Ever dreamed of exploring a bohemian paradise on the Spanish coast? Discover Cadaqués, where surrealism meets stunning landscapes. From Salvador Dalí's iconic home to fresh seafood and hidden coves, Cadaqués offers an unforgettable experience.
Cadaqués is a lovely town on the coast of Spain. It's in a special area called Costa Brava, near the border with France.
This special town still looks like it did a long time ago. It's in a pretty bay with mountains around it; and two big hills separate it from the rest of the area.
People don't really know where the name "Cadaqués" comes from. But what's certain is that this town is a great place to visit. It's been a bit isolated until recently, but now it's waiting for you to explore.
Cadaqués has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Iberians. Many different groups of people, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, visited and settled in the area.
The town was often attacked by pirates and invaders. To protect themselves, the people of Cadaqués built a wall and later a castle.
Also, Cadaqués has a long history of attracting artists and writers. Famous visitors include Salvador Dalí and Picasso. The town's beauty and charm have made it a popular destination.
In the 1970s, tourism became a major part of Cadaqués' economy. Today, the town is a popular destination for both beachgoers and culture lovers.
Cadaqués is a charming town with white houses, narrow streets, and colorful plants. You can get lost in its art galleries and shops.
This is a must-see attraction in Cadaqués. Dalí's house is now a museum, and it's a great place to learn about the artist's life and work. You can visit the house and the olive grove, but be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Free admission for children under 8 years old and members of certain organizations (with accreditation)
Located at the highest point of Cadaqués, this church offers stunning views of the bay. It has a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
The original church was destroyed by pirate raids, but the current building was constructed in the 16th century. It has a simple main façade and a beautiful interior with a single nave and side chapels.
This church is home to a stunning baroque altarpiece on the main altar, featuring an image of the Virgin. It's a must-visit attraction for its views, history, and architecture.
Cadaqués has narrow streets and whitewashed houses that make it a unique and evocative destination.
You can walk around the town on foot and discover its charming streets, such as Es Call, Santa María, Curós, and Silvi Rahola. Each street has its own character and charm, with white houses, flowery balconies, and picturesque shops.
Cadaqués has its own unique dialect and way of speaking, with street names and buildings having their own special names.
The town's urban layout is adapted to the old medieval wall, with narrow streets lined with "rastell" stones extracted from the sea.
Also, Cadaqués Old Town is known for its lively cultural and gastronomic scene; with restaurants, bars, and cafés offering local delicacies such as fresh fish and seafood, traditional tapas, and homemade desserts.
Cadaqués is home to several beautiful modernist houses, each with its own unique character and charm.
One of the most popular is Casa Blaua, which was built in the early 20th century. Its unique blue ceramic elements and curved facade make it a standout property.
The house features beautiful views of the bay, a large terrace, and is decorated with Art Nouveau tiles and ceiling frescoes. The interior also includes wrought iron work and antique furniture, adding to its charm.
These houses were built by people who made their fortune in America and returned to Cadaqués to build their homes.
Some of the other notable modernist houses in Cadaqués include Caritat Serinyana public school, the house of Federico and Víctor Rahola, and Casa Pont.
These houses can be found in various locations throughout the town, including Calle Sol de l'Engirol, Plaza de Frederic Rahola, and Plaza del Passeig.
Take a stroll along the town's promenade and enjoy the views from various viewpoints. Many of these viewpoints offer panoramic views of the town, its surroundings, and the sea.
Some of people favorite spots include:
If you are near Casa Blaua, then you can walk along the Riba des Poal promenade, bordering the small pebble coves and enjoying the views from different viewing points. You can extend the walk to the square of s'Arenella and the beach of Sa Conca.
The best time to take this walk is at dusk, when the town is less crowded and the lighting is beautiful.
Cadaqués is home to eight sculptures spread throughout the town, paying tribute to outstanding artists and intellectuals who have lived or passed through the town.
The sculptures are spread throughout Cadaqués, allowing visitors to explore the town and discover its beauty and originality.
Cadaqués is a haven for artists, with many famous painters having been inspired by its beauty. Today, the town is home to a vibrant art community, with numerous galleries showcasing a wide range of artistic talent.
The art galleries in Cadaqués feature a variety of art forms, including: sculpture, painting, and photography
These are just some of the art galleries in Cadaqués:
The town's galleries offer a unique opportunity to discover the work of local and international artists, and to experience the creative energy of the town.
The Cadaqués Museum is dedicated to showcasing the artistic and cultural heritage of the town and its history. The museum features various temporary exhibitions throughout the year, highlighting the work of artists who have a connection to Cadaqués.
This museum is particularly famous for its exhibitions on Salvador Dalí, one of the most renowned artists from the Empordà region. The exhibitions offer a unique insight into Dalí's life and work, and are as diverse and surprising as the artist himself.
Note: Hours may vary depending on the year, exhibition, or season.
Located inside the historic Cabo de Creus lighthouse, the Cabo de Creus Space is a scientific dissemination center that showcases the geological, plant, and animal evolution of this unique environment.
The area is known for its fascinating geological formations, shaped by the strong north wind and the sea. The rocks and plants have been sculpted into unique shapes, and even the trees have adapted to the wind pressure, always facing south.
Walking through the Cap de Creus Natural Park is like witnessing a spectacle of millions of years of evolution. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this area.
The Cabo de Creus Space is open from March to October, with varying hours depending on the season:
Cadaqués celebrates many festivals throughout the year, some of which are truly special.
This is a celebration of the rising sun at the Cap de Creus lighthouse, with a sardana dance and hot chocolate.
Meeting place is The Cap de Creus lighthouse, where people from all over the world gather. It's a unique and special festival celebrated in an iconic location on the peninsula.
On January 20th, the town of Cadaqués comes together to celebrate the San Sebastián Festival.
Residents of Cadaqués hike 2 hours up to the San Sebastián hermitage, located on the mountain, to attend a mass in honor of the saint. Afterward, they dance sardanas and patacades, and enjoy a outdoor lunch.
This festival has been a part of Cadaqués' traditions for centuries, with residents braving rain or snow to make the pilgrimage to the hermitage. It's a cherished event that's been passed down from generation to generation.
In February, the town celebrates its annual Carnival. The festivities take place over several days:
Locals come together to enjoy music, food, and good company during this winter celebration.
On July 16, the village celebrates the Fiesta del Carmen, a special day for fishermen and sailors.
They dress up in traditional costumes and take the Virgin of Carmen, their patron saint, on a procession from the Church of Santa María to the sea.
The Virgin is placed on a decorated boat and accompanied by other ships, creating a colorful display in the bay.
After the procession, people dance the Sardanas and enjoy eating sardines on the beach.
The main festivals in Cadaqués take place from September 7 to 10. Here are three unique events that stand out:
These events are part of the festive activities that take place during the September holidays, which also include traditional games, music, and dancing.
Sea urchins ("grotes") are considered one of the greatest delicacies of the region, typically eaten in winter with red wine.
The town has a wide variety of rice dishes, including black rice, rice a la Piula, rice with chestnuts, rice with cauliflower and black sausage, and many others.
Zarzuela, a traditional Catalan dish with fresh ingredients and lobster, prepared in a unique way in Cadaqués by Dalí and Gala.
"Suquets," typical fish stews cooked by fishermen on their boats, can be found in local restaurants and beach bars.
These dishes showcase the Mediterranean, fresh, and healthy cuisine of Cadaqués, influenced by Catalan and Mediterranean cultures.
To drive to Cadaqués, take exit 4 (Figueres - Roses) or exit 3 (from France) from the AP-7 highway. Follow signs for "Figueres Sur," and continue on the C-260 highway. Near Roses, look for the local road GI-614, which will lead you directly to Cadaqués.
The drive from Figueres takes about 50 minutes. Alternatively, take exit 4 or 3 from the AP-7 and head towards Llançà and Port de la Selva on the N-260. Once in Port de la Selva, follow signs for the GI-613 road to Cadaqués, a 13-kilometer, 20-minute drive.
If you're arriving by plane, there are hourly buses from Girona Airport to the city's bus station. From there, you can either take a bus to Cadaqués (limited service, Monday to Friday) or a train to Figueres, with the train station conveniently located across from the bus station.
Trains run regularly every 45 minutes, and you can find more information on the RENFE website or by calling their national service number.
From Figueres, you can take a bus to Cadaqués, with tickets available at the bus station near the train station. There are usually three buses a day, with increased frequency during the summer.
You can also reach Cadaqués by bus from Barcelona's Estación del Norte, or by train and bus combination from Barcelona or Girona.
Overall, there's something for everyone in Cadaqués, and it's a place that leaves a lasting impression with its beauty and charm. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Cadaqués for yourself. Whether you're seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, or thrilling adventures, it has something for everyone.
