02 Sep Top 5 attractions for a short break in Cadaques
Once a small fishermen village, in the early 20th Century Cadaques became an important cultural centre with its wild landscape attracting world-famous artists such as Picasso, Chagall, Man Ray, Garcìa Lorca, Luis Bunuel and many others.
Cadaqués, un soir d’été. Photo Courtesy Fœtal on Flickr
However, the Catalan town owes its fame mostly to Salvador Dalì, the Surrealist painter who spent here his childhood and later established his home close by, in Port Lligat.
Today Cadaques is a charming destination for a short break or a longer stay, one of the seldom places that can be enjoyed by a variety of travellers. Whether you’re fond of Mediterranean landscapes, spectacular hikes, trendy and relaxed ambiance or pleasant night life, you will be wild about Cadaques. And the fishermen village is a great option to extend a stay in Barcelona.
Cadaques. Photo Courtesy Victor Casillas on Flickr
Despite being still a small town, there are quite a lot of attractions well worth a visit to Cadaques and the surrounding area.
1. Wild landscape: Forget the highly exploited beaches with their forest of huge concrete hotels and the noise of jet-ski.
Cadaques and its outskirts is all about amazing wild nature, diving, sailing and windsurfing.
2. Lovely cobblestones tiny streets: Enjoy strolling around slowly in the tiny streets, with their irregular cobblestones paths and the colourful Bougainville, look around the nice boutiques or simply enjoy the beauty and fascination of the little white houses.
Cadaqués: Carrer de Santa Maria. Photo Courtesy GerardDuran on Flickr
3. Awesome hiking trails: Explore the wild coast of Cap de Creus and its challenging trails. You’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views of the blue sea and the Mediterranean greenery but be wise, especially in Summer. Heat can be a real issue thus you should plan taking lots of water with you. For this reason, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to hike throughout the area.
4. Stunning sunset: Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot or a stunning place to take photos at sunset you won’t be disillusioned by Cadaquès, the colours and shades created by the setting sun and the lights reflecting in the sea. No wonder Cadaquès was elected as one of the most inspiring places by some of the main 20th Century painters!
5. Relax during the day, have fun at night: Cadaquès is a strange, interesting and odd mix. Some vestige of hippies times, a bit of understated but highly recognizable glamour and an overall relaxed charm. At dusk, one of the nicest things to do is to indulge at one of the lovely bars on the seafront to enjoy the sunset, sipping a glass of wine and tasting some delicious tapas. And after dinner you can have a drink in one of the many bars, listening to some music. Or simply have a wonderful walk along the sea.
More on Costa Brava: A Photo Tour of the Spectacular Temps de Flors Festival in Girona
Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Social Media Marketing. Besides travel writing SImon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.
Sue
Posted at 18:05h, 08 MarchI had the best baked fish in my life in Cadaques during New Year’s Eve 2006. And would return one day. Thanks for your lovely writeup!
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista
Posted at 21:30h, 06 JulyI want that view while sipping a glass of wine! Cadaques looks to be a gorgeous place to spend a few days. Thanks for sharing.
Michael Hodson
Posted at 16:07h, 02 Octoberhad never heard of this spot before and want to go… NOW
admin
Posted at 09:56h, 04 OctoberYou would love Cadaquès!
Michela
Posted at 11:59h, 20 SeptemberI was lucky to visit Cadaquès some years ago, when my friends moved from Barcelona to this awesome place. The surronding area is an untouched natural gem, really worth a visit if you love nature !
admin
Posted at 00:37h, 21 SeptemberI wish I had explored this area a few years ago, as you have. Although well preserved, I fear that some of its wonderful wilderness has gone lost…
ciki
Posted at 13:29h, 02 Septemberwow simon! this is such a cool place.. i hope to visit one day. I love the pink hues in the sky.. so gorgeous..! all that’s left is a nice meal and sipping some wine, as the sunsets:)
waitinginthedark
Posted at 08:29h, 04 SeptemberYou really have to arrange and come some day! Cadaquès, Barcelona and then a gorgeous dinner at Comerç 24… 🙂