliffs, is beautiful!
Salvador Dalí House Museum
The Salvador Dalí House Museum was the house of artist Salvador Dalí from 1930 to 1982. Today, it is a museum filled with much of his personal items and art. After a visit here, you can really begin to understand the inspiration behind his incredible work!
The Salvador Dalí House Museum is incredibly popular, especially in the summer months, so it is best to book tickets in advance! Just to be safe I recommend booking at least 1 week prior to your visit.
Santa Maria de Cadaqués
Santa Maria de Cadaqués is a beautiful church in the centre of Cadaques. The interior here is unique, with a grand golden altar at one end. On the right when you enter the church, there is a box where you can donate to the church to have the lights turned on around the altar for a short time. Otherwise, the church is free to enter.
Just outside the church entrance is a viewpoint that looks over Platja Port d’Alguer.
Taste the best ice cream in Cadaques
If you want a cool treat in the middle of the day make sure to head to Joia or Gelateria Es Cucurutxo as these are the best ice cream places in town! For something a little different, but incredible, make sure to try the olive oil flavour from Joia.
Stroll around the streets
Most of Cadaques’ charm comes from the windy cobblestone paths lined with Mediterranean-style white houses, and flowers hanging above. Although the whole town is lovely, don’t miss walking down Carrer des Call, under the canopy of pink flowers! On top of this, remember to look out for the painted doors which can be seen on almost all walls within the town, and the waterpipes, all made out of clay resembling different plants! Really gives Cadaques a little bit of extra charm.
Frequently asked questions
Where to park in Cadaques
I recommend parking in the main car park – Saba Públic Car Park. There are hundreds of spots here and a big overflow car park so even in the height of summer you will not struggle to find a spot. From here you can walk directly up Carrer Nou into the town. This walk is about 5 minutes!
How long to spend in Cadaques, Spain
Cadaques is quite a small town so one or two days is definitely enough to explore the area, visit the Dali museum and still have time to relax. If you are staying in a bigger town along the Costa Brava, or even in Girona or Barcelona or northern Spain, Cadaques makes for a perfect day trip! Alternatively, you can stay the night in one of Cadaques’ lovely hotels and enjoy the evening in the town.
What is Cadaques known for?
Cadaques, Spain, is known for its’ beauty, with white houses and cobblestone paths that line the hill down to the beach. It is also known due to it being the home of artist Salvador Dalí for many years. His house, now a museum, sits on the cliffs just 5 minutes walk from the town centre.
An overview of Cadaques, Spain – A Paradise Village on the Costa Brava
Cadaques, Spain is one of the Costa Bravas’ biggest kept secrets. This seaside town is a fishing village preserved in time, with white houses, cobblestone paths and a beautiful harbour full of small fishing boats. Don’t miss wandering around the picturesque streets, tasting the local cuisine, taking a dip in the sea and visiting the house of Salvador Dalí. Cadaques is the perfect Costa Brava day trip from Girona or Barcelona!
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- The Ultimate 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary
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