Sitting just a short drive from the French border, Cadaqués feels like a world entirely of its own. The winding road that descends from the mountains of Cap de Creus opens onto a vista of whitewashed buildings clustered around a sparkling bay. This former fishing village, once a haven for artists like Salvador Dalí, retains a rugged, bohemian charm that larger Spanish resorts have long lost.
The unique geography of the Cap de Creus Natural Park has preserved Cadaqués from overdevelopment. Here, you will not find high-rise hotels or crowded promenades, just the rocky coastline and the deep blue Mediterranean. The village is a labyrinth of narrow, slate-paved streets that invite slow wandering, with the scent of salt and pine always in the air.
For travelers, the town serves as a perfect base for exploring both cultural landmarks and natural wonders. The quality of light, which famously drew artists here, is as much an attraction as the physical sights. Whether you are hiking to a remote lighthouse or enjoying fresh seafood by the harbor, the pace of life encourages you to linger.
The local identity is fiercely Catalan, and this is reflected in the cuisine, language, and traditions. From the distinct taste of local anchovies to the surreal legacy of its most famous resident, Cadaqués offers a depth of experience that goes beyond a typical beach holiday. It is a place where history, art, and nature are seamlessly intertwined.
Visitors should note that the journey here is part of the adventure. The narrow, zigzagging road into town is not suitable for large motorhomes and requires careful driving. However, the effort is rewarded with one of the most unique coastal landscapes in Spain, making it an essential stop on any tour of the Costa Brava.
Planning your time here depends on your interests, as the town offers both relaxation and active exploration. From the pebbly beaches in the center to the hidden coves accessible only by foot or boat, there is a discovery waiting around every corner. To help you prioritize your itinerary, we have curated the most compelling spots.
Below is a curated list of the top attractions that define the magic of Cadaqués, ranging from iconic landmarks to natural hideaways.
Museu de Cadaqués
| Address | Carrer d'en Narcís Monturiol, 15, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Phone | 972 25 88 77 |
What a lovely little museum, located quite close to the church too.
The receptionist was very friendly and I am sure she was part of the exhibition celebrating the culture of marriage and weddings in the town. I know for sure that; Rita from Hostal el Ranxo was pictured with her husband. I can say that, staying at her place was a delight.
The exhibition of Dalí was great too, and such a nice intimate experience which showed mostly black and white images taken by his friend; a local photographer.
Amazing small city. A fantastic nature. Dali summer house. Fine wine on the way to Cadaques there are a lot of wineries.
Interesting photos but none of the captions were in English. Not worth visiting if you can't read Spanish or French.
Disappointing. Too expensive to see a few photographs in literally 15 minutes.
Small museum with changing exposicion.
Far de Cala Nans
| Address | Diseminado Afores, 27, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Coastal walk on gravel and stone with amazing views of the sea, little walking on the side of rock cliffs, olive trees, cacti, pine and interesting landscape. Our 3 year old walked the whole way. Taking 1hr+ to the lighthouse and less than 40mins back. The closest parking is at "Aparcament gratuït" to shorten the walk. We stopped by the stone beach at sunset. It has steps to go down then turns to a slope as you walk down the side of a rock, wear shoes or go barefoot. The little one loved it, and could do it easily with a hand hold. Great family activity, interesting experience for the adults and lots of fun for kids.
3.5km hike, bring water! Very nice views and the lighthouse is cool. There’s a beach at the end to hang out on
People urgently need to be warned about this trail! The path to the lighthouse along the cliffs is incredibly dangerous and is a literal risk to your life. It is absolutely outrageous that there are no handrails, safety barriers, or even proper warning signs along such a terrifying drop. Because of the constant stress and danger, I got minimal enjoyment out of this hike.
For the way back, I used Wikiloc. Thanks to a kind stranger who uploaded an alternative route over the cliff ridge, I managed to return safely. Surprisingly, walking along the ridge was significantly safer than taking the main cliff-side path. Avoid the lower trail at all costs! Upper is better, but still veey dangerous. Weird place.
A beautiful place with stunning views. An extra small hike to the beautiful beach that's just before the lighthouse is worth it. An easy walk from Cadaques and some parking available by the music festival building
Easy hike from Cadaqués with amazing views. There are some small pebble beaches along they way, which are steep to get to but accessible, I would not recommend descending to the beach with small children (smaller than 5 or not aware of dangers of heights). There is almost no shade along the route but very windy.
Escultura
| Address | Avinguda Victor Rahola, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Minimalist sculpture in a place with a magnificent panoramic view.
Casa Serinyana
| Address | Pl. des Portitxó, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Amazing representation of Catalonian modernism right in the waterfront of Cadaques! (You cannot visit imthe inside)
Beautiful architectural landmark and house, remember to be mindful about others people’s beautiful homes and they privacy
At the end of the 19th century, the phylloxera plague devastated much of the Empordà vineyard and marked a before and after in Cadaqués. In 1886, nearly a third of the population emigrated to America, becoming the so-called Indians. Many went to Cuba or Argentina, attracted by the strength of the sugar industry, where they settled and began a new life.
Over the years, in 1898, with the loss of the Spanish colonies and the decline of this business, many returned. Some became rich, investing in commerce or starting political careers, and built large houses in Cadaqués to show their success.
Among these, the Casa Serinyana, known as the Casa Blaua, stands out, built on old fishermen's houses. Octavi Serinyana commissioned the architect Salvador Sallés to renovate it, and it was completed in 1913. Its blue facade, in a modernist style with Cuban influences, the glazed balconies and the Italian stone details make it one of the most unique on the promenade.
A magnificent Modernist-style building. Popularly known as Casa Blaua (Blue House), due to the sky-blue details that decorate the façade: glazed ceramics, moldings, door and window frames, balustrades... Built in the early 20th century by the architect Salvador Sellés i Baró for Octavio Serinyana.
A house from the early 20th century. Original. On the seafront. Listed for €15 million (three years ago).
Casa Serinyana, also known as Casa Blava with its beautiful blue finishes, stands on the promenade and impresses from afar with its bright orange roof.
The house was built by architect Salvador Sellés i Baró in 1913 and subsequently renovated. Privately owned.
Expo Dalí
| Address | Carrer de Santa Margarida, 24, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
Arrived at 14.20 as website says open until 18.00 and it's closed! Please update your website to reflect opening hours!
Beautiful museum! Lovely paintings and artworks, and we had a great guided tour. Highly recommended!
This was not on our list of places to visit in Cadaqués because I didn't know about it. But I sure am glad we found it! The building is filled with artwork on various themes from Dali's catalogue. Explanatory signs in four languages provide information on the why and how of each.
Excellent museum with great paintings of World famous painter. I recommend it to everyone who likes art. No doubt, you'll enjoy it. 😊👍👍👍
Fantastic collection of Dali's illustrations. Worth every penny!
Sant Baldiri hermitage
| Address | Av. de Salvador Dalí, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Lovely little church. You can ring the bell!
Small lovely church / chapel
A very pretty chapel. Rustic, very well maintained. It has a bell tower and a cemetery next to it that can also be visited. Everything is very clean and well preserved. The police open and close it every day.
Sant Baldiri Hermitage
Av. de Salvador Dalí, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona
The Ermitage of Sant Baldiri is a church in Cadaqués (Alt Empordà), listed in the Catalan architectural heritage register.
It is located on the road from Cadaqués to Portlligat.
The church has a nave with a semi-circular head. The interior is covered by a barrel vault supported by semi-circular arches and pilasters supporting the rims on the walls. The apse is covered by a presbyterian quarter-spherical vault. On either side of the main altar are smaller altars dedicated to Saints Abdou and Senen. Outside, a gallery supported by thin arches protects the entrance. The portal with its semi-pointed arches has the date 1702 inscribed on the key to the arch. On either side are two lattice openings offering views of the altar. At the rear, the gallea removed the molded circular opening from the front, ultimately forming the bell tower of the arch. The upper outline of the facade is framed by molding. There are buttresses on the side walls, topped with spires and terracotta spheres decorated with reliefs. At midday, it has semi-circular double-slit arched windows. The pictures and sparse furniture are modern.
The church today dedicated to Sant Baldiri was originally dedicated to Sant Abdó and Sant Senén, who are still worshipped.
When the town of Port de la Selva gained municipal independence (1787), the residents of Cadaqués had to stop going to Sant Baldiri de Taballera, and the farmhouses on Sant Baldiri Hill and their church became independent.
Then they established this devotion in the Portlligat chapel of Saints Abdó and Senén.
The monastery's construction, like that of the parish church and other sanctuaries in the region and along the coast, was thanks to the collective efforts of fishermen who used what were called "fish fences" and even fished on reserved days. It is well known that in 1699, each bay was allocated a portion of its habitat for the construction of the Portlligat Church, which housed the relics of Sant Abdó and Sant Senén. In other words, construction began in 1699 and was completed in 1702 (the date on the cover).
According to tradition, these relics arrived in Cadax by shipwreck. In an undated document published in "Marca Hispánica," the author claims it was copied from an old parchment at the Santa Maria d'Arles monastery. He publishes a translation of the text of the two saints' journey from Rome to the Santa Maria d'Arles monastery, where a miracle occurred, allowing them to reach the port of Cadax. The nearby chapel was built in honor of Saints Abdó and Senén to commemorate this miracle. The aforementioned author notes that, according to "Martyrologio Hispano," this event occurred during the reign of Charlemagne. Clearly, this document is a forgery.
The popular local version of the legend places the shipwreck at Punta des Vailet, an accident that occurred on the coast near the monastery, in a small strait between Pas de Ses Bugelles, Portlligat Island (closed bay), and the mainland.
In 1790, the traveler Francisco de Zamora still referred to the monastery as the Monastery of St. Peter, Abdoón, and St. Senen, instead of Sant Baldiri. “After the hermitage of San Abdoón and San Senén, go there, there is Portlligat…” (“Diario de los viajes hechos en Cataluña”, 1973 edition, Curial, Barcelona, p. 350).
A beautiful chapel next to the Cadaqués cemetery, with an image of Saint Baldiri on the altar. On the occasions I've been in the area, I've always found it open on Sunday afternoons, so we can enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection.
Tren turístic de Cadaqués
| Address | Plaça Frederic Rahola, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 653 82 94 42 |
Very good experience, although the roads are not paved the whole way through so be prepared for a bit of a tumble at times. We went with a mobility challenged person (can still walk partially), and it was pretty easy to get them from the wheelchair to the train. Very good experience
Seems like a nice enough way to explore Cadaques without getting too hot & tired especially if you have asthma or mobility issues however the train looks bumpy especially with the road conditions of Cadaques which is pretty rough with a nice car with great suspension. Probably not for us.
We enjoyed a tour of the town of Cadaqués. The train travels along roads that are just wide enough for the train to pass, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Cadaqués has many hills, so walking around would be difficult for us older folks, but this train makes it easy to see the wonderful sights. (The price seems to have increased slightly since the previous post. It was €25 for one person with a regular ticket plus a senior citizen ticket.)
There are no stops for getting on or off along the way; the tour starts only from the Dali statue and takes about an hour to complete.
Fantastic! This one-hour tour visits iconic locations in the city, stopping at landmarks and providing an audio guide. It's well worth the trip.
Leuk om de toeristische trein te nemen voor een ritje. Je kunt kiezen uit 2 routes. Eén gaat naar Port Lligat en gaat een aantal keren per dag. Eén keer per dag kun je een rit maken naar cap de Creus. Deze laatste hebben wij genomen. Het is een leuke en lange rit die eerst langs Port Lligat rijdt. In totaal ben je 2 uur weg, waarvan je bij cap de Creus 20 minuten kunt uitstappen om te genieten van het prachtige uitzicht. De natuur is er prachtig.
Wat mij betreft een aanrader.
Cadaquès
| Address | Riba Nemesi Llorens, s/n, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A village nestled in the heart of a magnificent bay. The countless tree-lined and flower-filled alleyways are perfect for strolling, even in the sweltering heat. Just a stone's throw from the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve and Port Liga. Dalí's presence is even felt throughout the village! A village that has managed to retain its unique architectural character! Truly magnificent 🤩
A true romantic gem… Cadaqués possesses an enchanting charm. Between the serenity of the coastline and the magic of its narrow streets, it's easy to understand why Dalí fell in love with it. Lost amidst flowers that embrace the ancient stones, time seems to stand still, carried by the poetic notes of a guitar on a street corner. An enchanting and unforgettable interlude.
A very beautiful city but too focused on tourism; the restaurants are overpriced for mediocre quality, vendors in the central square selling large loaves of bread with chocolate chips for €5, bread with tomatoes for €6, tapas twice as expensive as in Rosas restaurants, I understand better the number of tourists who arrive with their sandwiches to eat on the beach...
Un pueblo mágico. Recomiendo visitarlo en un día laborable y NO festivo. Hay que tener cuidado en las curvas de acceso. Mejor dejar coche en el parking ya que es muy difícil de aparcar.
A must-see city in Catalonia. Be aware there's only one road to get there, and parking is a nightmare. But what beauty, especially under the clouds.
Boat Pier in Cadaques
| Address | Riba Nemesi Llorens, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful place in Catalunya
Beautiful
Traveling through Spain, I believe this is the most beautiful town in Spain.
A beautiful place to stroll through. We were there at the beginning of October and it was simply lovely ☀️
Arriving on the tourist boats from Roses right in the center of Cadaqués was very convenient. Arrival and departure were easy.
Salvador Dalí House Museum
| Address | Platja de, 17488 Port Lligat, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 972 25 10 15 |
Beautiful surroundings but very expensive and complicated to gain access to the house itself. Cadaqués, the nearby town, is very nice as well but during summer heavily overcrowded. The road up there is amazing. Panoramic views, endlessly winding roads.. Some great small bays for nice snorkeling too: we spotted octopus and under water hunting birds! We didn't go all the way to the lighthouse, this road is closed for vehicles other than the highly overpriced shuttle bus leaving from Cadaqués. Be careful you will get fined without noticing it because your number plate wil get photographed somewhere along that road!
An absolute must-visit! A glimpse into a brilliant, eccentric mind.
Our tour of Salvador Dalí’s house museum in Portlligat was incredible, largely thanks to our fantastic guide. They did a wonderful job explaining the history behind the home and were incredibly patient and thorough in answering all of our questions.
The house itself is fascinating—packed with amazing art in every single room. What really made the experience special was seeing Dalí’s brilliant sense of humor come through in the decor. From the giant geese eggs perched on the roofs to the Michelin Men scattered around, it's a wonderfully surreal and playful place. Highly recommend this tour!
The house itself is fascinating both inside and outside — every room, corridor and garden corner reflects Dalí’s personality and imagination in a very unique way. The location overlooking Portlligat is beautiful as well and helps explain why this place inspired so much of his work.
The guided tour was very well organised and informative. The timing and flow of visitors were handled smoothly, and the guide gave a lot of interesting context about the history of the house without making the visit feel rushed.
A very worthwhile visit if you are interested in art, architecture or simply unusual places with strong character. We would definitely recommend booking in advance, especially during busy periods.
Incredible highlight of this trip. A true to discover the genius of Dali. Beautifully presented with storytelling to match. Must buy tickets in advance. The house visit is 30 min and then walking in the gardens will last 30 to 60 min based on you. A must see
A genius house. This house is far more than a museum, it’s a living architectural composition. What impressed me most was the spatial flow. The orientation of the rooms, the way light enters, the transitions between narrow passages and open views, even genius mirror placements -everything feels deliberately designed to guide your perception. It’s almost choreographed.
The labyrinth-like layout creates a different psychological atmosphere in each room. You don’t just walk through the space, you experience shifts in mood, scale, and energy. Nothing feels excessive, yet nothing is missing. There is a precision to it, a sense that every object, window, and threshold was placed with intention.
The acoustic oval room created for Gala was particularly striking. Its form and resonance make you aware of sound and presence in a very intimate way. Outside, the pathways, terraces, swimming pool, and waterfalls continue the same philosophy, integrating sun, sea, vegetation, and architecture into a daily environment designed to stimulate creativity.
It feels like a house built not just to live in, but to think in. A space where art, nature, and routine merge, carefully constructed to allow imagination to flourish every single day. I wish I could live there;) also the guide is very informative!
Get tickets in advance, it’s usually fully booked.
Mirador
| Address | Carrer Moli des, 3, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
beautiful views rough path.
Fabulous views of Portlligat
Short climb, medium difficulty
Platja Mas Caials
| Address | Carrer Punta de s'Oliguera, 21, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful place to spend a relaxed afternoon and quite a good snorkeling spot
Great for shore diving
Practical Tips for Visiting Cadaqués
To make the most of your visit to this unique corner of Catalonia, a little local knowledge goes a long way. The town’s remote location and distinctive layout mean that spontaneous planning can sometimes lead to logistical headaches. By preparing for the terrain, the driving conditions, and the local culture, you can ensure your focus remains on the beauty around you.
- Do not attempt to drive into the center. The streets of the Old Town are largely pedestrian-only and extremely narrow. Use the designated public car parks on the outskirts of the village, such as the large parking area near the soccer field, and walk to your accommodation.
- Book restaurants in advance during peak season. While Cadaqués feels sleepy, it is incredibly popular in July and August. The best tapas bars and seafood restaurants fill up quickly, so reserve a table earlier in the day to avoid disappointment.
- Wear sturdy footwear. The slate stones that pave the streets and the pathways leading to the Cap de Creus can be slippery and uneven. High heels or thin sandals are impractical; opt for comfortable sneakers or hiking sandals with good grip.
- Bring water and sun protection for coastal hikes. The landscape of the Cap de Creus is largely barren, offering little shade from the intense Mediterranean sun. If you plan to walk to Portlligat or the lighthouse, carry more water than you think you need.
- Respect the Tramuntana wind. This strong north wind can appear suddenly, making the sea choppy and the air cool even in summer. Check local weather forecasts, especially if you are planning to rent a kayak or take a boat trip.
- Visit during the shoulder season. To experience the authentic soul of the village without the crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or September. The weather is still beautiful, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the streets are far more peaceful.
Cadaqués is not a place that reveals all its secrets in a single day. It is a destination that rewards patience, encouraging you to sit at a café terrace and watch the fishing boats bob in the harbor. The true value of a visit here lies in the atmosphere—the blend of artistic legacy, rugged nature, and the slow rhythm of the sea.
Whether you are hiking the windswept paths of the cape or exploring the quirky details of the old town, the memories made here tend to linger long after you leave. It stands as a testament to the wild, unspoiled beauty of the Costa Brava, offering a sanctuary for travelers seeking authenticity over convenience.
