There are several theories about the etymology of Cadaqués, but the most probable is that its name comes from the expression "Cabo de Quers" (Cape of Rocks in Catalan). With a privileged location in the eastern part of the Cap de Creus peninsula, the first settlers of this magical corner of the Mediterranean were the Iberian peoples thousands of years ago.
Over the centuries, different civilisations such as the Etruscans and Egyptians have left their mark on Cadaqués. Later, the Greeks and Romans arrived on what is now the Catalan coast and probably taught fishing and nautical techniques that have survived in the Cadaqués area to this day.
Where to stay in Cadaqués? We have a luxury villa available that offers a panoramic view of the sea and Port Lligat, notably Dalí's house.
When we talk about Cadaqués, it is impossible not to mention the name of one of the most renowned painters of the 20th century: Salvador Dalí. Born in Figueras (Girona), Dalí began his love affair with Cadaqués in 1930, the year he started working regularly in this magical enclave by the Mediterranean.
Despite living in many major international cities, Salvador Dalí always maintained a faithful relationship with his beloved Cadaqués, where he used to spend long summer periods. He received visits from illustrious artists of international renown, including the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca in April 1925.
The Catalan surrealist painter is not the only one who was captivated by the great beauty of this village in Alt Empordà. Other contemporary painters like Picasso, Magritte, Max Ernst, as well as writers like Federico Garcia Lorca, Josep Pla, and Eugeni d'Ors, also visited this gem of the Costa Brava. Cadaqués, on the Costa Brava, is a must-visit place to get to know the life and work of the surrealist genius Salvador Dalí.
In Cadaqués, you will be amazed by the former house of the surrealist painting genius, Salvador Dalí. This collection of fishermen's huts known as the Portlligat House-Museum forms a true labyrinth, modified by Dalí for 40 years to become his incredible residence-studio.
The construction of the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Cadaqués began in 1930 when the painter settled in an old fisherman's hut in Port Lligat and spent 40 years building what would become his home in Cadaqués.
It is recommended to book in advance on the official museum website due to the high number of visitors, especially during the peak season.
Moreover, Cadaqués is a charming town on the Costa Brava, where you can enjoy swimming while contemplating its small white houses facing the sea and experiencing the tranquility and light that inspired Dalí so much. Cadaqués is probably the most remarkable and famous town on the Costa Brava.
In addition to the House-Museum dedicated to the Catalan painter, it is highly recommended to visit other architecturally valuable buildings such as the Santa Maria Church, built to replace the previous one destroyed by the pirate Barbarossa. Likewise, the old city walls of Cadaqués and the unmissable Cadaqués promenade are visits not to be missed.
Accessing Cadaqués can be challenging for travelers who are not used to winding roads. For those with their own car or a rental car, the town has only one road access via the GI-614.
The most recommended option for international tourists is to fly to Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) or Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is much less crowded with international flights. If you plan to visit the town from France, you can also fly to Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport and then continue the journey by car, which takes about an hour and a half.
Immerse yourself in the realm of refined luxury escapes as we invite you to explore our latest article, which reveals the charms of Girona and its select group of luxury farmhouses, popularly known as masias.
