Cadaqués is a small town of 2,800 people (2018) on the coast of northern Catalonia. The town is a well-visited destination that also has on its outskirts at Port Lligat the summer home built by Salvador Dalí. Since his death it has become a tourist destination.
Understand
Local roads provide access to Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula, about 6 km away and the conservation area around it. The French border is about 20 km to the north. Prior to the explosive growth of beach tourism in Spain, Cadaqués was a sleepy fishing town, and some elements of this past exist to this day.
Get in
There are many local buses that go from Figueres to Cadaqués and even organized tours. You can also reach Cadaqués by bus from Barcelona. For those traveling on their own, it is easy to drive there from Figueres as well taking the C-68 in the direction of Roses and then following the signs to Cadaqués.
By train
There's no direct train connection to Cadaqués, but you can make the first part of your ride by train. From Barcelona, one way to reach Cadaques is by train from the Plaza Catalunya, at the center of the city on the west point of Las Ramblas. From here, hop on a train heading North to Figueres, a journey that should last about an hour and a half. From the Figueres train station, walk straight out into the city and you'll see the bus station on your left. From here, you can hop on a bus to Cadaques (which leave frequently), where you'll take an hour long journey up through the Catalonia hills and at last down into the beautiful sleepy town of Cadaques.
By bus
The company Sarfa operates a daily service direct from Barcelona to Cadaques. The timetable changes depending on the season. The buses leave from the North Station which is close to "Arc de Triomf" (and metro station) and is also within walking distance from the centre of the city (about 35 minutes walk). Beware holidays! The timetable is reduced considerably and you might have to wait 7 hours between the busses, especially if you want to leave Cadaqués and catch a plane. In this case you can take a taxi to Rosas and hop there on one of the more frequent buses.
By boat
It is possible to catch a ferry from the nearby town of Roses. During much of the year these ferries travel several times a day.
by car
Arriving by car is quite easy; there are several free parkings in the city. One of them is left side from the downtown when you arrive by car, close to the beach (open 09:00-20:00).
Get around
The city structure of Cadaques is short and sweet, where shiny tiles lead travellers all through the city, from the bars and cantinas at the city center beachfront, to the hotels and private homes on the surrounding sides of the Cap de Creus peninsula. You can pretty much walk everywhere you want, but renting a vespa is nice option to explore the surrounding countryside.
By foot
Because of the geography surrounding the town of Cadaques, the traditional way for the town people to travel was walking, by boat (rowing or sailing) or by "Tartana". It is still possible (and enjoyable) to walk to Cadaques either from Roses or Port de la Selva. From Roses there is a marked trail which follows the coast. The walk is approximately 15 km and passes several bays and beaches on the way. The walk is marked with small red and white painted marks which are located on rocks and signs.
See
- 1 Dali's House (Port Lligat Museum-House), ☏ 34 972 25 10 15. Dali spent many summers in Cadaques and had constructed a house which is now a museum. This house is located in Port LLigat, which is approximately 15–20 minutes walk from the centre of Cadaques. If you want to visit, you have to book your time slot in advance, as only about 10 people every 10 minutes are allowed to enter.
- 2 St. Jaume Castle (Castell de Sant Jaume), Carrer del pintor Joan Ponç. Ruins of a fortress dating back to the 17th century. It was destroyed by the English and rebuilt by the French during the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century. During its early history it had no defensive role but was only used for observation and signalling, but in later years it adopted a more defensive role.
- 3 Church of Santa Maria (Santa Maria de Cadaqués), Carrer del Portal del Mont.
Do
- Beaches: there's a topless-friendly beach, left side from the downtown when you arrive by car.
Buy
Eat
Fish restaurants of Cadaques are highly rated in the region.
Budget
Mid-range
- 1 La Gritta, Calle Passeig, 11, ☏ 34 972 15 94 71. One of the rare places where you can eat full meals between 16:00 and 20:30, when most cafes are closed. Gaspatzo and pizza are good; fish is not.
- 2 Can Rafa, Plaza Passeig, 7, ☏ 34 972 15 94 01, ✉[email protected]. Owned and run by the Martin Faixo family, it offers fresh sea-food and a recommended paella.
- 3 Can Tito, Calle Vigilant, 8, ☏ 34 972 25 90 70. Serves local cuisine in a cute hidden street. It has not many places outside, hence reservation recommended.
- 4 El Gato, Calle Curos, 10, ☏ 34 972 258 844, ✉[email protected]. The restaurant serves reasonably priced special food. Be patient for the service.
Splurge
- 5 Casa Anita, Calle Miquel Roset, 16, ☏ 34 972 25-84-71. 08:30-22:30. The restaurant serves fresh sea-food of the day, no menu. Due to small space you will be seated with other guests at a large table in the small dining room.
- 6 Compartir, Riera Sant Vicenç s/n, ☏ 34 972 25 84 82. Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch opened the place in 2012. They used to work in the famous El Bulli restaurant. Compartir means sharing in Catalan. All plates are put in the middle on the table to share. The entrees including the oyster or the tuna on liquid salad are extremely good as the desserts. The service is extremely friendly and strikes for perfection.
Drink
- 1 Bar Casino, Plaza Doctor Tremols, 1, ☏ 34 972 25 81 37. A traditional and popular meeting place in the town center.
- 2 Casa Nun, Plaza Port Ditxos, 6, ☏ 34 972 25 88 56. Wonderful little restaurant on promenade that serves local dishes and has wonderful ambiance.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
- 1 Pension El Ranchoo, Avinguda de Caritat Serinyana, 13 (In the city center), ☏ 34 972 25 80 05. Double room about €40, €5/person breakfast (as of April 2009).
Splurge
- 2 Hotel Playa Sol, Platja Pianc, 3, ☏ 34 972 25 81 00. Directly on the sea-side.
Go next
- Cap de Creus. The cape of Creus is 7 km from Cadaques within the national park. It is possible to walk there following a marked track which follows the coast. It is also possible to walk or drive along the road. There is a bar and restaurant at the Cape which is open everyday until late (22:00ish).
- Blanes. Southernmost resort with two botanical gardens, beaches and modernisme buildings