Cadaqués

Day 1: Old town, harbour light and architectural first impressions

Arrive with time to settle into the rhythm of the village and its shifting Mediterranean light. Park on the edge of town and explore on foot; the steep, cobbled lanes and white façades reveal themselves slowly and reward unhurried wandering.

• Morning: Park in the main car park at the town entrance, then amble the Nucli Antic via Carrer des Call and up to the Church of Santa Maria (small donation to see the baroque altarpiece). Wear shoes with grip for the rastell paving, and resist peeking into private patios.
• Midday: Lunch by the seafront on Riba Pitxot (try suquet de peix or a simple grilled fish). Stroll the promenade to admire the contrast between fishermen’s cottages and the Indiano façades, including the blue-tiled Casa Serinyana; a quick dip at Platja Gran if it’s warm.
• Afternoon: Take a short boat trip for the classic bay panorama (best in calm conditions) or walk up to the cemetery for a roofscape of slate and terracotta. Photographers: scout compositions for golden hour when the whitewash glows.
• Evening: Join the passeig for a pre-dinner vermut, then dine at a family-run spot in the old town. If the Tramuntana is howling, choose a cosy interior; otherwise linger on a terrace and watch the harbour lights.

Day 2: Portlligat, Dalí and the wild edges of Cap de Creus

Today pivots between intimate, curated views and raw coastal drama. Bookings and wind forecasts matter: secure Dalí House-Museum tickets well ahead and carry a windproof layer for the headland.

• Morning: Walk 15 minutes to Portlligat for a timed visit at the Dalí House-Museum (arrive 15–20 minutes early; tickets often sell out weeks in advance). Note the way windows frame the bay and how the house stitches together old fishermen’s huts; if tickets are gone, take the olive-grove path opposite for elevated views of the house and cove.
• Midday: Simple lunch in Portlligat or a picnic on the rocks; consider a guided kayak to hidden coves for a sea-level perspective (only if winds are light; check conditions locally). In high summer, avoid the midday sun and take a brief siesta.
• Afternoon: Head to the Cap de Creus lighthouse via the seasonal shuttle (late Jun–early Sep; otherwise drive carefully and park sparingly). Walk short signed paths to viewpoints and the Tudela loop to see rock forms that inspired Dalí; carry water, hat and sturdy footwear—there’s little shade.
• Evening: Stay for sunset at the lighthouse for vast sea-and-sky colour, then dinner either at the lighthouse terrace (book in peak season) or back in town. If driving after dark, take the hairpins slowly; when the shuttle runs, it’s the safer option.

Day 3: Coastal paths, quiet chapels and modern traditions

Slow the pace and let the landscape do the talking. Choose a hike in the morning cool, then weave in lesser-known sites and a final evening devoted to light and seafood.

• Morning: Hike the Camí de Ronda to Cala Nans lighthouse (about 5 km return from Sa Conca; 1.5–2 hours with photo stops). Swim at pebbly Sa Sabolla below the lighthouse if seas are calm; alternative for strong hikers: ascend Puig de Paní for the widest panorama over town, Portlligat and the peninsula.
• Midday: Return for a relaxed lunch in the old town; taste local anchovies and olive oil. Many shops close for siesta—use the lull to visit the quiet nave of Santa Maria again or browse small galleries without crowds.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sant Baldiri hermitage and surrounding dry-stone terraces, or drive/walk into the Paratge de Tudela if you skipped it yesterday. Architecture fans: take an exterior-only circuit to spot mid‑20th‑century houses in the hills by Correa and Milà—observe respectfully from public ways; do not enter private property.
• Evening: Watch your final sunset from Platja des Poal or the south promenade with the town fully lit by the setting sun. Celebrate with a seafood dinner and a slow gelato stroll; in winter, swap terraces for a snug bar and enjoy the Tramuntana-cleared, starry skies.

Notes for all days:

• Arrive early June–September to find car park space; the historic centre is effectively pedestrian-only.
• Carry water, sun protection and a light windbreaker year-round; trails are rocky and exposed.
• In shoulder seasons, light is at its most forgiving, crowds thin, and bookings (except Dalí) are easier.

By Air

• Girona–Costa Brava (GRO): approx. 75–85 km; 1 hr 15–30 min by car. Public transport via Girona city (airport bus to Girona, then train/bus to Figueres + Moventis Sarfa bus to Cadaqués); allow 2–3 hrs total.
• Barcelona–El Prat (BCN): approx. 180 km; 2 hr 30–3 hr by car. Public transport via Barcelona (Aerobús or train into the city, then Moventis Sarfa bus from Estació del Nord to Cadaqués); 3–3 hr 30 min+.
• Perpignan–Rivesaltes, France (PGF): approx. 90 km; 1 hr 30–1 hr 45 min by car. Limited public transport; best by hire car or taxi combo via Figueres.

By Train

• No rail station in Cadaqués. Nearest: Figueres (regional) and Figueres–Vilafant (high-speed AVE/AVANT).
• From Barcelona Sants to Figueres–Vilafant: 55–60 min (AVE). From Girona to Figueres–Vilafant: 14–25 min.
• Onward to Cadaqués: Moventis Sarfa bus from Figueres bus station (1 hr 10–1 hr 30) or taxi (45–60 min).

By Bus

• Barcelona (Estació del Nord) → Cadaqués: direct Moventis Sarfa services; approx. 3–3 hr 15 min, several daily (more in summer).
• Girona → Cadaqués: Moventis Sarfa (usually via Figueres/Roses); approx. 1 hr 45–2 hr.
• Figueres → Cadaqués: Moventis Sarfa; approx. 1 hr 10–1 hr 30.
• Note: services are seasonal/frequency-dependent—check timetables in advance.

By Car

• From Barcelona: AP-7 (E-15) to exit for Figueres → C-260 towards Roses → GI-614 to Cadaqués. Approx. 2 hr 30 (170 km). Final 14 km (GI-614) is a narrow, winding mountain road—allow extra time in summer.
• From Girona: AP-7 north → C-260 → GI-614. Approx. 1 hr 15–1 hr 30 (75–85 km).
• From France (via Perpignan): A9/AP-7 south → exits for Figueres → C-260 → GI-614. Approx. 1 hr 30–1 hr 45.
• Parking: large paid car parks at the town entrance; the historic centre is effectively pedestrian—park and walk 10–15 min.

By Taxi/Transfer

• Widely available from Girona, Figueres, and Barcelona. Figueres–Cadaqués typically 45–60 min; pre-book in peak season.

By Boat (seasonal)

• Summer boat services link Roses/Cap de Creus and Cadaqués (day-trip style). Useful for excursions, not guaranteed for point-to-point travel outside peak season.