The beaches of Cadaqués

Discover your favorite beach in Cadaqués

Cadaqués is a white fishing village near Roses and the Cap de Creus nature reserve. A visit to this paradise is definitely not to be missed during your vacations on the Costa Brava. Cadaqués was also once home to the artist Salvador Dalí and the beaches in particular influenced the work of this eccentric. There are so many beautiful beaches on the coast of Cadaqués that it's hard to choose, but we'll make an effort! Below are our favorites.

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Playa Grande

Playa Grande means "big beach" but it is only 200 meters long and 20 meters wide. Nevertheless, it is the most centrally located beach in Cadaqués with many facilities such as beach bars and restaurants. You can reach it via the beach promenade and it is crowded as this is the most popular beach for families with children. In the middle is the famous statue of Salvador Dalí and while sunbathing you have a nice view of the entire bay.

Playa Es Llaner Gran and Es Llaner Petit

Just one kilometer from Cadaqués, these two gems are very close to each other, yet they are completely different. The beaches are best known because Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala often spent summers here. Playa Es Llaner Gran (about 150 meters long, 12 meters wide) has coarse sand and flat rocks going into the water which very gradually deepens, making it popular among swimmers. The second beach, Playa Es Llaner Petit, is right next to it but is smaller and quieter. The shore is full of small fishing boats and this makes for a beautiful postcard. It is a draw for families because it is in the heart of a residential area and is easily accessible by car, on foot or by boat. There are facilities such as a bar and parking.

Playa Es Sortell

Just 300 meters away from the center of Cadaqués is Playa Es Sortell. (Punta de Sa Conca) The sea water is calm and crystal clear, the beach consists of coarse sand with flat pebbles. From your beach towel you have a great view of the white fishermen's houses and the buildings along the promenade. Through a small bridge you can reach the islet of Es Sortell where you can take a nice walk while experiencing the beauty of this beautiful Cadaqués bay. You can reach it on foot from the center. (Parking 5 minutes away)

Playa Sa Conca

South of Cadaqués (towards Faro de Cala Nans) you come across the small bay Sa Conca, with a nudist tradition. There are a few houses but the rest is pure nature, including calm & crystal clear waters. It is fairly deep and therefore suitable for mooring a boat here. If you want to enjoy a nude beach without having to move too far from the center of Cadaqués, this beach is perfect. You will also have a wonderful view of the cliffs a little further away.

Playa Es Pianc

About 500 meters beyond the beach promenade (to the north) you will find the small beach Es Pianc with shallow water and a calm sea. A 'mustsee' because it is close to the center and after sunbathing you can have a nice dinner here in trendy bars and restaurants that Cadaqués has to offer. And, in this romantic cove you can enjoy a beautiful sunset together in the evening.

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Playa de Ses Oliveres y Playa Del Ros

On the same side as Es Pianc, you will find two beaches directly opposite each other: playa de Ses Oliveres and playa Del Ros. Many boats are docked there, and there are various facilities. You can even rent kayaks, which is fun because with them you can go and explore "Cucurucuc de Cadaqués"; this is a famous high rock in the sea that inspired Dalí to create one of his most important works of art.

Punta de S'Oliguera

Further north of Cadaqués is Punta de S'Oliguera. This is actually a collection of several small beaches, and these are best reached by car. Playa s'Arenella is the prettiest bit, facing an islet of the same name. Playa Es Caials is next to it and is very popular among divers because the seabed has very rich flora and fauna.

Playa de Portlligat

The bay of Playa de Portlligat is the front yard of Salvador Dalí's former home. This is where he got most of his inspiration and looked out when he created his famous paintings. Today it is home to the Casa Museo Dalí, a must visit! Opposite this bay is a mini island with a beautiful sandy beach, you can easily sail there with a kayak that you can rent. There are few other facilities, although there are some beach bars nearby. You can park along the entire bay, even the higher parts are easily accessible and from here you can enjoy the best views.

Cala S'Alqueria Gran, S'Alqueria Petita and Cala Sant Lluis

In Racó des Mor Bay there are two beautiful coves: Cala S'Alqueria Gran and S'Alqueria Petita. Because it is so quiet it attracts many nudists, and a little further is the more famous nude beach Cala Sant Lluis, this is surrounded by nature and very quiet so that even in the summer months you can enjoy the sun and the sea undisturbed.

Cala Portaló

Cala Portaló is located toward the lighthouse (faro) of Cap de Creus, and it is a somewhat secluded cove with soft sand where you can enjoy the sun. Because it is a bit more difficult to reach, the crowds are not so bad, and the rocks around it provide a sheltered place (not bothered by wind) and an intimate feeling.

Cala Cullaró

A little further on, almost next to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, is Cala Cullaró. The great charm of this cove lies in its landscape, shaped over centuries by the influence of the north wind, water and salt. This beach has a relaxed atmosphere and in the crystal-clear water you can see everything on the soft seabed. The water is a bit fresher here, and on very hot summer days that is actually a relief. The accessibility is pretty good, you do have to walk a bit before you get to the bay.

Cala Jugadora

Cala Jugadora beach should not be forgotten as it is a real paradise of Cap de Creus. Its transparent and calm waters attract especially snorkelers, and because the beach is a bit remote, it is never crowded. It is located just behind the lighthouse, and you can park easily.

The coves of Cap de Creus are all wonderful gems

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