Cadaqués: what to see, things to do
Discover the Charms of Catalonia in Cadaqués
Located in Spain, the town of Cadaqués is along the route connecting Collioure in France to Barcelona in Catalonia. Taking this road means following the Costa Brava along the Mediterranean coast, where you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints and iconic towns. The Cap de Creus juts into the sea, surrounded by evocative rocky formations, at the heart of this charming village with whitewashed houses. The atmosphere is both Spanish and Greek, artistic and flavorful. While Cadaqués thrives on tourism, it has managed to avoid mass tourism and retains an authentic connection to the coastline. The town’s white alleys, still marked by its ancient walls, form a stunning contrast with vibrant bougainvillea bushes.
Why Visit Cadaqués?
A stay in Cadaqués allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic atmosphere of 20th-century Catalonia, centered around Salvador Dalí. The town is also renowned for its charm and untouched seaside. The wild nature of the coastline and the Cap de Creus Natural Park are other features highly appreciated by travelers.
Visit Dalí and His Friends
Just like the pull Pont-Aven had on French Impressionists, Cadaqués served as a refuge and inspiration for a generation of artists. The early 20th century, during the surrealist period, saw the arrival of two towering figures, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, along with many of their friends: Àngel Planells, Paul Éluard, Federico García Lorca, Luís Buñuel, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Magritte, André Dérain, Richard Hamilton, Antoni Pitxot, Josep Pla, and Eugeni d’Ors.
To get to know Salvador Dalí better, the best way is to visit the Dalí House-Museum. Located in the village of Port Lligat, just a fifteen-minute walk from Cadaqués, it gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Empordà painter, from the Rainy Taxi in the patio to the Mae West lips sofa. Be sure to take the coastal path, which offers stunning views with just a quarter-hour more walk.
In the Heart of Cadaqués: Dali Continues to Shine
In the heart of Cadaqués, Dali also takes center stage at the Cadaqués Museum, housed in a former ballroom and home to temporary exhibitions.
Want more Dali? Just 35 km away is Figueres, his birthplace, which honors him with a massive and equally eccentric museum.
An Artistic and Creative Spirit Still Alive in the Center of Cadaqués
Salvador Dalí remains at the center of artistic attention in the village of Cadaqués today, thanks to ExpoDaliCadaqués, a vast exhibition space located near the Santa Maria Church. Spanning three floors and 500m², this exhibition showcases a private collection of 300 of Dalí’s graphic works.
Numerous art galleries maintain the artistic spirit of the last century and present contemporary creations.
Among the 23 galleries mainly located in the village center, you can explore:
Galeria Blanco Mora, featuring photographic works from artists who worked with Dalí, often capturing black-and-white images.
Galeria Cadaqués Huc Malla, housed in a beautiful, all-white baroque building, this gallery has been exhibiting avant-garde artists of all origins since the 1970s.
Galeria Gallardo Mercedes, named after artist García Gallardo Mercedes, who opened her own gallery in 2006. Her colorful and vibrant paintings often focus on close-up portraits (mainly of women) or landscapes inspired by the village of Cadaqués.
Galeria Richard Vanderaa, opened by Dutch gallery owner Richard Van Der AA in 2022, who represents many artists from the 50s and 60s as well as contemporary talents.
Galeria Sbarbaro, dedicated to painter and sculptor Mauricio Sbarbaro, known for his elegant, simple, and abstract work that conveys the principle “less is more.” His gallery, located on Calle Unió, is open almost all year round.
El Taller de Tabakov, an oceanside studio presenting the work of French artist Elodie Loiseleur and her partner, the famous Barcelona caricaturist Javi Aznarez.
Santa Maria Church: A Guide Through the Old Town
The Santa Maria Church, perched above the old town, is a witness to a long history of seaside events. Rebuilt after pirate raids in 1444 and 1548, it represents a unique fusion of late Gothic architecture with some Baroque innovations. Inside, a magnificent Baroque wooden altarpiece stands out, designed in 1725 and beautifully gilded in 1788, flanked by chapels that house seven small Baroque altarpieces, each with its own story. Other elements, such as the stone pulpit, organ, wooden pews from the city's consuls, and a small holy water font from 1705, add to the church’s artistic and historical richness.
Activities to Enjoy in Cadaqués
Hiking amid the pine trees, olive groves, fragrant rosemary, and sea lavender of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, on foot or by mountain bike, offers spectacular views while following old coastal paths. A bar-restaurant awaits the most determined on the highest peak.
Water Activities in Cadaqués
Taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cadaqués' numerous beaches is a refreshing way to enjoy one of Spain’s most beautiful towns: Sa Sabolla cove, Guillola cove... These can be explored by kayak, windsurfing, or paddleboarding, at your own pace and according to the wind’s whims.
Many secluded coves are only accessible by sea, revealed aboard the Barca Gala, Salvador Dalí’s traditional boat available for rental. Smaller boats, both sail and motor, are also available for rent. Several dive clubs offer opportunities to explore the rich marine life, especially in the protected underwater reserves of the Medes Islands Natural Park.
This archipelago has been protected since 1990 to preserve its marine flora and fauna, leading to a spectacular recovery of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. Species such as rays, red coral, and Posidonia grass have flourished. In 2010, it was declared a National Nature Park, and its ecosystem is recognized as the best Marine Reserve in the Western Mediterranean. Renting a sailboat allows you to get closer or try snorkeling without disturbing the marine life.
Want even more relaxation? Why not book a yoga class on a terrace or a massage at sunset?
Hiking with a Sea View
A lighthouse marks the Cap de Creus; it gathers the locals for the Festa del Sol Ixent (Sunrise Festival) on January 1st. In the hills, the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, a gem of Catalan Romanesque art, also makes for a beautiful hiking destination. This monastery is impressive with its square watchtower, a reminder that dangers came from the sea, and even monks needed protection. From this venerable building, you can hike to a prehistoric site featuring standing stones and the ruins of a castle.
Where to Stay in Cadaqués? Book a Stay in a Luxury Villa
Homanie offers six luxury villas in Cadaqués, ideal for family or friends vacations, or as a seminar destination. All of these villas boast stunning sea views, private beach access, and hotel-like services. Choose Homanie for your luxury beachfront villa rental.
Luxury Villa Cadaqués Cap de Creus
Perched on a promontory of the Cap de Creus, this villa is charming with its interior design that combines 1950s Californian style with cubist lines and Mediterranean Catalan influences. Built by a famous American architect in 1962, it became a source of inspiration for an entire generation in Spain. It can accommodate up to 22 people in its 10 rooms, all sheltered by a pine forest. The lucky tenants can reach the sea within a 3-minute walk or dive into the infinity pool. In addition to various water activities like boating, kayaking, diving, and paddleboarding, the Cap de Creus Natural Park can be explored on foot or by bike.
Luxury Villa Cadaqués Port Lligat
Set within a vast garden planted with olive trees, close to the Dali House-Museum, this contemporary villa accommodates up to 16 people in its 8 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Spacious living areas bring families or colleagues together, who can then unwind in the infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, or home theater lounge.
Luxury Villa Cadaqués Guillola
This authentic Mediterranean-style finca was designed by a renowned architect in the 1980s. The light of the Costa Brava floods the numerous terraces facing the sea, while the pine trees offer protection from the wind. Set on an expansive 1500m² plot, it allows guests to enjoy complete privacy and comfort with air-conditioning in its 7 bedrooms for up to 16 people. The uniquely shaped pool and jacuzzi are just the beginning of the maritime kingdom, which is easily accessible on foot.
Luxury Villa Cadaqués Oliveres
Highly sought after by those seeking complete privacy, this villa is perched on a rocky promontory, offering a 180° view of the sea. In the distance, the white houses of Cadaqués stand out against the lush, green hills. The villa features 6 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, nestled within a vast space surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. Multiple terraces lead from the pool to the sea and a private beach. A wide range of water activities are available, making this villa the perfect retreat for those looking to combine luxury with adventure.
For those who seek an authentic immersion in the artistic and Catalan spirit of Cadaqués village, this villa from the 1920s, recently renovated by architect Ignacio Herrera, is the perfect retreat. With 10 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, the villa offers views of both the main square and the sea. Blending timeless charm with modern comforts, including air conditioning, this intimate home is a true sanctuary. Several terraces invite guests to relax under the trees in the garden or in the pergola, before heading out to explore the local restaurants and artisan shops of Cadaqués.
What to Eat in Cadaqués? Must-Try Restaurants
Cadaqués, a charming fishing port, is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, which thrive on the rocky shores of the bay. One of the local delicacies is sea urchins, a true delicacy in the region. In these Catalan lands, paella takes on a maritime twist, often featuring specialties with lobster and crayfish. Numerous restaurants in Cadaqués offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an aperitif or a casual meal.
Here are some must-visit spots for a true culinary experience:
Restaurant El Barroco – Located in the heart of the village, it offers fresh seafood and traditional Catalan dishes with a modern touch.
Can Rafa – Known for its excellent seafood paella and stunning views of the sea.
Taverna del Port – Perfect for a casual yet delicious meal by the water, serving local fish and seafood dishes.
Restaurant Casamar – A refined dining option with a beautiful terrace offering Mediterranean dishes, ideal for a romantic dinner.
Narita
https://naritacadaques.com/
A feast for both the eyes and the palate, this restaurant has been delighting gourmets since 2015 with a cuisine that celebrates the fusion of Japanese precision and Catalan exuberance. The simplicity of ultra-fresh ingredients, the pleasure of tasting natural wines and spirits, and the warmth of the welcome make this wine bar one of the most popular spots in the city.
Compartir
https://www.compartircadaques.com/restaurant-fr/
Designed by three friends, this restaurant reinvents the tapas dining experience. Gather your friends around the tasting menu, placed at the center of your table. The restaurant features a charming patio and a particular fondness for oyster dishes and rice-based creations.
Bar Restaurant Cap de Creus
https://restaurantcapdecreus.com/
Perched above the rugged coast of the Cap de Creus, this restaurant offers a spectacular view and invites you to discover a cuisine that blends the bay's fish with dishes featuring Indian influences.
Visit Cadaqués in 2 Days: Our Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Get to Know the White Streets of the City
After a restful night in your luxury villa in Cadaqués, you start your day with a late breakfast at a café overlooking the bay. Forget your usual coffee and opt for the deliciously thick Spanish hot chocolate instead.
You then stroll through the winding streets of the historic center, heading towards the Santa Maria Church to admire its various architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque. Keep an eye out for the unique postmodern facades, created by the "Indianos," locals who struck it rich in Cuba during the early 20th century.
Your walk brings you to the city's museum, heavily influenced by Salvador Dalí's presence, as well as contemporary art exhibitions. After absorbing some surrealism, you're ready for tapas by the sea. The afternoon calls for relaxation at your villa’s pool, followed by a well-deserved nap in the shade—another Spanish specialty!
Afternoon: Hiking in the Cap de Creus Natural Park
Recharged, you explore the Cap de Creus Natural Park on foot and make your way down to the lighthouse. Tempted by a water activity? You can opt for a sea kayak trip or rent a boat. As the day ends, you watch a magnificent sunset from your terrace while savoring more tapas in the vibrant town.
Day 2:
Morning: Dalí and His House in Port Lligat
The Dalí House-Museum in Port Lligat, a charming fishing port near Cadaqués, is a must-visit. Luckily, you've already secured your tickets to explore this incredible, much-sought-after place. This experience sparks your interest to wander around Cadaqués again, exploring its many art galleries. You also decide to indulge in the city's gastronomic art at Narita or Compartir.
Afternoon: Discover Figueras
After a restful nap on one of the beaches, do you go on an excursion to Figueras? The curiosity for Dali's hometown wins out, and you head there for a visit, located just 35 km away. You return in time to enjoy a sunset massage and then immerse yourself in Cadaqués' lively nightlife.