Free walking tours in Cadaqués and what to see

Must-sees

Cadaqués is a fishing village on the Costa Brava, inside Cap de Creus Natural Park. Its old town is a cluster of white houses and cobbled streets climbing to the church of Santa Maria, which has a large Baroque altarpiece inside. From the top you can see the whole bay. Below, the promenade by the beach gathers terraces, boats on the sand and a statue of Salvador Dalí.

A short walk away, in the cove of Portlligat, is the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, the home where the painter lived and worked for decades. Visits are in small groups and it is best to book ahead. The Cap de Creus lighthouse, the easternmost point of the peninsula, looks over a landscape of wind-sculpted rocks. Nearby coves such as Es Poal and Sa Conca have clear water and rocky seabeds.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours are rare in Cadaqués because of its small size. The most interesting options are guided activities: the visit to Dalí's house in Portlligat, boat or kayak trips around the coves of Cap de Creus and walks along the coastal path to the lighthouse. An excursion to the so-called Dalí triangle, with the Theatre-Museum in Figueres and Púbol castle, is also worthwhile, as is a visit to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and the ruins of Empúries.

How long to spend

One day is enough to see the village and Dalí's house, although it is better to stay at least one night to enjoy it without the coming and going of day visitors. With two or three days you can add Cap de Creus, a cove or two and a trip to Figueres or Sant Pere de Rodes. In summer the village fills up and parking is difficult, so spring and autumn are good times to go.

Where to stay

It is best to stay in the village itself, in the old town or near the seafront, so you can walk everywhere and enjoy Cadaqués when the day visitors leave. Portlligat is quieter and right next to Dalí's house. Accommodation is limited and prices rise in summer, so book early. Roses and Figueres are cheaper alternatives, although the access road is winding and takes time.