Cadaqués travel guide: the Costa Brava’s most idyllic town

Famed for once being the home of Salvador Dali, Cadaqués is a small town on the northeastern coast of Spain, about two hours away from Barcelona.

With clear blue waters, cobblestone streets, and whitewashed buildings lining the shore, it’s arguably the most idyllic destination on the Costa Brava.

Add to that an excellent restaurant scene, a couple of good bars, and the sprawling Cap de Creus Natural Park on your doorstep, it’s hard to find anything wrong with this little town.

I’ve lived in Barcelona for nearly two years, and Cadaqués is one of my favourite places to escape to for a weekend away.

In this guide I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan a trip to Cadaqués, including where to eat, stay and explore, and a few practical tips to help your visit run smoothly.

➡️ I’d really recommend hiring a car to visit Cadaqués. Public transport options are limited so having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the area, and visit other places on the Costa Brava – there’s so many beautiful towns here!

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Getting to Cadaqués

Nothing good comes easy, and that’s certainly the case with Cadaqués. It’s located in a remote area of the Costa Brava, and the road to reach it winds through the mountains.

I have a particularly bad fear of heights, so I stay well away from the window, but it’s not a difficult drive, just take it slowly and you’ll be fine.

You can fly into Barcelona or Girona airport to reach Cadaqués. From Girona it will take you just over an hour in the car, and from Barcelona it’s two. But as Barcelona has a much bigger airport, flights there are much more regular and usually cheaper.

BY CAR

From Barcelona: It takes about two hours to drive to Cadaqués from Barcelona. Head towards Girona and then follow the signs to Figueres, continuing on the C-260 and finally the GI-614 directly to Cadaqués.

From Girona: If you’re coming from Girona, the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, primarily using the AP-7 and then similar routes through Figueres towards Cadaqués.

BUS

From Barcelona: There’s direct bus services from Barcelona to Cadaqués and the journey takes two – three hours.

From Girona: Buses also run from Girona to Cadaqués, though they might not be direct and could require a change in Figueres.

TRAIN

From Barcelona: There’s no direct train from Barcelona to Cadaqués, but you can take a train to Figueres (two hours), and then a bus (one hour) the rest of the way to Cadaqués.

From Girona: Catch the train to Figueres (thirty minutes) and then a bus (one hour) to Cadaqués.

Atmosphere and tourism

What I love the most about Cadaqués is that it has a really buzzy atmosphere, but still manages to retain its charm.

Where some places along the Costa Brava feel as though they’ve lost their soul a little, Cadaqués has it in abundance.

This isn’t the place to come if you’re looking to party until the early hours, but it’s exactly the right place if you want a laidback seaside town with good food, beautiful architecture and a vibrant art scene.

Unsurprisingly, all this makes Cadaqués a popular spot, and if you’re visiting in the summer months, it’ll feel crowded. I’d recommend heading here in shoulder season, when there’s fewer people and a more enjoyable atmosphere.

Getting around Cadaqués

Cadaqués is a small town and everything is easily walkable. But if you want to explore the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park, which covers both land and water, you can hire bikes or book a boat tour.

Best restaurants in Cadaqués

The food scene in Cadaqués is one of the reasons I love it so much. There’s a brilliant selection of award-winning eateries and independent restaurants to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to eat.

Some of my favourite restaurants in Cadaqués are:

Set | Located on the beachfront, this boutique hotel and restaurant serves delicious tapas dishes with incredible views and beautiful interiors.

Compartir | People flock to Cadaqués to visit Compartir, headed up by the three friends behind Barcelona’s Michelin Starred Disfrutar. Compartir, meaning “to share” focuses on dishes that can be enjoyed together. It gets booked up in advance here so make sure you book a table.

Carpe Diem Japonès | The Carpe Diem hotel is located up a rather steep hill, but you’re rewarded with uninterrupted views over Cadaqués from the top. Usually I go by the ethos that the better the restaurant view, the worse the food, but that’s far from the case here. Their Japanese restaurant serves an excellent selection of sushi and great cocktails.

Narita | Narita overlooks the main square in Cadaqués, and serves a creative Japanese inspired menu. With its open kitchen, ever-changing menu and bottles of natural wine lining the walls, it wouldn’t feel out of place on the streets of Hackney.

Embolic | We ate here on our first visit to Cadaqués as it was close to our hotel, but it’s now become a firm favourite. It’s a health food restaurant serving a variety of food including salads, focaccia and dips, with a great selection for vegetarians.

Gula | Gula had just opened its doors on my last visit Cadaqués so I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but the smells coming from inside were enough to make me note it down, and it’s now got 100+ five star reviews, so I’d recommend giving it a try (and let me know how it is if you do!)

Cadaqs | A casual eatery serving a selection of dishes such as Poke bowls, hot dogs and salads.

Beaches

I have to hold my hands up here and confess that I’m not a huge fan of the main beach in Cadaqués.

Its location in the middle of town means it gets very busy, so it can be difficult to find a space away from the crowds.

But if you continue walking along the road, you’ll find lots of hidden coves with hardly anyone around. They might involve a bit of a scramble down (nothing too arduous), but it’s well worth spending a bit longer exploring to find the perfect spot.

Best things to do in Cadaqués

If relaxing on the beach isn’t your scene, there’s lots to keep you entertained on your trip to Cadaqués.

VISIT SALVADOR DALI’S HOUSE

Salvador Dalí, the renowned surrealist artist, spent a lot of his childhood summers in Cadaqués, and later in life he moved to Port Lligat, a small village next to Cadaqués.

His house has now been turned into a museum, where you can gain an insight into his life and work.

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

Spend a morning wandering through the old town of Cadaqués with no real agenda, my favourite way to discover great places to eat.

If you’re looking for unique, handcrafted pieces to take home, there’s a few beautiful independent shops and boutiques in Cadaqués.

STAY OUT LATE AT BROWN SUGAR

On our first visit to Cadaqués, we went expecting a few days of rest and relaxation, until we found Brown Sugar.

We were actually walking home after dinner when we stumbled upon it, got chatting to a some lovely people, and ended up staying there until closing.

They do delicious cocktails, with a lovely outdoor seating area, and a great soundtrack.

One of the things I love most about Cadaqués is that it’s not lined with loud bars, it’s definitely not a party destination, but Brown Sugar always has a great crowd and stays open late-ish.

VISIT THE CAP DE CREUS NATURAL PARK

The Cap de Creus Natural Park spans an area of over 13,000 hectares, of which 10,000 is on land and 3,000 is in the sea.

In fact, it was the first park to cover both land and sea in Spain, created by a 1998 law to protect the peninsula of Cap de Creus and the sea around it.

I’d suggest dedicating a day of your trip to exploring the park, either on a boat trip, or by hiring bikes or hiking from Cadaqués.

VISIT THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA

As you’re walking around Cadaqués, you’ll notice the 17th-century church of Santa Maria de Cadaqués.

The church was originally built in the 13th century, before being destroyed in a pirate attack and rebuilt years later.

It’s located at the highest point of the town, and is a stunning building with incredible interiors.

BROWSE THE ART GALLERIES

Cadaqués has long been a place popular with creatives, and there’s lots of art galleries throughout the town.

They showcase a mixture of international and local artists and it’s the perfect place to find something to take home.

EXPLORE THE COSTA BRAVA

If you’re visiting Cadaqués for longer than a few days, I’d recommend visiting some other towns on the Costa Brava.

Callela de Palafrugell – home to beautiful beaches and hidden coves, clifftop walks, and a brilliant restaurant scene.

Pals & Begur – two charming medieval towns located just ten minutes from each other. Here you’ll find boutique shops, quaint alleys and cobblestone streets.

Sa Tuna – Located just a short drive from Begur, this small coastal village has a brilliant sandy beach with crystal clear water.

Girona – About an hours drive away from Cadaqués, Girona is a medieval town famed for its rich culture and incredible culinary scene – there’s sixty Michelin Star and Michelin Guide restaurants here!

Cost

Cadaqués is one of the most expensive towns on the Costa Brava, but there are lots of things you can do here that don’t cost anything, like relaxing on the beach, exploring the town, and going on hikes.

I’d recommend booking your accommodation well in advance to get the best price, there’s a good range of guesthouses, boutique hotels and even hostels.

Where to stay in Cadaqués

£ Hostal el Ranxo
££ Can Set | Can Jove | Arrels Hotel
£££ Casa Nereta

FAQs

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Is Cadaqués worth visiting?

Yes, Cadaqués is definitely worth visiting. With a brilliant restaurant scene, a picturesque coastline and charming cobbled streets, you’d be hard pressed to find something you didn’t like.

Is Cadaqués walkable?

Yes, Cadaqués is very walkable, and setting off on foot to explore is one of the best things to do here. With charming cobbled streets to discover, and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, there’s lots to keep you entertained within walking distance.

Is Cadaqués crowded?

Cadaqués can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to enjoy its beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, and the legacy of Salvador Dalí. I’d recommend visiting in shoulder season to avoid the crowds, late September is my favourite time to visit Cadaqués.

Does Cadaqués have a beach?

Yes, Cadaqués has a pebble beach in the centre of the town, as well as smaller hidden coves dotted along the coastline. The beach near the town centre is easy to reach but does get quite busy, so I’d recommend exploring the area to find a more peaceful spot.

What is Cadaqués known for?

Cadaqués is most famous for being the former home of Salvador Dali, and his house has now been transformed into a museum that you can visit. What makes Cadaqués special though is just how beautiful it is, with white-washed houses, narrow winding streets, and clear blue waters.

Can you swim in Cadaqués?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in Cadaqués. The water in Cadaqués is beautiful, and it’s what draws so many people here every year. Plus, the Mediterranean Sea around Cadaqués is fairly calm, providing safe conditions for swimming, especially if you’re travelling with children.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CADAQUES

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Flights | Find the cheapest flights to Spain with Skyscanner 

Stay | Find the best places to stay in Cadaqués on Booking.com

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRIP

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travel insurance

You can never predict what might happen during your trip, so having travel insurance is essential.

I use SafetyWing for my travel insurance – they have an easy to use dashboard which keeps your documents in one place so they’re easy to find if you need them, you can add extras such as technology cover, children under 10 are free of charge and you can even start the policy when you’re already on a trip.

DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT

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Liquids bag for the airport | I NEVER travel without this bag and I’ve recommended it to all my friends, and so now they all have one too. It’s a game-changer. No more scrambling around before security shoving your liquids into a sandwich bag. It’s the correct size for the amount you can take on board, so just pack it beforehand and breeze through security.

Extension cable | One of my favourite travel hacks and also something I’d never travel without is an extension cable. This way, you only need one travel adapter. The one I have and swear by is this one – there’s 3 plugs and 6 USB slots, which is more than enough room for both mine and Conor’s devices.

Travel adapter | With an extension cable, you’ll just need one travel adapter, but I always like to buy them before my trip so I’m not frantically searching for a shop when I arrive. Plus, it’s usually a lot cheaper. I’d really recommend getting a worldwide adapter – it can be moved to work with any plug across the world.