What to See in Cadaqués
The Costa Brava is made up of some of the most beautiful coastal villages along the Catalan coastline. But only one can boast being “The town that captivated Dalí.”
We’re talking about Cadaqués, a small gem located in the middle of the Cap de Creus Natural Park.
Cadaqués lies on a natural harbor on the coast of Alt Empordà. It has been a popular tourist destination for decades but has managed to stay true to its roots as a fishing village.
If you’re planning to explore the Costa Brava, this is a place you simply cannot miss. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you can do in Cadaqués and some of its most beautiful spots.
Let’s dive in.
Places and activities you must not miss when visiting Cadaqués
Despite its small size, the town of Cadaqués is full of history.
Due to its coastal location, for centuries it was attacked by Genoese corsairs and Turkish pirates. Even Barbarossa himself attacked the town and destroyed it down to its foundations.
Also, like many towns on the Costa Brava, it was home to Jewish communities who lived in the peninsula.
This turbulent history has left its mark on many corners of the town and its surroundings.
Portlligat, Dalí’s corner
During the 20th century, Cadaqués showed its gentler side, serving as a refuge and inspiration for numerous artists of the time. Among them, the most notable is Salvador Dalí.
For Dalí, Cadaqués was the city of love in many ways.
The surrealist painter spent 30 years of his life here. But perhaps most importantly, it was in Cadaqués where he met Gala, his wife and muse.
The couple settled in Portlligat, a small cove just a short distance from Cadaqués.
The house where they lived is now one of the three museums that make up the Dalí Triangle, along with Figueres and Púbol.
A visit you cannot miss if you are a fan of this artist.
The historic center
Cadaqués’ beaches have become a magnet for tourists, who fill the streets during the summer.
But this Costa Brava town has much to offer during winter too.
This season is the best time to visit its old town, surrounded by the walls that were built centuries ago to protect it from corsair invasions.
Along with some of the town’s emblematic buildings — such as the Church of Santa María — you can stroll the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, whose houses still retain the same appearance as centuries ago.
The Church of Santa María in Cadaqués
This small church deserves a special mention as one of Cadaqués’ main points of interest.
The original church dates back to the 13th century but was destroyed in 1543 during Barbarossa’s attack. In the years that followed, the town’s inhabitants joined forces to rebuild it, which explains why part of its structure is Gothic in style.
The Church of Santa María is located at the highest point of the town, on a hill overlooking the entire bay. This spot is an excellent place to watch the sunset over Cadaqués.
Typical cuisine of Cadaqués
While walking the streets of Cadaqués, don’t miss stopping by one of its bakeries to try the taps.
These sponge cakes are a delicious specialty originating in this coastal town, famous for their distinctive shape resembling a cava cork (traditionally served flambéed with rum).
If you love wine, Cadaqués is also home to the only winery still operating in Cap de Creus, where you can taste the region’s typical wines.
Snorkeling on the coast
In summer, Cadaqués’ main attraction is its beaches.
The bay is one of the best places for children to enjoy a day of sun and swimming.
Additionally, its crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for water sports such as snorkeling.
Hiking trails
Just outside town, you’ll find several trails through the Cap de Creus Natural Park that lead to nearby villages. These routes offer stunning views of the coast and the cliffs lining it.
Among them, one we highly recommend is the Cadaqués Camino de Ronda, a historic coastal path.
The caminos de ronda were used in the past to patrol the coast and prevent smuggling. This path runs from the town all the way to the Creus Lighthouse.
Would you like to discover the hidden history of Cadaqués?
As you can see, besides being a beautiful coastal town, Cadaqués is full of history. The best way to learn about it is to visit with a tour guide who can explain it to you.
At Costa Brava Tours, we offer several guided routes passing through Cadaqués, as well as some of the most beautiful spots in Cap de Creus and the surrounding villages.
If you’re interested, feel free to check out our routes and pick the one you like best.