“My Cadaqués Journal”

Each year, Vanessa takes us to one of her favorite destinations for her summer capsule collection. This summer, we’re heading to Cadaqués, a quaint village in the north of Catalonia.

Discover Vanessa’s inspirations, impressions, and styling tips for packing the perfect suitcase: simple, feminine, and effortless.

“Cadaqués holds a special resonance for me. My father spent time there when he was younger with my mother, and my brother later made it his summer refuge. I followed their recommendations and favorite spots. Cadaqués has remained preserved from the rest of the Catalan coast, protected by untamed nature, almost isolated, and steeped in artistic mythology, particularly through Salvador Dalí. In the same way I imagine and design my collections, I pack my suitcase instinctively and functionally, with pieces that are easy to wear and mix together. I always add a few standout pieces too, bringing that sense of fantasy that belongs to holidays.”

WHERE TO STAY

Because Cadaqués is protected by the surrounding natural park, the development of large hotels remains limited, a constraint that preserves the village’s intimacy. Visitors tend to stay in small white fishermen’s houses scattered around the village center, many of which can be found on Airbnb.

Can Set Cadaqués - Pl. des Portitxó, 8 

For those wanting to indulge, the boutique hotel Set overlooks the iconic Casa Blaua, a landmark house from the 20th century. Right in the center, with a café downstairs and just steps from the beach and shops - ideal for night owls. 

Hotel Cala Joncols - Carretera Cala Joncols, s/n, 17480 Roses, Spain

Recommended by my brother, Hotel Cala Jóncols sits away from Cadaqués, immersed in nature in Cap de Creus. No noise, no network - perfect to truly disconnect.

Hotel Llane Petit - Carrer del Doctor Bartomeus, 37

The ideal balance: tucked away while still remaining close to the village, this hotel offers direct access to a quieter beach of the same name. Minimal interiors designed to rest your mind.

WHERE TO WANDER… 

In nature: Paratge de Tudela 

Forty minutes from Cadaqués, this walk through the Cap de Creus Natural Park immerses you in almost lunar landscapes that likely inspired Salvador Dalí. Among wind-sculpted rocks, you can distinguish different mythological shapes. End the walk with a vermouth by the lighthouse at the Cap de Creus restaurant.

For culture: Casa Dalí 

Only a 17-minute walk from Cadaqués, Salvador Dalí’s house in Port Lligat is an essential stop. Following the coastline, its white silhouettes topped with giant eggs and sculpted heads gradually emerge in the landscape. Inside, layers of collected objects create a deeply arty-bohemian universe shaped by Gala’s tastes and sensibility.

WHERE TO DINE, THE CATALAN WAY

Es Racó - Carrer del Dr. Callís, 3

A place recommended by my mother and confirmed by locals. Slightly hidden, with a terrace opening onto the sea, it’s the perfect place for a simple dinner centered around exceptional produce. We spent our first evening there - ideal for embracing the generosity of Catalan cuisine, especially the rice dishes made to share.

Talla - Riba Pitxot, 18

 A more inventive menu, still rooted in Catalan culinary heritage. Known for its terrace, we were lucky enough to get a table. A true surprise in both the precision of the dishes and the level of gastronomy for such a reasonable price. Our recommendation: the perfectly cooked cod.

Xiringuito La Sal -  Avinguda Victor Rahola, 25

The beach shack turned institution. Here, the scorpion fish, a local specialty, is prepared whole and served in two parts: first the head, fried until crisp, then the rest of the fish baked in the oven. A true ballet of waiters accompanies the service. Marcel, who looked after our table, shared his favorite Cadaqués addresses with us, many of which made it into this guide.

Casa Nun -  Pl. des Portitxó, 6

We didn’t dine there, but the address came up repeatedly among local recommendations. The team welcomed us for coffee and showed us around before evening service.

WHERE TO HAVE A DRINK

Bar Casino -  Plaça Doctor Trèmols, 1

Bar Casino feels frozen in time. Founded by the Societat l’Amistat at the end of the 19th century, it remains the village’s main meeting point. Facing the sea, regulars spill onto the sidewalks by the end of the day - perhaps the true epicenter of Cadaqués.

Café de la Habana - Carrer del Doctor Bartomeus, 2

Although we went on a Monday evening, you could already sense the livelier atmosphere of summer nights. Expect live music and a blend of Mediterranean and Latin American influences.

Brown Sugar - Carrer Vigilant, S/N

Hidden on a quieter street away from the center, this bar won us over with its warm welcome. 

Can Set Cadaquès -  Pl. des Portitxó, 8

On the ground floor of the hotel mentioned above, sit beneath the olive tree and enjoy a local vermouth with green olives and pan con tomate, if you’re not tired of it yet.

Mut -  Plaça del Dr. Pont, 12

A place recommended to us several times. This small café sits on a pleasant square, perfect for an early evening aperitif.

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE… 

Pastisseria Can Cabrisas -  Plaça Doctor Trèmols, 8

Here you’ll find the local specialty, Taps Dolços de Cadaqués, small soft cakes perfect with coffee. The eye is also drawn to chocolates shaped like sea urchins and mussels.

Carnisseria Serraplà - Carrer del Dr. Callís, 12

For something savory, this delicatessen offers a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, to enjoy standing around a barrel table or packed for a beach picnic.

Joia -  Riba des Poal, 1

An artisanal ice cream stand made for strolling along the village’s squares and beaches.

WHERE TO FIND SOUVENIRS…

Paz Vieyra Jewels -  Carrer del Dr. Callís, 19

An independent jewelry boutique run by designer Paz Vieyra. I was drawn to the simplicity of the pieces, inspired by the shapes and textures of the surrounding nature. Every jewel is handmade directly in the shop. A favorite: a crescent-shaped necklace that Paz described as a representation of the sun.

N°7 -  Carrer de l'Església, 3

A boutique run by stylist Belén Casadevall, born in Cadaqués. I loved her approach: understated and relaxed pieces with just the right detail. Cool souvenirs paying tribute to the village.

Colmado -  Carrer del Dr. Callís, 12

Impossible to miss with its bright red storefront. Inside, rugs and a curated selection of artisanal souvenirs.

WHERE TO RECHARGE…  

Neil, masseur - Carrer de ses Hortes, 3

If you enjoy massages, Neil came highly recommended. He gave me thoughtful and very personal advice, “and above all, rest.” Advice I’m passing on to you too.

WHERE TO SWIM…

It’s impossible to imagine a stay in Cadaqués without spending time by the sea. Here are a few beaches recommended by locals we met along the way. One tip: bring water shoes, the rocks are often home to sea urchins.

Boquelles, Es Jonquet, Sa Sabolla, Sant Lluís, Sa Conca, Es Pianc