Cadaqués waits on the far side of Cap de Creus: a white fishing village forever linked to Salvador Dalí. We’re not a scheduled service or a ferry; from Roses we take you on a private excursion, skirting cliffs and stopping in coves to swim before we reach the village.
What Cadaqués is and why it’s worth the trip
Cadaqués is a coastal village of whitewashed houses rising from the shore to the Church of Santa Maria. Narrow lanes, art galleries, fishing boats in the bay and a calm, bohemian feel, far from crowded beach tourism.
Its character revolves around Salvador Dalí, who lived right next door in Portlligat. Walking through Cadaqués means breathing in the landscape that shaped the artist.
Dalí, Portlligat and the village
The Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, a stone’s throw from Cadaqués, was his home and studio: singular architecture, extended over the years, with views of Cap de Creus. It’s worth checking opening times and booking ahead in high season.
In the village, wander unhurried up to the Church of Santa Maria, step into the galleries and eat fresh fish on a terrace facing the sea. Cadaqués’ charm lies in its calm.
How to get there by boat from Roses (private excursion)
By sea you sail skirting the Cap de Creus Natural Park: cliffs, coves and clear water, no road and no noise. On our private excursion it’s just your group and a skipper who knows these waters; we stop at coves like Guillola or Jugadora to swim and snorkel, and in Cadaqués you have time for the village before heading back.
It’s an open-sea crossing of just over an hour each way, depending on conditions. With the stops for swimming, the outing takes up a good part of the day.
With a skipper, tramuntana and best season
For Cadaqués we recommend a licensed boat or a skipper-led excursion: it’s about 20 km across open sea and Cap de Creus demands experience. Licence-free rental is for the bay’s nearby coves, not this route.
The tramuntana can raise the sea quickly; we check the forecast and, if it’s blowing hard, we change the plan or the date. The best season runs May to September.
Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Cadaqués by boat from Roses?
Yes, skirting the Cap de Creus Natural Park. It’s not a scheduled service: it’s a private excursion, your group alone, with a skipper and at your pace.
How long is the crossing?
Just over an hour each way, depending on sea conditions. With stops in coves to swim, the outing takes up a good part of the day.
Do I need a licence or a skipper?
For this route we recommend a licensed boat or a skipper: it’s open sea with distance to cover. Licence-free rental is reserved for the bay’s nearby coves.
What is there to see in Cadaqués?
The old town and the Church of Santa Maria, the art galleries, the beach and, very close by, the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat.