A whitewashed Costa Brava village that captivated Salvador Dalí
Cadaqués is a whitewashed fishing village on a rocky bay of the Costa Brava, tucked beyond the Cap de Creus headland in the far northeast of Catalonia. Its steep lanes of white houses, a hilltop church and a pebbly seafront have long drawn artists, most famously Salvador Dalí, who lived just around the bay in Portlligat. The surrounding Cap de Creus natural park is a dramatic landscape of wind-sculpted rock where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.
A fishing and seafaring village since the Middle Ages, Cadaqués was often raided by pirates, which is why its church sits fortified on the hill above the harbour. In the 20th century its remoteness and light attracted avant-garde artists and writers, and Salvador Dalí — whose family summered there — made his home in nearby Portlligat, drawing figures such as Picasso, Duchamp and Buñuel to the village. That artistic legacy, alongside fishing, still shapes the town today.
Best Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct · Avoid Jul–Aug (heat/crowds) — this reflects Spain's seasonal weather and crowds.
Schengen — 90 days visa-free (most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Spain government or embassy before you travel.
Euro (EUR). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Spanish is the primary language in Spain.
Dial 112 for emergencies in Spain.
Tap water here is generally rated "Tap safe". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type C/F. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Cadaqués on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 112. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Cadaqués and your government's current travel advisory before you go.