There is no better place on the Costa Brava to disconnect and enjoy a good family holiday than Cadaques. This coastal treasure is a beautiful old town of white-washed houses which crowd out over the sea and the surrounding natural landscape. Located just outside the town is the breathtaking Cap de Creus Natural Park which holds more hidden surprises for visitors to this coast. There’s no doubt that a trip to Cadaques promises days of fun, exploring nature and familiarising ourselves with the culture of this magnificent area.
Cadaques is the epitome of beauty and culture. A truly magical place that captivated the imaginations of famous artists such as Picasso and Dalí. It has a wide variety of activities on offer which are suitable for the whole family and will no doubt keep the youngest minds entertained.
Tapas, Galleries, Shops and the Charm of the Historic Centre
We’ll begin our tour around Cadaques with a stroll through its picturesque cobbled streets and past the dainty white houses which make up the historical centre of the town. The best part of Cadaques is its desirable location - directly on the sea - giving visitors unparalleled views of the entire coastline and creating the town’s postcard-perfect charm.
We recommend continuing down the promenade as the sun begins to set, to enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the beauty of the modernist buildings along the way. There’s also the option to climb up to the church of Santa Maria of Cadaques which is the highest point in the town and from there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the bay.
There are numerous bars and restaurants dotted throughout the centre which are perfect for sampling the local gastronomy, which includes fresh fish and wines of the region. Cadaques is surrounded by charming villages, so if you want to see everything that this region has to offer, book a holiday rental on the Costa Brava and take your time exploring and getting to know this beautiful region.
The Dali House-Museum
The next activity is something that can be enjoyed by both adults and children - a visit to the fabulous Dalí House-Museum. The Catalan artist chose to build his workshop in the bay of Portlligat as the area captured his fascination. Dali famously viewed his home as a living being and part of his work, and thus, he continued decorating and expanding it throughout his lifetime.
A visit to the Dali House-Museum is an amazing experience. As we explore its rooms, workshops and gardens we can instantly see that this home is no ordinary house, each room is more surreal than the last, with details and artwork that could have only come from the mind of Salvador Dali.
It’s also worth visiting the bay of Portlligat if you have the chance. Its sea views, wooden fishing boats, beaches and cliffs inspired Dali so much that you can often see them depicted in his paintings.
Opening times:
From 16th September to 6th January and from 10th February to 14th June: 10:30am - 6:00pm.
From 15th June to 15th September: 9:30am - 9:00pm.
Admission:
11€. Free for children under 8 years.
Sun, Beach and Paradise
Over many years, the action of the sea and the force of the Tramontana wind have carved out a beautiful coastline here, full of small coves and cliffs. The beaches of Cadaques are perfect to enjoy with the family, one of the most famous being Ros Beach. This beach is renowned for its crystal clear and shallow waters which are perfect for paddling and playing with small children. From the beach you also have great views of the town and the mountains of Puig de Paní and Puig de Bufadors.
If we head outside the town, we come to the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve which has a breathtaking collection of small beaches and coves. Although the access routes to the Cap de Creus are a bit more complicated and the beaches in the park don’t offer as many facilities as those of Cadaques, it’s worth visiting this area to enjoy it’s unparalleled peace and tranquillity.
The Lions and Camels of Cap de Creus
Dali described the Cap de Creus as: “A mythological place that is made for gods more than for men and it must remain this way." In addition to its dream-like beaches, this natural park is known for its fantastic hiking routes, which we encourage you to try with your family.
One of our favourite routes through the Cap de Creus is the Paratge de Tudela, whose starting point is located about a 30 minutes drive from Cadaques. There’s a car park at the start which costs 5€ for the day and the walk takes about two hours. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and water because there’s no shade on this route.
