Cadaques is a small port town 2.5 hours drive north of Barcelona along Costa Brava. Its unique history, quaint character, and gastronomical delights, make it the perfect weekend getaway from Barcelona.

Fortunately, Cadaques is small enough to be explored over a couple of days on foot. Even at a leisurely pace, you can explore its colourful alleys, famous cafés and restaurants, admire its historic sights or simply watch the waves lash against the rocks.

I’ve been to Cadaques a couple of times, and I always want to return!

Cadaques is your vision of the idyllic Spanish Mediterranean coming to life.

How To Get To Cadaques From Barcelona

The easiest way to get to Cadaques is by road from Barcelona. You can either rent a car and drive on your own or take the bus.

The bus to Cadaques departs from Estacio Nord in Barcelona, and the bus tickets can be purchased online. I would highly recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially during the peak season (April to August).

Purchase Bus Tickets To Cadaques

Accommodation Options In Cadaques

I’ve been to Cadaques a couple of times and stayed in different hotels. It’s usually a good idea to get a hotel in the centre of the town.

The best hotel that I’ve stayed at in Cadaques is Ubaldo. It’s centrally located, right next to the bus stop, and its rooms are quite comfortable.

The last time I was in Cadaques, I stayed at the Hotel S’Aguarda. Although it’s not as central as Ubaldo, it was super comfortable and our room came with a lovely view of the town.

Just one piece of advice, Cadaques has limited hotels that typically sell out during the peak tourist months. Make sure that you get your accommodation in place well before you decide to travel to Cadaques.

Top Thing To Do In Cadaques

Once you arrive in Cadaques, it’s easy to get around the whole town on foot.

There’s plenty to discover and explore, even in such a small town. If you’re like me, you could just spend all your time walking about the beautiful, old alleys and stopping by quaint cafés. Order a coffee and simply watch people walk by. Here’s a quick video to get you inspired about Cadaques.

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So, here are our top things to do in Cadaques.

1. Visit Dali’s House

Cadaques is where Salvador Dalí, one of the greatest Spanish Surrealist artists, had his house. This was Dali’s only fixed house, where he lived and worked, from 1930 till 1982 when Gala, his wife, died. His house-museum is located in Portlligat, a small port located 20 minutes walking distance from the centre of Cadaques.

Today, Dali’s house museum is open to all visitors and showcases his eccentric style of living and pieces of art.

During peak season, make sure that you book your tickets in advance as they are limited and sell out very fast.

Also, it’s worth noting that Dali’s house museum is not the Dali Museum. The main museum is located in Figueres, a town close to Barcelona and Cadaques.

If you plan on visiting the Dali Museum in Figueres, I’d highly recommend making it a day trip as there’s not much to see in the town. You can book a taxi from Cadaques to Figueres in case you wish to visit the Dali Museum.

2. Explore Quaint Alleys

Cadaques is what many would consider a quintessential Mediterranean town. The town has managed to retain its charm and character over the years and is a great place to relax and unwind.

Its quaintness, narrow alleys, perfect weather, and beautiful cafés make you fall instantly in love with it.

3. Dine at the Best Restaurants & Cafés

Cadaques is known for its restaurants which are some of the best along Costa Brava. The food here is fresh, delicious, and exquisite.

Some restaurants that are definitely worth your money are La Sirena, Compartir, and El Gato Azul. Once again, remember to reserve your table well in advance.

4. Find a beach to relax

Honestly, there is no shortage of beaches in Cadaques. Although small and rocky, the beaches are numerous and scattered all over. It is easy to find one that isn’t crowded at all.

Right in the main town area, there is Platja Gran (the main beach), Playa Port d’Alguer, Platja es Llaner Gran, and Playa Ses Oliveres. Then there are smaller ones located a few minutes walk from the main town, including one right in front of Dali’s house museum.

Here’s a nice blog that lists down all the beaches in Cadaques. Simply, find a beach that you like and spend your day lounging on it. Be sure to step into the water, which remains cold for most of the year.

5. Admire Cadaques from Mirador des Sortell

As a photographer, I’m always looking for the best location, the one vantage point, from where I can get the perfect shot of the city or town. Fortunately, that lookout point in Cadaques is easy to access through a short but slightly adventurous walk.

Mirador des Sortell is located on a breakaway islet, a 20-minute walk from Platja Gran. It’s relatively secluded except for a few fishermen who happen to come around often.

From here, you get beautiful views of the entire town set against the hills. This place has the best views of Cadaques, hands down! I’ve been to this location plenty of times, and I think the best time to go there is during the sunset.

6. Walk to “Es Cucurucuc”

While walking around Cadaques, we found an interesting shaped rock, sticking out of the sea. Later we learned the name of the rock is “Es Cucurucuc”.

Later that same day we walked into a shop that was selling a t-shirt with an image of the same rock, and that got me curious. So, I asked the shop lady what was so special about the rock. Apparently, back in the day pirates would hide behind the rock and shout “cucurucuc” to signal if the coast was clear or not.

I found the story as amusing as the name of the rock. Of course, I bought the T-shirt!

The walk around Es Cucurucuc is equally beautiful. There are plenty of beaches around with coves that are accessible by steps.

7. Visit the Churches in de Cadaques

The church of Santa Maria de Cadaques is located at the highest point of Cadaques. This beautiful 16th-century Gothic church defines the skyline of Cadaques.

It has a single nave with side chapels, ending in a polygonal chevet which houses one of the most noteworthy Baroque altarpieces in Catalonia.

Another church that is worth checking out is the Sant Baldiri hermitage. Built to house the relics of Saints Abdon and Sennen, this small chapel is dedicated to Saint Baudilus and features a contrasting white exterior. A wall surrounds the churchyard, and the simple facade is topped by a lone bell and a metal cross that resembles a crossbow.

Make sure to stop by the Sant Baldiri hermitage on your way to the Dali House Museum.

Discover The Beauty Of Cadaques

I fell in love with not only the beauty of the surroundings but also the pace of life in Cadaques. It forced me to slow down, and just enjoy time passing by.

We hope you enjoyed this post, and please check out more photos of beautiful Cadaques for your inspiration. And if you’re looking for more short trips around Barcelona, check out our guide to Tarragona on Costa Dorada.