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What to do in picturesque Cadaqués? With its insane Costa Brava location in Spain Cadaqués is incredibly fun to visit. You will find some beautiful beaches, historical sights, cool museums and on top of that it is cozy and fun. The white-and-blue buildings and its location on the coast give Cadaqués a picturesque appearance, not surprising that Salvador Dalí had his home here. Would you like to visit Cadaqués? Then these are 7 fun tips to do in Cadaqués!
The Spanish fishing village of Cadaqués
Originally a fishing village, Cadaqués has a rich history, something you can still see in today's streetscape. Characteristic of the village are the cozy cobbled streets, white houses with blue details, the many galleries and beautiful museums. The prominent houses on the boulevard are also called Americanos. This is a name that refers to the former inhabitants who returned to Spain after living in America for a period of time.
1. Visit the house of Salvador Dalí
If you are spending time in Cadaqués you cannot miss a visit to the house of Salvador Dalí. The home of the eccentric artist is located in the bay of Portlligat, which is less than a 10-minute walk from Cadaqués. If you know a little about Dalí's surrealist artworks, you won't be surprised that his home is just as special. All the rooms contain high-profile paintings and sculptures, not to mention the gigantic garden. A visit to Salvador Dalí's house is a special glimpse into his life. Keep in mind that tickets are very popular, so reserve your time slot on time. You can via this link.
Tickets: Dalí Museum and Salvador Dalí House
Score tickets here for a day visit to the Dalí Museum in Figueres and Salvador Dalí House in Cadaqués. Quickly fully booked!
2. Have lunch at Set Cadaqués
There are an awful lot of restaurants and bars in Cadaqués, but one hot spot that stands out head and shoulders above them for us is Set Cadaqués. You'll find this cute restaurant in a corner near the iconic landmark La Casa Blau. There are not many tables available, so should there be a spot available inside or on the terrace, be sure to take your chance. At Set Cadaqués you will enjoy delicious modern tapas dishes such as a zucchini carpaccio and a ceviche with raspberry.
3. Wander through streets of Cadaqués
The most enjoyable way to explore Cadaqués is to wander on foot through the cozy streets of the village. One thing is for sure, you will fall from one surprise to another during this walk. Everywhere you look you will see something new. From a beautiful vista of the stately buildings on the promenade to a beautiful view of village and sea.
In any case, make sure not to miss the promenade. In fact, on the promenade you will find the most modern buildings, such as the iconic Casa Serinyana. This landmark in Cadaqués is also known as "La Casa Blau" because of its blue ceramics and artistic wrought ironwork.
4. Admire the Santa Maria church as well as the view of Cadaqués
The Santa Maria Church, which you can see from far above the village, is located in the historic heart of Cadaqués. The church dates from the 16th century and is surrounded by numerous narrow streets where you can taste the fine Mediterranean atmosphere. Walk up to the church, take a look inside, admire the Baroque altar and enjoy a wonderful view of Cadaqués and Cap de Creus National Park from here.
5. Enjoy a day at the beach in Cadaqués
Cadaqués is located in a beautiful bay on the coast of the Costa Brava. As a result, you will find plenty of small beaches in the village where you can spend a lovely morning or afternoon. The nicest beaches in Cadaqués to throw out your towel are:
Playa Grande - with a length of 200 meters, Playa Grande is the largest (pebble) beach in Cadaqués;
Playa Es Sortell - from the beach a beautiful view of the white houses of Cadaqués;
Playa de Es Llané - a beautiful cove outside the center of Cadaqués;
Playa de Llané Petit - a stand where you lie among the locals;
Platja de Portlligat - a sandy beach next to Salvador Dalí's house.
6. Take a trip to the Cap de Creus National Park
Cadaqués is surrounded by the beautiful natural park of Cap de Creus. A beautiful park consisting of lunar landscapes and rugged rock formations. You can explore the park on an impressive car ride, but prepare yourself for many winding roads. Naturally, you can also take beautiful walks in the park. At the highest point of the national park, you will find a lighthouse (at 82 meters above sea level) from where you have a beautiful panoramic view.
Tip: bring binoculars if you enjoy bird watching!
7. Book an overnight stay in Cadaqués
It's actually a shame to visit such a beautiful village like Cadaqués only on a day trip, which is why we recommend staying here for at least one night. In two days you can visit all the sights, spend some time on the beach and maybe even plan a trip to the Cap de Creus National Park.
You can find several nice hotels and apartments in Cadaqués where you can stay, but one hotel that is very well reviewed is La Fonda.
La Fonda, Cadaqués
La Fonda is a cozy hotel in the center of Cadaqués. The rooms are small but nice, with comfortable beds and a good breakfast that is always included. The hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the beach and the bustle of the village. Prices for an overnight stay vary between €150 and €350 per night (depending on the travel period).
How to get to Cadaqués?
Cadaqués is located in northeastern Spain, close to the border with France (about 20 kilometers). It is one of the pearls of the Costa Brava and thus an attractive destination to travel to from the Netherlands. Especially during the summer vacations when many Dutch people go on (camping) vacation by car.
If you are not going on vacation to Spain by car, but would like to visit Cadaqués, you can also rent a car. For example, we flew into Barcelona airport to get our rental car here, via SunnyCars, pick up and explore the region. But you can also fly to the city of Girona.
What is the best time to visit Cadaqués?
Because of its location on the Costa Brava, the village of Cadaqués has a Mediterranean climate. You have sunny and warm summers and mild winters with rain showers. July and August are generally the warmest months when temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius. Incidentally, because of the summer vacations, this is also the busiest period to visit Cadaqués. Our preference is therefore the period before and after the summer vacations. The average temperature then is around 25 degrees Celsius and it is a lot less crowded.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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