Cadaqués

The nature

Cadaqués is surrounded by lush natural beauty that offers a wide range of landscapes to explore. From majestic mountains to stunning seaside cliffs, this destination is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights is the Cap de Creus Natural Park, which extends across the peninsula of the same name. This park is a natural gem with a rugged coastline, hidden coves, and spectacular rock formations. Here, visitors can enjoy scenic trails that wind through rocky landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coast.

For those seeking to escape the hustle and connect with nature, the mountains surrounding Cadaqués are ideal. The l’Albera massif and the nearby hills provide a perfect opportunity for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of the mountainous landscape and the sea.

Of course, the Mediterranean Sea also plays a central role in the natural beauty of Cadaqués. Its crystal-clear waters and tranquil beaches invite visitors to enjoy a refreshing swim, engage in water sports, or simply relax under the warm sun.

In conclusion, Cadaqués harmoniously combines the mountains and the sea, providing a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes to explore and enjoy.

Activities

Cadaqués offers a variety of activities to enjoy with family, friends, or even solo. Some examples of activities you can do in Cadaqués include:

• Village strolls: Explore the charming center of Cadaqués by walking through its narrow cobblestone streets. Discover its boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the village.
• Beaches and water sports: Cadaqués’ beautiful beaches are ideal for enjoying a sunny day by the sea. You can relax on the sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
• Boat excursions: Embark on a boat excursion to discover the stunning coastline of Cadaqués and its nearby coves. Enjoy panoramic views, dive into turquoise waters, and admire the cliffs and rock formations from the sea.
• Hiking in the Cap de Creus Natural Park: Explore the trails of the Cap de Creus Natural Park and marvel at its natural beauty. There are routes for all levels, from gentle walks to more challenging hikes. Enjoy panoramic views, native flora and fauna, and the tranquility of nature.
• Bike routes: Rent a bike and explore the beautiful landscapes of Cadaqués and its surroundings. There are routes for all levels, from coastal rides to more challenging mountain trails.
• Visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum: Since Cadaqués is the birthplace and residence of the famous artist Salvador Dalí, you can visit his house-museum in Portlligat, located a short distance from the center of Cadaqués. Explore the rooms where Dalí lived and worked, and admire his art collection.
• Winery visits: The Cadaqués region is known for its vineyards and wine production. Take visits to local wineries, learn about wine-making processes, and enjoy wine and cava tastings.
• Birdwatching: Cadaqués’ natural environment is home to a variety of bird species. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, you can embark on a birdwatching experience and discover native species in their natural habitat.
• Painting and art classes: Follow in the footsteps of Salvador Dalí and participate in painting and art classes in Cadaqués. Learn local artistic techniques and capture the beauty of the village in your own artwork.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy in Cadaqués is a delight for food and drink lovers. Some of the best restaurants in Cadaqués include:

• Compartir: This restaurant is known for its concept of sharing plates and its focus on contemporary Catalan cuisine. The chefs at “Compartir” are the same as those at the famous “Disfrutar” restaurant in Barcelona, which was awarded as the best restaurant in Europe by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
• Casa Anita: It offers traditional and authentic dishes from the region, such as the famous “zarzuela,” a seafood stew.
• Can Rafa: Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, it offers fresh fish and seafood in a cozy atmosphere.
• Es Baluard: Located in a historic building overlooking the harbor, this restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and creative cuisine.

Cadaqués is also a perfect place for nightlife during the summer months. Some examples of bars to enjoy summer nights include:

• Bar Boia Nit: This tapas bar is a popular spot to enjoy delicious appetizers and a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Bar Maritim: Located on the waterfront, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink while admiring the sea.
• Café de la Habana: With its outdoor terrace, this café is a lively spot to enjoy cocktails and live music.

Transportation and connections

Cadaqués is a picturesque village located in a somewhat remote area, which slightly affects transportation options and connections. However, the main ways to reach Cadaqués are:

• By car: The most convenient way to reach Cadaqués is by car. From Barcelona, you should take the AP-7 highway towards the Figueres exit. Then, follow the signs to Cadaqués via the C-260 road. Please note that the last stretch of the road is narrow and winding, but it will reward you with beautiful views.
• Public transportation: If you prefer to use public transportation, you can reach Cadaqués by bus or train to the city of Figueres, and then take a bus to Cadaqués. Keep in mind that there is no train station in Cadaqués, so the train option is limited to reaching Figueres and then taking the bus.
• Nearby airports: The closest airports to Cadaqués are Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). From both airports, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Cadaqués.
• Local mobility: Once in Cadaqués, the village can be easily explored on foot as the center is relatively compact. To get around to other nearby beaches or coves, you can choose to walk, rent bicycles, or motorcycles.
• There are also taxi services available in the village.

The real estate market in Cadaqués

The real estate market in Cadaqués is unique due to its privileged location on the Costa Brava and its appeal as a tourist destination.

Cadaqués offers a variety of properties for sale, including traditional village houses, sea-view villas, apartments, and land for construction. The typical architecture of Cadaqués is characterized by white houses with blue accents, flower-filled balconies, and red tile roofs.

Property prices in Cadaqués are usually higher compared to other areas due to its popularity and demand. Prices vary depending on the location, size, condition of the property, and sea views. Properties with sea views or close to the historic center tend to be more expensive.

Many property owners in Cadaqués choose to rent out their properties as vacation accommodations during the tourist season. This can be an interesting option for those who wish to invest in a property and generate additional income during certain periods of the year.

It is important to note that the conditions of the real estate market can change over time, so it is always advisable to conduct thorough research and seek the advice of local experts when considering buying or selling a property in Cadaqués.

Employment opportunities

Cadaqués is a beautiful tourist destination, but due to its size and geographical location, employment opportunities may be more limited compared to larger urban areas.

The tourism sector is an important source of employment in Cadaqués. There are hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops that hire staff to serve visitors. Employment opportunities in this sector include waiters/waitresses, chefs, receptionists, cleaning staff, and tour guides.

Cadaqués has a rich artistic and cultural history, and there are opportunities in art galleries, museums, and other related establishments. You can find employment as a gallery assistant, museum guide, or in organizing cultural events.

The town has schools and academies that may require teachers and educational staff. If you have experience in teaching languages, music, art, or other disciplines, you can explore opportunities in this field.

Given Cadaqués’ natural environment, there are opportunities related to outdoor activities and water sports. This may include diving instructors, hiking guides, kayak monitors, and sports equipment rental.

Retail trade is also an option, whether working in souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, food stores, or local crafts shops.