Hotel Octavia
Cadaqués - Sant Vicençs, s/n
This smart hotel enjoys a privileged setting in the charming fishing town of Cadaqués the home of Salvador Dalí, on the beautiful Costa Brava coastline.
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Nestled in a sheltered bay on the Catalan Costa Brava, Cadaqués is a picturesque fishing village that has managed to preserve its Mediterranean charm intact. With its characteristic white houses clinging to the hills and narrow cobbled streets sloping down to the sea, this village attracted many artists during the last century, first and foremost Salvador Dalí.
Its bohemian atmosphere can still be felt today as you stroll through the alleys of the old town, where art galleries alternate with fish restaurants and cafés overlooking the crystal clear sea. Its isolated location at the end of the Cap de Creus, Spain’s most easterly promontory, has helped to preserve its authenticity, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more intimate and authentic Costa Brava.
Cadaqués is a village that invites slow discovery, where getting lost in the alleys is part of the experience. Its main attractions can be visited in a couple of days, but the real pleasure lies in savouring its relaxed pace and the artistic atmosphere that permeates every corner.
The centre is a maze of picturesque alleyways where you can breathe in the most authentic atmosphere of Cadaqués. Its white houses with blue doors, flower-filled balconies and steep stairways offer endless photo opportunities. Here you will also find some of the village’s most characteristic restaurants, where you can savour local cuisine in a genuine atmosphere.
At the highest point of the old town, the Church of Santa María dominates the skyline of Cadaqués with its imposing white façade. Built in the 16th century in Catalan Gothic style, this church is one of the best examples of religious architecture on the Costa Brava. Its gilded Baroque altar, one of the largest in Catalonia, is a breathtaking work of art. It is worth climbing up to the church not only to admire its architecture, but also to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay and the village at its foot.
In Port Lligat, a hamlet of Cadaqués that can be reached by a pleasant 20-minute walk along the coast, is the house-museum of Salvador Dalí. This peculiar dwelling, which the surrealist genius built by combining several fishermen’s houses over the course of 40 years, offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s life. Each room is a work of art in itself, with surreal elements blending with everyday objects.
The garden overlooking the sea and the lip-shaped swimming pool are just some of the extravagances that make this home unique. Visits require advance booking and are limited to small groups.
Do not confuse it with Dali’s House Museum in Figueres.
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Costa Brava. This rocky promontory, shaped by the tramontana wind, offers lunar scenery with rock formations that look like natural sculptures. The Cap de Creus lighthouse, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, can be reached by car or by a challenging but rewarding trek.
From the lighthouse there is a breathtaking view of the rugged coastline and on a clear day, the Balearic Islands can be seen.
The coast of Cadaqués, with its crystal-clear waters and hidden coves, is a major attraction for visitors. The jagged coastline of the Cap de Creus creates a succession of small coves (bays) that offer diverse and evocative bathing experiences.
To best explore the coves of Cadaqués, it is advisable to rent a kayak or join a boat excursion. Many of the most beautiful coves can only be reached by sea. During the high season (July and August), it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to find a place in the most popular coves. It is always a good idea to bring rock shoes, as many beaches are rocky.
Playa Grande is the town’s main beach, located right in the centre of Cadaqués. With its gradually sloping seabed and calm waters, it is particularly suitable for families with children. The beach is equipped with parasols and sunbeds for hire during the summer season, and offers easy access to bars and restaurants. The mixed seabed of sand and pebbles is typical of the Costa Brava.
About a 20-minute walk from the centre, the cove of Port Lligat is a small sheltered bay with turquoise waters. This cove, located directly opposite Dalí’s house-museum, offers a more intimate atmosphere and breathtaking views. The sandy bottom and shallow waters make it ideal for snorkelling.
Cala Guillola is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, accessible by car or a scenic trek of about an hour. This wild cove offers crystal-clear waters and spectacular views of the Cap de Creus. It is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and unspoilt nature, but it is advisable to bring your own necessities as there are no services nearby.
The picturesque Cala sa Sabolla is a hidden gem, accessible only by sea or via a hiking trail of medium difficulty. The reward for the effort is a practically private cove with transparent waters and rocks shaped by the wind. It is the ideal place for snorkelling and escaping the summer crowds.
The area of Es Caials is home to several small rocky coves, perfect for snorkellers and divers. These hidden corners are less frequented and offer some of the best spots for observing the marine life of Cap de Creus.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The historical centre of Cadaqués is the ideal place to stay to fully immerse yourself in the village atmosphere. Here you will find small boutique hotels converted from old fishermen’s houses and tourist flats with sea views. The area of Es Poal, slightly outlying but still within walking distance of the centre, offers quieter and often cheaper accommodation. In high season, it is essential to book well in advance, as accommodation is limited and in high demand.
We offer a selection of hotels at Cadaqués to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Cadaqués, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Cadaqués. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Cadaqués are in high demand.
Cadaqués is located in the province of Girona, Catalonia, and can be reached mainly by land. Girona airport is about 75 km away and is the closest, followed by Barcelona-El Prat airport at 170 km. From both airports it is necessary to rent a car or use private transfer services, as public connections are limited. The last part of the route involves a scenic, winding road through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, adding a touch of adventure to the journey.
What's the weather at Cadaqués? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Cadaqués for the next few days.
Cadaqués is located at the eastern end of the Costa Brava in the province of Girona, Catalonia. The village is about 170 km from Barcelona and 75 km from Girona. Its isolated location on the Cap de Creus, which can only be reached via a scenic road through the natural park, makes it an exclusive destination. The French border is only 25 km away as the crow flies, making excursions to the nearby French Costa Vermiglia possible.
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