Cadaqués is undoubtedly the most emblematic village on the Costa Brava. Its immaculate white houses, its flower-filled lanes, its coves with turquoise waters, and its unbreakable link with Salvador Dalí make it an unmissable destination during any stay in Rosas. And good news: from our panoramic terrace flat or our Renovated flat in Canyelles Petites, Cadaqués is a 30-minute drive away. Here is everything you need to know to visit Cadaqués from Roses.
Roses → Cadaqués: how long?
The driving distance between Roses and Cadaqués is approximately 18 km, taking about 21 minutes. It's short, but the road is spectacular: it winds along the mountainside through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, with breathtaking views of the Bay of Roses and the Mediterranean.
⚠️ Attention: The road is narrow and winding, with many bends. Drive carefully and enjoy the scenery!
How to get to Cadaqués from Roses?
By car - The fastest
The car is the most practical way to visit Cadaqués from Roses, with a journey of around 21 minutes.
Parking advice: During peak season, it is practically impossible to park for free in Cadaqués, as the few public spaces are reserved for residents. Park in the paid car park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot – it is the best way to discover its streets anyway.
Parking advice: During peak season, it is practically impossible to park for free in Cadaqués, as the few public spaces are reserved for residents. Park in the paid car park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot – it is the best way to discover its streets anyway.By bus - Car-free
The Sarfa company offers direct buses between Roses and Cadaqués, with journeys taking approximately 28 minutes. It's an excellent option for avoiding the stress of parking.
- Company Moventis Sarfa
- Price: from £3
- Opening hours:
Moventis
Cycling - For sports enthusiasts
The road between Roses and Cadaqués is cyclable, with a round trip of approximately 38 km and 580 metres of positive elevation gain, taking about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in each direction. Reserved for cyclists in good physical condition!
By boat - The most romantic option
In summer, ferry services connect Roses to Cadaqués, and arriving by sea is a particularly pleasant experience. Enquire at the port of Roses during the season.
What to see in Cadaqués?
1. The Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat ⭐
It's the highlight of the show. Portlligat is very well known as it was the residence of Salvador Dalí for several years. You'll find a small fishing port and a well-preserved bay, as well as the painter's House-Museum.
The house museum is composed of a series of fishermen's huts structured in a labyrinthine manner. Here you can visit the painter's studio, the library, the bedrooms and the garden, filled with surrealist sculptures.
- Price: €15 full price, €12 reduced price
- Booking essential — the site often gets booked up, book in advance
- Bookings:
Salvador Dalí
⚠️ Portlligat is located 1 km north of the centre of Cadaqués, which is about a 20-minute walk.
2. The white alleyways of the historic centre
The old walls of Cadaqués and the unmissable seafront promenade are must-see attractions. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways, admire the whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea, and take a break at one of the terraces overlooking the sea.
3. St. Mary's Church
Santa Maria Church is a building of great architectural value, built to replace a previous one that was destroyed by the pirate Barbarossa. It overlooks the village from its promontory and offers a magnificent view of the bay.
4. The wild coves nearby
Cadaqués is surrounded by coves of wild beauty, accessible on foot or by kayak. The Cap de Creus Natural Park, which encompasses Cadaqués, is one of the most impressive on the Iberian Peninsula, with over 13,800 hectares of preserved nature where hiking, walking, and swimming are on the agenda.
- Official information:
Cap de Creus
5. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, as a bonus
If you wish to extend your day, Figueres is only 30 minutes from Cadaqués. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is a unique site in the world, a completely delirious museum-theatre that Dalí built to his own glory, transforming the town's former theatre into a sort of kitsch castle with pink walls, topped with eggs.
- Bookings:
Salvador Dalí
Where to have lunch in Cadaqués?
Cadaqués is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly its freshly caught fish and seafood. Enjoy a lunch break on a seafront terrace – the restaurants around Plaça de la Palmera are particularly well-situated with views of the bay.
Book your table in advance in July-August – the terraces are highly sought after and fill up quickly.
How much time should I allow?
| Duration | Programme |
|---|---|
| Half-day | Village visit, walk, swim in a cove |
| Full day | Village + Dalí House in Portlligat + lunch on the terrace |
| Day + Figueres | Village + Dalí House Museum + Dalí Theatre-Museum of Figueres |
🗺️ How to get to Cadaqués from Roses - Summary
| Means of transport | Duration | Estimated price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Around 21 minutes | 3-5€ fuel | Families, freedom, luggage |
| Bus Sarfa | Approx. 28 minutes | from £3 | Without a car, tight budget |
| Kayak | ~2h (return) | 20-40€ location | Sportspeople, adventure |
| Boat | Around 45 minutes | Season | Romantic, unique experience |
| Bicycle | ~1h-1h15 (journey) | Free / hire | Experienced cyclists |
💡 Our practical tips
When to go? It's best to set off early (before 9 am) in July-August to visit the village in peace before the crowds arrive. It's recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the rush, and weeks outside of peak season offer a very welcome tranquility.
The Dalí House You must book online before your visit — slots get booked up very quickly during peak season.
With children: A visit to the village and coves is perfectly suited for children. Salvador Dalí's house is suitable for ages 8-10, but younger children might get bored there.
Enjoy Cadaqués from our apartments in Roses
Our apartments are ideally located for exploring Cadaqués and all the wonders of the Costa Brava. Just a 21-minute drive from your holiday rental in Roses, you can visit Cadaqués in the morning and enjoy Roses beach in the afternoon!