Cadaqués is a village of about 3,000 people at the eastern end of the Costa Brava, in Catalonia, on the Cap de Creus peninsula, the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula. Cut off for centuries by mountains, more easily reached by sea than by land, it has kept the look of a fishing village, with white houses, slate-paved lanes and colourful boats on the beach.
The artists' village
In the early 20th century Cadaqués drew painters and intellectuals: Picasso stayed in 1910, followed by García Lorca, Buñuel, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp and many others. The strongest link is with Salvador Dalí, who spent childhood summers here and chose nearby Portlligat bay as his lifelong home with his wife Gala.
What to see
- The church of Santa Maria, at the top of the village, with a large gilded Baroque altarpiece and views over the bay.
- The old town, with steep lanes, art galleries and the statue of Dalí on the seafront.
- The Salvador Dalí House-Museum at Portlligat, a kilometre away, a cluster of fishermen's cottages the artist turned into a maze of rooms, terraces, giant eggs and surrealist objects. Visitor numbers are limited and booking is required.
- The Museu de Cadaqués, with exhibitions on artists linked to the village.
Cap de Creus
Cap de Creus natural park, Catalonia's first land-and-sea park, is a landscape of rocks sculpted by the tramontana wind, which inspired many of Dalí's images. Walk or drive to the lighthouse; its crystal-clear coves, such as Cala Jóncols and Cala Culip, are perfect for snorkelling and kayaking.
Food and festivals
Fish and seafood, sea urchins, anchovies and suquet de peix, the Costa Brava fish stew. In summer the Cadaqués International Music Festival is held. The Santa Maria fiesta is in September.
Getting there
Cadaqués is reached by a winding road from Roses, about 17 km away, or from Figueres, home of the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Buses run from Figueres, Girona and Barcelona. Parking is hard in summer: leave the car at the entrance to the village. See also Púbol, Gala's castle.