Cadaqués, the town that Dalí fell in love with

Cadaqués is probably the most unique and world-renowned municipality on the entire Costa Brava. To get to know the history of this town, considered by many to be the most beautiful town in Catalonia and perhaps in all of Spain, it is necessary to lose yourself in its labyrinthine streets of medieval origin that make up a beautiful historic center of incalculable value. 

 Origin of Cadaqués

 There are several theories on the etymology of Cadaqués, although the most probable is that its name owes its origin to the expression "Cabo de Quers" (Cape of Rocks in the Catalan language). With a privileged location in the eastern part of the peninsula of Cap de Creus, the first settlers of this magical corner of the Mediterranean were the Iberian villages, thousands of years ago.

 With the passing of the centuries, various civilizations such as the Etruscans and the Egyptians left their mark on Cadaqués. Later, it was the Greeks and Romans who reached the current Catalan coasts, probably showing the advances in fishing and navigation that to this day endure in the Cadaqués area. 

 One of the singularities of Cadaqués architecture is the melting pot of styles that make up a historical heritage within the reach of very few national municipalities. Particularly striking is the modernist style of the buildings that are located on the seafront of Paseo Marítimo de Cadaqués, a real gem when buying a property for sale in Cadaqués.

Salvador Dalí, illustrious figure of Cadaqués 

 When speaking of Cadaqués, it is impossible not to evoke the name of one of the most illustrious painters of the 20th century: Salvador Dalí. Born in the Girona municipality of Figueras, Dalí began his love relationship with Cadaqués in 1930, the year in which he began to work regularly in this magical place on the shores of the Mediterranean.

 Despite living in the main international cities, Salvador Dalí always kept a faithful alliance with his beloved Cadaqués, where he used to spend long summer seasons. He hosted in Cadaqués famous international artists. In April 1925, the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca visited the village.

 But not only the Catalan surrealist painter was captivated by the great beauty of this town. Other contemporary painters such as Picasso, Magritte, Max Ernst, or writers such as Josep Pla and Eugeni d'Ors also visited this pearl of the Costa Brava.

Salvador Dalí House Museum 

 The current building of the Salvador Dalí House Museum in Cadaqués began its construction in 1930, when the painter settled in an old fisherman's hut in Port Lligat and built over 40 years what would eventually become his home in Cadaqués.  

 It is recommended to book in advance on the official website of the museum due to the high number of visits the museum receives, especially during the high season months.

 In addition to the House Museum dedicated to the Catalan painter, it is highly recommended to visit other buildings of great architectural value such as the Church of Santa María, built to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by the pirate Barbarossa. Likewise, the old wall of Cadaqués and the unmistakable Paseo Marítimo de Cadaqués are must-see attractions.

How to get to Cadaqués

 The access to Cadaqués can be an arduous task for the traveler not used to the curves. For those who have their own vehicle, the municipality has a single road access through the GI-614. The journey time by car from Figueras to Cadaqués is approximately one hour.

Getting to Cadaqués by plane

The most recommended option for the international tourist is to fly to Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) or Gerona-Costa Brava Airport. If you intend to visit Cadaqués from France, you can also fly to the Perpignan- Rivesaltes Airport and then continue the journey by car, approximately an hour and a half drive.

Getting to Cadaqués by train

The quickest way to access Cadaqués by train from Barcelona is by going to Sants Station and buying a train ticket to Figueras station. Once you arrive in Figueras, you can access Cadaqués through a taxi service, with a cost of between 40 and 50 euros approximately.

The alternative option is to travel from Figueras to Cadaqués by bus using the SARFA Bus or Moventis lines . 

Getting to Cadaqués by bus

 From Barcelona Nord Bus Station, you can use the bus service, available twice a day. The approximate journey time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Parking in Cadaqués 

Once you have reached this beautiful destination on the Mediterranean coast, parking is one of the most difficult obstacle that visitors will encounter, especially if they visit Cadaqués during the high season months.

In high season, free parking will be practically impossible because the few public parking spaces are reserved for residents. If you arrive early, you can try to park for free in the parking of the Rios beach or parking area Sa Conca.

As an alternative, there are several paid parking options in Riera de Sant Vicenç, with capacity for 400 vehicles.

Do you want to buy a property in Cadaqués to spend a few months of holidays during the year or to settle there permanently? Please contact our real estate agency in Cadaqués and we will help you find the apartment, house or villa of your dreams.