Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains in the province of Girona, Cadaqués is a white pearl on the Costa Brava, ideal for a family holiday. Here, art galleries, wild coves, fine restaurants and the indelible mark left by Salvador Dalí offer an authentic experience for the whole family. This guide brings together the best ideas for discovering Cadaqués in a different way, combining culture, gastronomy and nature. For those planning a stay, Villanovo offers a curated collection of villas to rent in Cadaqués with personalised services.
With its white houses, cobbled streets and blue shutters, Cadaqués embodies Catalan authenticity. A former fishing port, the centre of Cadaqués stretches around a peaceful bay lined with terraces and colourful boats. The nearby Cap de Creus peninsula offers a unique rocky shoreline that has inspired many of the greatest artists, including André Dérain, Pablo Picasso, Paul Eluard and Federico Garcia Lorca.
Just 50 kms from the French Border, Cadaqués enjoys a pleasant climate, conducive to contemplation, for much of the year. The best time to visit Cadaqués is in May to October, when the weather is warm, and not too hot. The winters are cooler and mostly dry, though windy. The light is soft, the shaded terraces inviting, and the horizon always open to the Mediterranean from the village's impressive Santa Maria church.
It is impossible to talk about Cadaqués without mentioning Salvador Dalí, the avant-garde artist who found refuge and inspiration there. His House-Museum in Portlligat, within walking distance of the village, reveals an intimate world between surrealism and everyday life. Do not miss the building's dome-shaped cupola, the mirror effects and the exceptional views of the sea.
To extend the Dalí experience beyond the centre of Cadaqués, art lovers should head to Figueres, about an hour's drive away. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself in his hometown, is a spectacular immersion into his imagination. With its theatrical, visual and playful nature, this is the perfect place is an ideal gateway to the world of modern art, even for children.
Less well known but equally fascinating, Púbol Castle completes the ‘Dalí triangle’. Given by Salvador Dalí to Gala, his muse, this intimate, romantic castle is a wonderful way to explore the Catalan hinterland and towns in the Alt Empordà region, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, and introduce children to art.
Cadaqués has a beach promenade that makes its in-town beaches easily accessible. Around Cadaqués, walking trails bring you to the heart of nature and beautiful coves. The Camí de Ronda, an iconic coastal trail, connects secret bays with spectacular views: Cala Nans, Cala Culip and the Cap de Creus lighthouse.
These walks are suitable for families, provided you wear suitable footwear. Here you can discover a wilder side of the Costa Brava, ideal for a picnic by the water or a peaceful swim.
The Cadaqués sailing club offers dinghy sailing and paddleboard lessons suitable for children and teenagers. Kayaks are also available for hire to explore the bay of Cadaqués at your leisure. For lovers of the sea, Villanovo's concierge service can arrange a private sailing trip at sunset: a special moment to create family memories.
On land, pottery and art workshops run by locals welcome young and old alike to discover the crafts and lifestyle of the Costa Brava with local artists. Villanovo can also organise private guided tours, ideal for families, to explore Cadaqués and its surroundings at your own pace.
Cadaqués is also a gourmet destination, with plenty of restaurants to please every palate. These three restaurants that stand out for their exceptional settings and cuisine: Compartir, Es Baluard and Talla. You can also discover more amazing restaurants on the Costa Brava.
Between walks, locals like to stop for ice cream or at a terrace at a tapas bar on the shaded narrow streets.
Our clients and our team of specialists in Cadaqués recommend the following for your family holiday:
Our characterful villas on the Costa Brava are selected for their charm and prime locations: Cadaqués, Begur, Tamariu, Lloret de Mar and Llafranc. With private pools, sea views, large gardens and beach access, each house embodies discreet, natural luxury. The perfect places for a holiday with your loved ones. For those who wish to combine a seaside retreat with the vibrancy of the city, we also offer luxury villas near Barcelona as well as elegant apartments in the heart of the city.
To help you find the perfect place for your stay, our destination specialists are on hand to guide you towards the villa or apartment that best matches your wishes.
Thanks to our concierge service, you can enjoy a stay that is tailored to your desires: private chef, guided tours of museums or the wild coast at Cap de Creus Natural Park, boat trips, wellness treatments, or children's workshops. Upon arrival, a personalised travel diary will guide you to our favourite places and hidden gems on the Costa Brava.