The Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful destinations in Spain. Not only for its spectacular beaches, the richness of its gastronomy or the beauty of its nature. Also because its towns are beautiful and full of history.
Some are so spectacular that strolling through their streets is the same as invoking the muses: they are pure inspiration. It is the case of Cadaqués, the white town of Salvador Dalí, protected by the Sierra del Pení, which for years has conquered Spanish artists who have fallen in love with this small town on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Cadaqués, a blank canvas
Cadaqués is the easternmost town on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and one of the towns that we Spaniards have sought the most in the last year. The reason is the same as for decades has taken artists such as Picasso, Buñuel or Salvador Dalí to visit it: It is a blank canvas that sparks inspiration.
For centuries, geography hid this town, which can now only be accessed after crossing several mountains along a road full of hairpin bends. Its pristine white houses, its location on the Costa Brava, its small beach, its narrow streets, its particular colored doors and windows… Everything in Cadaqués seems to call for us to stay and discover more.
First of all, visit its center on foot. Cadaqués was one of the most important ports on the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages, so at the beginning of the 10th century a walled enclosure and a fortification began to be built around it to serve as protection against invasions and corsairs. In 1280 the so-called Castle of Cadaqués was finished, of which nothing remains after the passing of the years, only the location that now belongs to the old town.
Stroll through its narrow streets and alleys, some lined with rastell (stones extracted from the sea and placed in the shape of a spike on the ground), it undoubtedly inspired Salvador Dalí, who lived here almost all his life, but also other artists such as LorcaBuñuel, Duchamp, Bowie or Picasso among others.
Some points of interest are the Church of Santa María, located in the highest part of the town and with a late Gothic plan and a Baroque altar; “Es Call” street, one of the most charming and beautiful; or “Es Baluard”, the watchtower that today is the town hall.
Strolling through “Las ribas”, promenades built in 1910 by the sea, allows us admire the architecture of this modernist-style area, such as the Serinyana House, the most famous in Cadaqués. Plaça del Passeig is a meeting place for this type of building and an obligatory stop.
The Salvador Dalí House-Museum
Located in the bay of Portlligat, next to the small fishing port and to the north of Cadaqués, it is where the genius built his house-workshop uniting seven fishermen’s cabins. Now it is a must see, but not the only remaining space of the artist in the town.
On the town hall website They offer us numerous stops throughout Cadaqués, including a hiking route within the Cabo de Creus natural park that leads to the Paraje de Tudela and which was a source of inspiration for the artist.
The beautiful beaches of Cadaqués
Salvador Dalí spent years painting the waves that broke in Cadaqués, and it is its beaches and coves are unique in beauty. Playa del Ros, for example, or Portdugué, closer to the center, are just some of the ones you can visit.
It is no coincidence in Costa Brava we find some of the most impressive coves in Spain, and Cadaqués has some very close. If you have the chance, take advantage of the fact that it is close to the Cap de Creus natural park to take a dip and enjoy wilder and more rugged areas.
Cala Guillola, a beautiful cove in the middle of nowhere and which we can only access on foot after passing an urbanization in S’Alqueria, is one of the coves located in the Cap de Creus natural park. Cala Guillola is a quiet cove, without too many waves and perfect for diving.
Another option is the Cala Sabolla, whose effort to reach it is very worthwhile. It’s only accessible on foot via a 45-minute route, so when you go, pack everything you need to get through the day.
The routes in kayaking (an excellent cardio sport) are also fantastic to get to know the area, as well as a cruise that allows you to see Cadaqués from the sea. The last recommendation, take the opportunity to rest a couple of days in one of its hotels or apartments, such as the Canvas Apartments & Lofts that has a price from 163 euros the night in an apartment with one bedroom.
Canvas Apartments & Lofts. Apartment with one bedroom from 163 euros per night
Another option is the wonderful five-star Boutique Hotel Villa Gala, which is in the historic center and less than a five-minute walk from Platja del Port d’Alguer and Iglesia de Santa María. It has double rooms from 300 euros per night and it looks like one of these sites that I fix that inspire you.
Five-star Boutique Hotel Villa Gala in the historic center. Double rooms from 300 euros per night
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Photos | istock, Cadaques Tourism
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