Right off the bat, I’m going to try to sell you on the idea of turning this day trip you’re planning into a weekend getaway. I know, I know, that’s not why you came to this post but hear me out (i.e., read the post). After realizing how gorgeous, how special, how fun Cadaques is, you’ll just want more time. So go ahead and make a weekend of it. You’re welcome. If you absolutely can’t, then you’re still in the right place. Cadaques really is the best day trip from Barcelona!
Cadaques is the white-washed, quaint seaside town in Costa Brava, not far from Roses. Aside from the incredible beauty, Cadaques is probably most known for being home to Salvador Dali for a time. Here you can find excellent food, beautiful art and architecture, and a very adorable collection of cats that roam the streets.
How To Get To Cadaques
First things first, whether you’re coming from Barcelona, Girona, or straight from your home country you’ve got just a couple of options. There is no train into Cadaques, so plan to either drive or take the bus. 
BY CAR: By far the simplest route is to drive to town. From Barcelona, you’re looking at about two hours and from Girona, about 30 minutes. As you might imagine a drive-through Costa Brava is sure to be beautiful.
When you arrive you have a few options to park the car. Of course, your hotel or accommodation may provide spots but if not you have the Saba Public Parking Lot near the bus station or the lot next to Hotel Villa Gala. There are a couple more options further from the town center but both listed here are an easy walk to wherever you’re staying in town.
BY BUS (AND TRAIN): As I mentioned, there is no train into town, but you do have the option of a bus or combo bus/train routes.
FROM BARCELONA, you have two main options.
- Option 1 – You can take the daily Moventis bus that departs midday from Barcelona Nord direct to Cadaqués. This will run you about €25 each way. There is a second departure on weekdays at 7 PM. You can buy your tickets online from the Moventis website (which is in Spanish) or at the station. You do not buy them on board.
- Option 2 – Alternatively, you can take a train from Barcelona to Figueres, then a bus from Figueres to Cadaques. This option takes a bit longer but will save you some euro.
- For this route, take the Renfe train from Barcelona Sant Andreu Comtal to Figueres (€12 one way), then walk across the street to the bus station and catch the Moventis bus from Figueres to Cadaques (€3 one way). Be sure you are getting a train to Figueres Station and NOT Figueres Vilafant Station. The latter will have you walking half an hour across town or trying to catch the city bus. We know from experience and do not recommend it.
FROM GERONA, you can take the Moventis bus that runs every weekday at 1 PM from Girona Correos to Cadaques for €11 one way. The trip takes about 1h 45m.
Things To Do in Cadaques: Museums, Architecture, and Activities
Whether it’s for one day or one week you’ll certainly want to do more than just stare at the beautiful vistas…right? Maybe not. Once that gets boring you can move on to explore several fun things to do in Cadaques and the immediate area. 
- SALVADOR DALI HOUSE: Cadaques has attracted dozens of famous artists over the years but none as well-known at Salvador Dali. Born in nearby Figueres, he spent many years living here in Cadaques. You can even find the town’s influence in some of his works. His home is now a beautiful museum and olive grove that you can explore. Entrance times vary by season, so be sure to check online. Tickets are around €14, with discounts available for students, kids, and seniors.
- SANTA MARIA DE CADAQUES: Perched on the highest point in Cadaques, and dating back to the 13th century, sits the gorgeous cathedral of Santa Maria de Cadaques. Our visit here was a highlight of our weekend in Cadaques. While we were there we met the most delightful local who we assumed to be a sort of caretaker of the church. He took us on a tour of sorts and we marveled at the incredible altarpiece that is the showstopper of the cathedral. You can get some of the best views in front of the church and exploring the nave is a free and quick stop, so don’t miss it!
- FAR DE CALA NANS: Take a beautiful walk to this tiny lighthouse for some fresh coastal air and even more of those gorgeous views! The walk from town along the water takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re not in a hurry stop along the way at the Mirador lookout or Sa Sabolla beach.
- SUNBATHE OR PICNIC ON THE BEACH: The beaches in Costa Brava are not the super-soft sand you might find in Barcelona or elsewhere but they are great for hanging out in the warm Spanish sun, watching the boats come and go. In town, you have Platja Gran or Platja Port d’Alguer. Further out of the town center are Platja es Llaner Gran or Platja de Sortell.
Get Out of Town: Things to Do Just Outside Cadaques
If you’ve got a car or want to grab a taxi there are several excellent options to fill your day. Whether you’re looking to get your blood pumping with a hike or sip the finest wines Girona has to offer, you are in for a great time. 
- HIKE AT FAR DE CAP DE CREUS: Just a 20 minutes drive from Cadaques, Cap De Creus is a stunningly beautiful peninsula featuring a lighthouse and several hiking trails. Plan to start somewhere near the lighthouse (Far de Cap de Creus) and take any number of the trails nearby. Most of them lead to different small beaches around the area. If hiking isn’t your thing, there is a restaurant at the lighthouse and you could simply grab a drink and enjoy the hilltop ambiance.
- EXPLORE THE EMPORDÁ WINE REGION: Did you know Girona is home it’s own official wine region, known as Empordá? Well, if you love rosé you are in luck! Known for producing the summery, pink drink (although there are a lot more varieties to try) Empordá is filled with seaside vineyards and romantic cellars like Cellar Martin Faixo, La Vinyeta, Mas Estela, or Masia Serra. If you’re looking to turn this day trip into a romantic getaway, it’s as easy as renting a car and going for a drive through the vineyards.
Where to Eat in Cadaques: The Best Restaurants in Cadaques
Cadaques is a gem of town for so many reasons but did you know it’s also home to some truly excellent dining options? Dining out in Cadaques can be a bit pricey, so bake that into your budget, but it is certainly worth it. Here is just a sampling, a tasting if you will, of the delicious bites and eats in Cadaques.
- Compartir ($$$) – Go ahead and make that reservation because this fine dining establishment is the hottest plate in town. They are doing some special things with seafood at this spot! As the name suggests (meaning “to share”) these plates are designed to be enjoyed together. Fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and an airy courtyard to boot – you can’t go wrong!
- El Gato Azul ($$) – Our favorite place in town by far! We went twice in two days. A casual ambiance and DELISH food (we recommend the falafel), this is a special place run by the sweetest people. Come a little early if you want one of the two outdoor tables, or sit inside for the great ambiance and the most eclectic playlist I’ve heard at a restaurant.
- El Barroco ($$) – With an atmosphere like this place, it’s no wonder El Barroco has attracted artists and special guests of all kinds over its many decades in Cadaques. Famously beloved by Dali himself, this Lebanese restaurant serves up gorgeous dishes in a lush, green space that screams vacation to me.
- Embolic ($) – Tucked away on a side street, this is the perfect casual spot for something a bit lighter. If you’re meat-free, as we usually are, you’ll find several good options here. We recommend Embolic for a delicious light lunch.
- Restaurant Mama Aicha ($$) – This Halal restaurant with a mostly Morrocan menu dishes up couscous and tagine fit for Marrakech! A cozy family-run place, this is a great dinner spot for when you’ve had your refill of Spanish tapas.
Where to Stay in Cadaques: The Best Hotels in Cadaques
You started out planning a day trip and have quickly realized you need more of Costa Brava’s best town! Stay awhile. Cadaques isn’t an especially large town so expect accommodations to reflect that. At first look, I was afraid we’d be staying in a rinky-dink motel type place. What is labeled as 2 stars in Cadaques, in our opinion, is usually far better than expected!
- Boutique Hotel Villa Gala (4 stars, $200+ per night) – Beautifully appointed rooms and well located, the Villa Gala is the perfect place for upscale accommodation in Cadaques. There is even a pool for lounging the afternoon away.
- Hotel Playa Sol (4 stars, $200+ per night) – This beachfront spot is larger and boasts an olive grove onsite. With a pool large enough for everyone to enjoy this is a great spot for families or those looking to spend a bit more time on the property.
- Hotel Ubaldo (1 star, $65+ per night) – We chose the Hotel Ubaldo for our stay in Cadaques and couldn’t be happier. It’s location was perfectly between the bus station and the beach. We think it was more of a 2-and-a half star place and would absolutely stay again.
- Tramuntana Hotel (2 stars, $100+ per night) – Beautiful, coastal design and just down the street from our favorite cafe, El Gato Azul. The hotel has a garden and a terrace, and there is a shared lounge where you can relax with a drink. This would be a top choice for us for a second trip.
Of course, there are dozens more hotel and hostel options as well as AirBnBs so be sure to find just what works for you!
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Jordan and I really feel Cadaques is the best town in Costa Brava and the perfect day (or weekend) trip from Barcelona. We still talk about how wonderful it was, more than a year later. Stroll the whitewashed streets, enjoy some excellent seafood, and get your hike on while you admire the gorgeous “Rough Coast”.
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