13 BEST things to do in Cadaqués in 2024
Nestled along the rugged Costa Brava coastline in Catalonia, Spain, Cadaqués is a true gem of the Mediterranean. This picturesque town, described as the “Pearl of the Costa Brava,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic inspiration.
Cadaqués flourished in the 20th century as a hub for artists and intellectuals, largely due to the presence of Salvador Dalí and his muse and wife, Gala, who had a summer residence in Port Lligat, just a stone’s throw away from Cadaqués. This artistic heritage continues to shape the town’s identity, with galleries and bohemian vibes.
13 BEST things to do in Cadaqués
This seaside town was my favorite in Costa Brava. Here’s some of the best things to do while visiting Cadaqués.
1. Swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea
Cadaqués has several small but nice beaches right in town, such as Playa Gran and Playa Llané Petit, where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Some beaches are pebbly, while others have soft sand.
Just a short walk along the coast from the center of town you’ll find Platja del Ros. It’s a small sand beach I enjoyed swimming at with a nice view of town from the sea.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Cala sa Sabello in Cap de Creus National Park.
2. Explore Cap de Creus National Park
Witness the surreal rocky landscapes that inspired Dalí’s artworks by exploring Cap de Creus National Park. There is a plethora of hikes you can take in this national park, which features cliffside rock formations and sweeping panoramic views of the sea.
One popular hike is the journey from in town out to the lighthouse at Cap de Creus.
If you’re an outdoorsy traveler, you should consider going camping in the area. There’s a plethora of great places to camp in Costa Brava.
3. Hike to Cala sa Sabello
This cove beach is perfect for a pleasant swim and was my favorite beach I visited in Cadaqués.
It’s a bit of a journey to get to it. It’s located within Cap de Creus National Park so you’ll need to walk at least 30 minutes (from the closest parking spot you can snag in town before the national park starts), or if you’re walking from all the way from the center of town, an hour.
Also, it is not a soft sand beach. The beach is made up of small smooth round stones so bring a fluffy towel if you plan to lay out and relax.
4. Wander the narrow lanes of the old town
Explore the narrow, winding streets of old town with whitewashed buildings and charming cafes that create a timeless ambiance. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
5. Eat at Celeste
You’ll need to book your dinner reservation in advance at this small Italian restaurant. It was by far the best food we ate in town and the prices were more than reasonable (especially compared to the water front restaurants that generally over charge for below average food since they have plenty of people eating there for the location and views alone). We went twice and loved every dish we ordered!
Melissa’s Pro Travel Tip: Go at lunch time! If you can’t get a dinner reservation, try earlier in the day. We had to book out a dinner time several days in advance, but we made a same day reservation for lunch another day.
6. Shop local
You can find lots of little stores scattered throughout the narrow lanes that have items like beach blankets, baskets, and local art. Wander the cobblestone streets to find treasures that interest you.
7. Visit art galleries
The town is dotted with galleries showcasing local and international artists. Pop into a few to admire the art or invest in a one-of-kind art piece as a souvenir.
If you’re an art aficionado, consider planning another stop in your travel itinerary a bit further up the coast in the seaside town of Collioure, where the stunning landscape has inspired artists like Matisse and Picasso.
8. Enjoy a sunset drink at Bar Casino
This bar in the center of town is a hub of activity. There are tables across the street from the bar that sit right near the water. It’s a great spot to enjoy a beer or glass of wine as you watch the sunset behind the town while listening to the waves crash.
9. Visit Church of Santa Maria de Cadaqués
Perched high above the town, this 16th-century church offers panoramic views of Cadaqués and the surrounding coastline from the outside, next to the entrance.
If you choose to pay the small fee to go inside, the interior features a stunning Baroque altar.
10. Rent a boat
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cadaqués is from the water. Numerous boat rental services are available, offering everything from small motorboats to sailboats.
To take a small boat out by yourself (that fits up to 4 people) without a boat license it was €140 for 2 hours, €225 for 1/2 day and €300 for a full day.
11. Rent a bike
Several rental shops in town offer bicycles, allowing you to discover hidden corners of the town and its picturesque surroundings at your own pace. You can bike to neighboring town Port Lligat.
12. Visit Salvador Dali’s house (now a Museum)
Neighboring town, Port Lligat, was once home to the surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí. Explore where he found inspiration and transformed everyday objects into surreal masterpieces.
Today his former house is a museum dedicated to his life and works. A reservation is recommended because it can get quite crowded.
13. Visit Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes
If you are in town for more than 2 days, it’s worth a half day’s outing to this mountaintop monastery. It’s considered the best panoramic views of the Costa Brava.
You have to pay to enter the structure. You can take a tour with the free audio guide to learn more about the history of the monastery.
Where to Stay in Cadaqués
📍Hotel Playa Sol: Offers luxurious rooms with sea views.
📍Hotel Tarongeta: More budget-friendly option with free private parking and conveniently located within a short walk to the water and town center. We stayed here for four nights and had a very pleasant experience.
How to Get to Cadaqués
🚗 Car: By far the best way to get to this secluded town is to drive. The town is secluded, making it all the more enchanting. A scenic drive along winding coastal roads offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast and vineyard-covered hills.
If you’re coming from Barcelona, it’s about a 2.5 drive. From Girona it’s only about an hour away.
🚌 Bus: You can take a bus from Figueres to Cadaqués in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Keep in mind the road into Cadaqués is winding along a hillside so if you get motion sickness easily, the bus may not be your best bet.
✈️ Plane: The nearest airport in Girona. From there it’s an hour drive. You can hire a private car or rent your own.
Visiting Cadaqués FAQs
Breaking down some helpful info for planning a trip to Cadaqués.
Is it worth visiting Cadaqués?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Cadaqués.
Its rich artistic heritage and unspoiled natural beauty create a unique atmosphere that’s bound to captivate you. As you wander through the labyrinthine streets and savor local cuisine, you’ll discover why this charming town has drawn artists, adventurers, and dreamers.
Cadaqués offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to connect with the serene beauty of the Mediterranean.
How many days do you need in Cadaqués?
In theory, you could cover the highlights of the small seaside town in a day. But I think you’d be doing this special town a disservice. Therefore, I recommend spending a solid 2-3 days here.
It’s a cool spot that, in my opinion, is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. I even spent 4 nights and 5 days and was sad to leave.
What is the best beach in Cadaqués?
There are a few beaches right in town, but my personal favorite beach with a view of town is Platja del Ros. You can walk along the coastline to enjoy views of town as you make your way out to this beach.
The best beach near Cadaqués is Cala sa Sabolla. It requires a walk through the national park so it’s usually less crowded. But be aware this beach is made of small smooth rocks, not sand.
Is Cadaqués walkable?
Yes, Cadaqués is walkable. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. In fact, I don’t recommend driving into town. You’ll need to park in the pay-to-park lot on the outskirts of town and walk into the center.
There is VERY limited parking in Cadaqués. This is one of the reasons we choose to stay at Hotel Tarongeta because they have a free parking lot if you stay with them.
When is the best time to visit Cadaqués?
Cadaqués is a popular summer destination. If you travel there from June to September be prepared to deal with plenty of other tourists. I recommend going during shoulder season in the spring (April-May) or autumn (late September-October).
I enjoyed five days in Cadaqués in October. It was still warm enough to enjoy swimming in Mediterranean and wasn’t overly busy. So I can definitely recommend October as the perfect month for exploring Cadaqués.
TL;DR: 13 BEST things to do in Cadaqués
Cadaqués is a blend of natural beauty, artistic history, and Catalan culture. It’s a place to unwind, explore, and indulge in the slower pace of life by the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re roaming through its historic streets, lounging on a sun-drenched beach, or sailing along its rugged coast, Cadaqués promises a good time!
Looking for other places worth visiting nearby? Check out the small city of Girona, Spain or head north; there’s a lot of towns worth visiting along the border of France and Spain.