Cadaqués : Views, Villas and Vines
Posted on 02. Mar, 2012 by Marie-Eve Vallieres in Destinations, Europe Travel, Photo Posts, Press Trips, Spain
During my trip to Catalonia, I have had the chance to visit several lovely places, from bigger cities like Girona to traditional fisherman villages, like Cadaqués. I was absolutely blown away by this absolutely adorable place – let me show you why.
The villa
As part of my press trip with Charming Villas Catalonia, I had the chance to stay in an absolutely out-of-this-world luxury villa, Sa Vista, complete with infinity pool, grand piano, dinner cooked by chef Lee Pennington and astonishing views over the Port Lligat. Everything was utterly perfect, from the en suite bathrooms to the soft quilts to the double-faced fireplace. And the sunrise, too! It’s the kind of house that could host Vogue photo shoots or accommodate the Brangelinas of this world, to give you an idea. I felt like I was day dreaming! I don’t know many people who can actually afford this level of accommodation, but I feel blessed that I was lucky enough to experience it, if only for one night. The owners, Juan and Barbara, are genuinely nice people and I loved chatting with them over dinner.
The village
Cadaqués is a traditional fishermen village, very small and cozy, and whose silhouette is filled with white houses, cobblestone streets and smiling locals. Do dare to get lost in the maze of ancient streets, venture out in the harbor and admire the views. I have rarely seen such a charming place before - Cadaqués definitely set the bar high.
The sweets
One of my favorite things about visiting Cadaqués was the part where we tasted the local pastry, the taps – I liked them so much I now consider they’re a good enough reason to go to Cadaqués! It’s actually small cork-shaped cakes, moist and sweet, dipped in icing sugar – they actually melt in your mouth, and taste incredible. I will not publicly divulge the number of cakes I ate, but I definitely needed the eating pants that day.
The scenery
Cadaqués is ideally located – tucked right between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, it offers breathtaking scenery everywhere they look. The road that leads to the town actually goes through the Pyrenees, and while it is rather winding and definitely scary, it’s also very pretty (if you can manage to keep your eyes open).
The most beautiful place, however, is without a doubt at Cap de Creus, where the mountains meet the sea in the most dramatic way. No words can explain how spectacular this place is!
The activities
From strolling around the harbor to visiting Salvador Dali’s beautifully strange house to wine tasting in the mountains, Cadaqués has everything that one would need for a relaxing, yet entertaining vacation. Despite being a small village, it doesn’t lack interest and has more than enough points of interest to keep any traveler happy.
Have you thought of visiting Cadaqués before? Or another Catalan village? Do you have a favorite seaside Spanish village?
Disclaimer: I was offered a complimentary blog trip by Charming Villas Catalonia. As always, all opinions are my own.
Madaboutravel
02. Mar, 2012
Love to read you enjoyed your stay in Catalunya! Cadaqués is so one of my favourite places in the whole world… Everytime I have friends over I take them there
Keep posting
admin
14. Mar, 2012
I can understand why you would want your friends to see Cadaques - heaven on Earth!
Mary @ Green Global Travel
03. Mar, 2012
Cap de Creus, looks beautiful and must have some amazing hiking.
Andrea
04. Mar, 2012
Mmmm - I’ve never heard of taps before - they look delicious!
Laurence
04. Mar, 2012
I’m heading to Barcelona this April and really looking forward to it. But I hope to spend longer in Spain in the not too distant future and explore more
Great post!
admin
14. Mar, 2012
I really hope you can make it outside of Barcelona - Catalonia has so much to offer!
Judit -Corina @WineDIneDaily
05. Mar, 2012
Cadaqués is absolutely charming! Would love 2 dozen from the Tasty taps…
admin
14. Mar, 2012
I did have about a dozen taps for myself - but shhh, don’t tell!
Jeff Titelius
05. Mar, 2012
Wonderful overview of your experience in Cadaqués!! The villa and views are stunning and the food looks downright delicious!!! By the way, I love your collages!!
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Cadaques was one of the most epicurean experiences in my life - all my senses were inspired!
Andrew
08. Mar, 2012
Wow, I love all the different views of the area. Barcelona seems to overwhelm the area mentally. Good to see all the little places to visit in Catalonia.
admin
13. Mar, 2012
Yes, Barcelona takes a bit chunk out of Catalonia’s tourism. But to be honest, I prefer the country to the city, in this case!
Cherina
11. Mar, 2012
Oh my gosh Marie, the pastry taps sound/look delicious! I have been to Cadaques but I do not remember those…uh thinking maybe it’s a good reason to go back?
We also went to a place called Tossa del Mar which I thought was really lovely. Have you been there?
Marie
13. Mar, 2012
The taps were absolutely YUM. Moisty and sweet! I think they justify a second trip to Cadaques
Haven’t been to Tossa del Mar, but from what I gather, Cap de Creus (where I was) is quite similar.
D.J. - The World of Deej
14. Mar, 2012
Great looking place…Fair to say I could spend a while in Cadaques:)
cheryl
25. Mar, 2012
I miss Cadeques! It makes me want to head back right about now. Love the photos.