Cadaqués Things to Do

Wander aimless in the narrow streets. It’s like a maze of white houses with colourful doors and windows. You’ll find picturesque spots everywhere. It’s really a place to be inspired, particularly for people like me wich painting is one of our hobbies.

It is first mentioned in records in 878, at which time it was a humble monastic cell. By the first half of the 10th century it was already an independent abbey. During the 11th and 12th centuries the monastery took on essentially its present form, although it underwent a number of refurbishments and modifications in the course of its long history, which ended in 1835 when it was definitively abandoned as a result of the suppression of the monasteries and pillaging.

The most important feature of the monument is the church which is unique of its kind amongst Catalan Romanesque buildings. The central aisle of the church is exceptionally grandiose and richly decorated. The capitals are in the Corinthian tradition or with interlaced decoration and are considered to be amongst the finest surviving works of 11th-century sculpture.

Also noteworthy are the defensive tower (10th century, rebuilt in the 14th) and the bell-tower (end of the 11th century) as well as the 2 superimposed cloisters and the remains of mural painting.

The monastery, which was recently restored, the church of Santa Helena, the remains of the village of the same name and the ruins of the castle of Verdera, between them for an exceptional group of historic buildings set in a superb landscape, with views over the Cap de Creus.

The center of Cadaques, as all cities are hoped to be, is the soul of the place. Where typical American "downtowns" usually end up desolate and unkempt eventually, the downtown of Cadaques bustles. This is where you will stumble on fantastic restaurants with squid ink paellas and gorgeous night bay views, gelatto on the tiny beaches, old red trolleys that pop against the whitewashed background of the place as they cross the cobble stone and dirt roads carrying people to and from their tiny villas up the hills into the beating heart of the town.
Great shopping, food, ceramics, excellent aimless wandering and totally safe to get yourself lost in the winding streets at any hour (scout's honor) ....also scooter rentals, boat rentals, grocerias and dancing, street artists....oh- and swimming...feel free to jump in clothed or not. Anything goes here

Riding out of Cadaques downtown into the Cap de Creus National Park, you pass through olive groves and the bizarre landscape that is intermixed with lagoons and cliffs. Be sure to stop and sit under the olive trees, stare at the sea, and smell the air. One of the most prominent things I recall is the smell of pine trees and seawater; this is how I remember the Costa Brava. At the end of the road, you come to a bridge, crossover the bridge and scooter up the hill to the lighthouse at the end of the Cap de Creus. There is a restaurant, bar and an unequivocal view! After a great meal and some good wine out on the terrace, climb down the cliffs to the bottom of the hill and go swimming. If you are not wearing swimming attire…go either with what you have on or nothing at all. Less is more down there. The water is great but the climb is not for the faint of heart. Be aware that there are no concessions, restrooms or beaches for that matter. Once again, Cadaques shows that if you put forth a little effort, you will be rewarded. One more thing watch out for sea urchins, you will have to wear water shoes…even if you are otherwise wearing nothing at all. Believe me this is a sight you’ll not soon forget.

How to arrive

There are many options:

One could be arrive to Barcelona and take the bus in North Station with destination to Port de la Selva

Other, take the train to Figueres and a bus there to your destination

rent a car in barcelona airport or sants Station and first of all take the 'rondes' to go out of Barcelona and follow direction france and Girona until Figueres. Where you must leave the motorway and follow direction Llança, the town next to Port de la Selva

Salvador Dali owned a house in Cadaqués. This is where he lived for most of the times.

It was a pity that I didn't have time to visit it. I heard that he used to add something new to his house, whenever he felt that he has changed. So I guess the house must be full of interesting things...

The small streets characterize Cadaqués. There is a certain charm about them.
I thought they were really cute.

At one point, you will arrive in a spot where you can see the town from above. Beautiful view on the sea and the boats.

Cala Tamariua

A beautiful beach next to Port de la Selva, nudist and no-nudist too!