Cadaques is one of the more popular towns on Spain’s Costa Brava and is most well known as the home town of artist Salvador Dali. It’s a sleepy town in the off season but comes alive in the summer months with visitors looking to enjoy the great food and pristine waters. It wasn’t warm enough to swim when I was there back in February but I did get to explore the cute cobblestone streets and relax on the waterfront.
There are a few little cafes dotted around the town but I particularly like the bakery down by the water which sells the famous taps cakes which are shaped like a champagne cork or I guess I should say a cava cork.
Around Cadaques
If you are based in Cadaques for a few days there are some great things to see in the area.
Salvador Dali’s House
I am fascinated by Salvador Dali’s paintings but his house at Port Lligat is even more surreal. It’s a fun place to wander and get a peek into the artist’s life.
Cap de Creus
Cap de Creus reminded me a lot of Western Australia’s wild southern coastline and I loved it for that. There are great hiking trails and secluded coves for swimming. At the top of the hill there is a little cafe where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Visit a Winery
There are many wineries near Cadaques where you can go wine tasting or enjoy some local food. I’m not a wine buff but I did take a bit of a liking to the local cava (sparkling wine) and stocked up on a few bottles before my return to Paris. Celler Martin Faixo were great hosts and treated us like part of the family when we lunched there.
Where to Stay
I stayed in a luxury villa in Port Lligat, Cadaques as a guest of Charming Villas Catalonia. While it might be out of the budget of most travellers, including myself, if you got a group of friends together it could work out to be an affordable and unforgettable stay.
About Andrea
I have no idea when I’ll make it to Europe (on our upcoming RTW trip, my husband and I are starting in Asia and working our way West), but Spain is one of the countries I am most excited to visit when we get there! I backpacked around Europe 7 years ago, and for one reason or another, my friend and I decided to skip Spain. I am kicking myself now! I had actually heard a bit about Cadaques because I had heard it was near Dali’s house, which I’d like to visit, but your photos highlight that it’s got a charm of its own completely independent of that!
I spent a lot of time in Europe before eventually heading to Spain and I’m not sure why I skipped it either! The entire Costa Brava region is beautiful and the food is incredible. I’m sure you’ll love it when you eventually get there.
Cadaques is one of my favorite places in Costa Brava! This brings back so many nice memories
If you end up again in the area I recommend you visit Besalú. It’s not on the coast, but it’s not too far; and it’s well worth the detour, as it’s a very charming medieval town 
I actually went to Besalú on the same trip and loved it too! I’m such a sucker for medieval towns.
Maybe I’ll see you there in September for TBEX?
Oh, yes you will! But I’m hoping we’ll meet in Paris before that! Will keep you posted!
Oh yum, how I could go for a box of those champagne-cork-shaped pastries (while seated by the pool at that villa). Thanks for bringing the memories back!
Me too! They were surprisingly tasty. I will grab some when I go back to Catalonia for TBEX. Will you be there?