Cadaqués is the most eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula and truly one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is a dreamy little town with all-white houses and cobblestone streets unfolding next to a sparkling sea. It was where world-renowned artist, Salvador Dalí, and his muse, Gala, chose to live for many decades. With dazzling ocean views from every direction, Cadaqués never fails to sweep visitors off their feet.
There’s also plenty to do in this charming Mediterranean town. With lots of beaches, nature and great restaurants, Cadaqués is a fun destination for any type of traveler. Here are our recommendations of 5 things you cannot miss in Cadaqués!
Visit Salvador Dalí’s House
Platja, 17488 Port Lligat, Girona, Spain
Port Lligat, just a bit north of the town center of Cadaqués, was the residence of the surrealist painter, Salvador Dalí, for over fifty years. He constructed his home over many years to embody his quirky and surreal imagination. The artist’s unique home is now a museum that’s open to the public in Port Lligat.
The house-museum is split into the main house and the garden. It’s necessary to reserve tickets in advance to see the house, but there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get same-day tickets for just the garden if there aren’t any more reservations. The garden is where some of the most interesting sights are located. Think huge egg sculptures scattered throughout olive groves and an oversized fake boa constrictor winding around the pool. Seeing the quirky living space Dalí once occupied is like getting an intimate glimpse into the eccentric mind of the most famous surrealist painter in history.
Eat at Sa Cadaquesenca
Carrer Trilla, 7, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona, Spain
Sa Cadaquesenca is where I stumbled in for a menu del dia right after getting off the bus from Barcelona. The best part is the big rustic Mediterranean patio overflowing with bougainvillea, so definitely request outdoor seating. Sa Cadaquesenca boasts a menu which heavily leans into the regional cuisine and ingredients, aka super fresh delicious seafood. The Fideua I had, thin noodles with seafood oven-baked in a skillet, was crunchy and savory and divine. The Crema Catalana I had for dessert was also top-notch.
Located right at the base of the Old Town when coming from the bus station, Sa Cadaquesenca is easy to find and a treat for those wanting to try traditional dishes from the region.
Hop around beaches
There are no shortages of lovely little beaches around Cadaqués. The main beach, Platja Gran, is a long sandy stretch that makes up the main curve of the bay. Platja Gran is the heart of Cadaqués where much of the town’s restaurants, bars and local life are concentrated. If you veer off to either side of Platja Gran, you will run into many other smaller beaches.
If you go to the right of Platja Gran, you’ll arrive at the second most popular beach, Platja des Llanés Gran. Platja des Llanés Gran is even prettier than Platja Gran because of the rustic white buildings enclosing the beach. If you follow the main road past Platja des Llanés Gran, you’ll hit other small pebbly beaches including Platja des Sortell and Platja sa Conca; each with the same pretty view but with less people than the last.
If you veer off in the other direction to the left from Platja Gran, you’ll find many more rugged beaches that are closer to nature. Platja del Ros is apart from the town but popular for its stretch of sand and clear shallow water. If you walk all the way north past Port Lligat (aka Dalí’s house), there’s a lovely little beach named Platja de s’Alqueria. It’s got deep turquoise blue waters and is a great place to get away from town and go for a swim.
Hike to Cap de Creus
Girona, Spain
Cap de Creus is a scenic headland located 25 km from Cadaqués. It is truly the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, and also a national park where visitors can explore the rugged cliffs, coves and beaches around the headlands.
Going to Cap de Creus is typically an all-day adventure. The best way is to get there by car as there will be many walking and hiking routes once you get there. But many visitors also opt to hike there from the town of Cadaqués which is a 3-to-4-hour trek. Camí Antic is the name of the old 14 km road that takes you from the town to the lighthouse of Cap de Creus.
Once you arrive at the national park, there’s plenty of sights and nature to take in. You can go down from the lighthouse to the many beaches and coves carved out of the headlands. Cala Jugadora and Cala Culleró are a couple of the most well-known beaches thanks to Salvador Dalí’s references to them in his works. Another landmark at Cap de Creus is the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery up in the mountain, which also offers guided tours. There are of course multiple hiking trails that will take you around to different parts of the headlands. Feel free to explore this beautiful geological wonder to your heart’s desire!
Rent a Boat
Carrer des Pianc, 25, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona, Spain
Anywhere you look around Cadaqués, you’ll see boats, boats, boats! With gorgeous ocean views everywhere, it only makes sense to rent a boat to check out the view from the other side. You’ll find every type of boat available for rent in Cadaqués; from small row boats, motorboats and pontoons to full-sized sailboats and yachts. With a boat, you’ll be able to sail to the many coves and beaches that line the rocky coastline around Cadaqués. You’ll even be able to explore Cap de Creus from the water.
Cadaqués Boats is one of the main rental companies for smaller boats up to 12 people. You can also check out Sam Boat for bigger luxury option. If you’re looking to rent a boat while you’re already in town, there’s a kiosk next to Platja des Llanés Gran that can help you arrange boat rentals.
