India, a member of our team, spent New Year’s Day basking in the winter sun in Cadaqués a quaint artistic town in Catalonia. Our founder Sandra, hails from Barcelona, not far from Cadaqués, and has also frequented the town to draw inspiration for her jewellery and object designs. Cadaqués seems to have left a lasting impression on our team, so India thought she'd put together an off-season guide to a perfect day exploring this charming coastal haven.
1️⃣ Església de Santa Maria
Start your day with a walk up to the Església de Santa Maria, the stunning cathedral at the heart of the old town. Dating back to the 16th century, its hilltop location offers beautiful views of Cadaqués’ whitewashed houses and the shimmering sea.
2️⃣ Cadaqués Casino
Just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the Cadaqués Casino, the town’s infamous watering hole. Grab a coffee or a late breakfast and enjoy it sitting outside on the wall – a perfect little sun trap. The Casino has a storied history, once frequented by artistic legends such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp.
3️⃣ Casa Salvador Dalí, Portlligat
Following in the footsteps of these great artists, take a 15-minute stroll to Portlligat, a nearby bay that’s home to Casa Salvador Dalí. Originally the residence of Dalí and his wife Gala, the house-turned-museum offers a fascinating labyrinth of personal objects, quirky spaces, and artworks, giving an intimate glimpse into the artist’s domestic life.
Top tip: Make sure to book your visit in advance, as the museum has become a year-round hotspot for art lovers and tourists alike. Book here.
4️⃣ Lunch at the Marítim Bar
For lunch, head to the Marítim Bar, perfectly situated with views looking out to the seafront on one side and the bustling town square on the other. Enjoy a cold caña and indulge in typical Catalan tapas dishes such as squid ink croquettes, patatas bravas, and tortilla.
5️⃣ Shopping
Make your way back to the old town, passing through the arches, and you can’t miss Colmado’s bright red welcoming door. Colmado is a concept store specialising in home textiles and fashion accessories made from natural fibres. Be prepared, it’s likely you’ll want to buy everything inside—the owner has impeccable taste. For clothing, Pepa is a stylish boutique offering a highly eclectic (and expensive!) selection of ready-to-wear. It’s pricey, but definitely worth window shopping, as they curate their stock beautifully.
7️⃣ SET Cadaqués
Finally, put your feet up with a vermouth at SET Cadaqués a happening new bar and restaurant facing the church. Run by a local named Juan, who’s well-loved in the town, the outdoor seating area is always full of people ready to enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Catalan landscape, often accompanied by live music. Check out SET's Instagram here to see their incredible interiors and the boutique hotel they've just opened upstairs.
Sandra's recent Zirconite collection is featured in India's Cadaques photographs. The collection is crafted by local artisans between Barcelona and the UK all made from hand-worked glass set with zirconite stones.