Cadaques
The little town where this adventure began for us. I think there will always be a special fondness for Cadaques. The drive up and over the hills from Roses to Cadaques is full of tight turns and bikers! Find the large public parking lot, then head right down the cobblestone roads towards the water from there. Cadaques is a perfect little European vacation town. Enjoy!
In some respects, it is a quiet little tourist town, and in others, a very lively one. During European holidays and summer, it will be bustling.
Order a cortado at Bar Meliton. Have a cocktail right on the water at Maritime Bar, where likely Hemingway, Picasso, and Dali shared a drink. Enjoy the local vibe at Bar Casino. Try Restaurant Casa Pilar for lunch or dinner, and then walk up the road to Els Millasson, selling the pastry of the same name, also called a gâteau millasson, for a most delicious little French/Catalan dessert like a dense custard or flan, similar to Crema Catalana. You should also enjoy a Crema Catalana here in Cadaques or anywhere it's offered. You can skip the Taps de Cadaques, a light sponge cake typically served with rum and flambeed. In my opinion, they're dry, and Crema Catalana or Brazo Gitano is much better!
Next, wander around the cobblestone roads of Old Town. You'll find shops along the way, be sure to head up to the church, Santa Maria, at the high point of Cadaques. It's a landmark of the city. While the exterior looks humble, it hides a remarkable Baroque altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin inside. It was built in the 13th century and was set on fire in 1543 during raids by Saracen pirates. In the 16th century, the fishermen of Cadaques contributed to the rebuilding of it in the new late-Gothic style. It was finally consecrated in 1642. During the Spanish War in 1938, a wall was built in front of the altarpiece to protect it, and the rest of the church housed prisoners of war.
Walk along the coastal road in either direction for more shops, restaurants, and great views, or with a little more time, try one of the options below.
1. Walk to Port Lligat Beach and visit the Dalí House Museum (book reservations in advance).
2. Continue on to the shuttle parking lot for Cap de Creus Natural Park and the delicious Cap de Creus restaurant. Hike in the nature reserve, check out the wildlife and the sea in all the coves, and then find the Easternmost Point of the Iberian Peninsula.
3. Or hike out to the island over the Pont des Sortell, and for even more hiking, jump on the Cami de Ronda trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/spain/catalonia/cami-de-ronda
The Cami de Ronda also meanders through Cadaques.
https://www.spain.info/en/hiking-trails/cami-ronda-costa-brava/
