Beaches of Cadaqués
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coves of Cadaqués
The beaches of Cadaqués are a bit different from many other places on the Costa Brava. Don't expect kilometers of sandy beaches here, but rather small coves, crystal-clear water, fishing boats, and a rugged rocky coast. This is exactly what makes this area so special.
Cadaqués is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the impressive landscape of Cap de Creus. Salvador Dalí was also inspired by this coast and lived for years in the nearby Portlligat.
Bring your swim gear and water shoes, choose a few beautiful beaches, and don't rush it. These are our favorites.
Which beach suits you?
- With children: Platja Gran & Es Llaner Gran
- Swimming & snorkeling: Cala Jugadora & Es Caials
- Peace & nature: Cala Cullaró & Cala Portaló
- Atmosphere & view: Portlligat & Platja del Ros
Platja Gran – in the heart of Cadaqués
Want to combine the beach with the charm of Cadaqués? Then Platja Gran is a great place to start. The beach is located right in the village, directly on the boulevard and overlooking the white houses and boats in the bay.
The big advantage: you can easily walk from your towel to a terrace for coffee, lunch, or a cold drink. Ideal if you don't necessarily want to spend the whole day on the beach but mainly want to explore Cadaqués and take a dip in the sea in between.
Es Llaner Gran – perfect for swimming
A little outside the busiest part of the center is Es Llaner Gran. The clear water and quiet location make this a great place to swim, and families also love coming here.
Right next to it is the smaller Es Llaner Petit. White houses, small fishing boats, and the mountains in the background: here you get that typical Cadaqués feeling you're looking for.
Platja del Ros – for views and a sea dip
Platja del Ros is located on the north side of Cadaqués and is, in our opinion, one of the nicest places to spend a few hours by the sea.
The water is beautifully clear and from the beach, you look out over the bay and the village. Bring a snorkel or rent a kayak and see the coast from the water – Cadaqués is just as beautiful from the sea.
Portlligat – swimming in Dalí's world
Portlligat is actually much more than just a beach. In this small, sheltered bay, Salvador Dalí lived and worked for years.
His former home is now the Casa Salvador Dalí. Combine a visit to the museum with a walk along the bay and you'll immediately understand why Dalí was so attached to this place.
The white fishermen's cottages, boats, and calm water give Portlligat a very unique atmosphere.
Also read: The three museums of Salvador Dalí
Cala Cullaró – for peace and nature
Want to experience the real landscape of Cap de Creus? Then Cala Cullaró is beautiful.
Here, no boulevard or beach bar, but rugged rock formations, nature, and clear seawater. Wind, water, and salt have shaped the landscape over the centuries, and these special forms also inspired Salvador Dalí.
Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and especially enjoy the peace.
Cala Jugadora – bring your snorkel!
Cala Jugadora is one of those coves that you happily make a little extra effort for. Hidden among the rocks, you'll find clear water and a beautiful natural environment.
Our tip here is simple: bring your snorkel. With the clear water and rocky seabed, there's plenty to discover underwater.
And afterwards? Lay down your towel, take off your shoes, and do absolutely nothing for a while.
Discover even more beaches
Got the taste for it? Around Cadaqués, there are many more small beaches and coves, such as Es Pianc, Es Sortell, Sa Conca, Ses Oliveres, S'Oliguera, Es Caials, S'Alqueria Gran, S'Alqueria Petita, and Cala Portaló.
You really don't have to check them all off in one day. The fun of this coast is that during a walk, you suddenly see a small cove and decide: let's stay here for a while.
Good to know
The beaches around Cadaqués often consist of pebbles, coarse sand, and rocks. We would definitely recommend bringing water shoes.
If you're heading further towards the coves of Cap de Creus, also bring enough drinking water, sun protection, and something to eat. At the smaller beaches, you usually find few or no facilities.
In high season, access to certain parts of Cap de Creus may also be regulated. So check the current accessibility before you leave.
Our tip
Visiting Cadaqués in July or August? Go early. You'll have a better chance of finding easy parking, it's not as hot yet, and you can stroll through the village before it gets busier.
Bring your swim gear and combine Cadaqués with one or two beaches instead of trying to explore the entire coast in one day.
Start, for example, with coffee by the sea, stroll through the white streets, then find a nice beach, and end the afternoon with a drink on a terrace by the boulevard.
Want to know what else you can see, do, and where we love to eat besides the beaches?
Read our tips for a day in Cadaqués
Because honestly: driving to Cadaqués just for the beaches would almost be a shame.
Discover Cadaqués during your vacation?
Discover the most beautiful beaches of Cadaqués
From atmospheric beaches in the middle of the village to hidden coves in Cap de Creus: the coast of Cadaqués is different every time. Discover crystal-clear water, impressive rock formations, and small beaches where you can swim and snorkel wonderfully. A day in Cadaqués is really not complete without discovering at least one of these special beaches.
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