Cadaques, Spain

Cadaques, Spain

Where?

The pearl of the Costa Brava, Cadaques is a small fishing
village located along the Spanish coast, two hours from Barcelona.

Why now?

For a time considered the artists’ capital of Spain, Cadaques
has attracted the likes Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp and Salvador Dalí
who made nearby Portlligat his home for over 50 years. Once only
reachable by sea, Cadaques now has one road in and one road out,
helping to maintain its untouched feel. Framed by the natural
beauty of the Cap de Creus National Park and the Golf de Roses, the
steep cobblestoned streets, white buildings and stunning sea views
promise to enchant. It’s easy to see why this tucked away spot has
been a favourite of Catalonians and creatives alike for so many
years.

When to go

Wild winds – known among locals as the “tramuntana” – dominate
the coastal town in the winter and late spring. The best time to
visit is between May and September when the wind has died down and
the coast looks like a Dalí painting.

Who to take with you

An artist, writer, photographer. You’ll be walking in the
footsteps of some of the greatest artists of the last century; it’s
best to come prepared with your best creative collaborators at
hand.


Most likely to bump into…

An artist who visited Cadaques 20 years ago and never left.

Don’t Miss

A visit to Salvador Dali’s house in nearby Portlligat. A
2o-minute walk from the centre of Cadaques, this idiosyncratic home
– composed of seven interconnected buildings – has been turned into
a museum open to the public. Lip-shaped couches sit inside the
chalk-white walls adorned with signature Dalí eggs. Stroll through
the library to the garden and take in the stunning Catalonian views
that inspired some of Dalí’s most famous landscapes.

An essential to bring with you

A good pair of trainers; steep cobblestone streets prove
unforgiving to heels and knees and as the primary mode of
transportation is walking, a good pair of flat, comfortable shoes
is a must.

How to get there

Take a bus from Barcelona two hours north and enjoy the drive
through the otherwise untouched landscape of the Cap de Creus
National Park. Be warned, bus service is limited so plan
accordingly.

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