MileHacker Logo
Getting Around Cadaques

Getting Around Cadaques

Cadaques Spain Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Cadaqués, being relatively small, owns a limited public transportation network. Walking offers the main and most enjoyable way to get around the town center.

The municipal bus service mainly connects the town center with Portlligat, home to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum. It also serves some more distant beaches and parking areas on the town's outskirts. The bus eases traffic and parking in the popular Portlligat area.

Bus Routes & Fares

  • Main local bus stop: Near the Tourist Information Office or near the town entrance.
  • Bus route to Portlligat is direct and signposted.
  • Tickets: Purchased directly from the bus driver; cash payment preferred.
  • Single ride fares: Typically €1.50 - €2.50. No multi-day passes for local bus.

Hours of Operation

Portlligat bus runs less frequently outside peak summer. Services are more frequent during summer. Check current schedules at bus stops or tourist office.

Accessibility

Cadaqués, with its tight, steep, cobbled streets, has significant challenges for those with mobility issues. The area's bus service might have limited accessibility.

Efficiency Tips

Use the local bus for the Dalí House-Museum to avoid parking issues. Walking excels for Cadaqués' town center. Carry small change for bus fares.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services
  • Cadaqués possesses a small fleet of licensed taxis (white cars with green light).
  • Find taxis at designated stands (near bus stop or waterfront).
  • Call to book a taxi for farther travel or off-peak times.
Fares & Apps
  • Taxi fares are metered. Short rides within Cadaqués: €5-€10.
  • Fares to Portlligat: €8-€12. Longer distances to Figueres: €50-€70.
  • Ride-sharing apps like Uber/Cabify are not active in Cadaqués.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Requires valid license (IDP for non-EU). Major companies at airports, not in Cadaqués. Book in advance.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Limited rentals in Cadaqués; more common in larger towns like Roses or Figueres.

Bicycle Rentals

No sharing programs, but shops rent mountain bikes and e-bikes for hilly terrain and trails.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Strict speed limits. Parking is a challenge in Cadaqués.

Walking & Cycling

Cadaqués the heart of the town is highly pedestrian-friendly. Its charm has itself through many cobbled streets and no-car zones.

Pedestrian Areas & Routes

  • Best way to explore the old town, waterfront promenade, shops, and galleries.
  • Walking paths lead to nearby beaches (Portlligat, Es Pianc) and scenic viewpoints.
  • Paths vary in difficulty but provide beautiful coastal views.
  • Self-guided walks are easy with tourist office maps or online resources.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

  • No dedicated cycling lanes within Cadaqués town; cyclists share roads.
  • Trails in Cap de Creus Natural Park are suitable for mountain biking.
  • Helmets are mandatory for cyclists under 16 years old in Spain.
  • Be aware of narrow roads and congestion outside pedestrianized zones.

No-Go Areas & Accessibility

  • No specific "no-go" areas for safety reasons in Cadaqués.
  • Steep and uneven cobblestone streets challenge mobility-impaired individuals.
  • Some remote or environmentally sensitive areas in Cap de Creus might have restrictions.
  • Always follow all signage for off-limits areas or activities.
  • Not suitable for pushchairs due to uneven terrain.
  • Unsuitable footwear (e.g., high heels) also has difficulty for walking.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Due to Cadaqués' size and pedestrian zones, traditional large tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are unavailable in the town itself itself.

Boat Taxis

Local boat services offer a popular way to explore the coastline, providing trips to secluded coves and beaches otherwise hard to reach by land.

Accessibility Services

Cadaqués' terrain has significant challenges for travelers with limited mobility. Few dedicated accessibility services exist.

Guided Tours & Unique Options

Cadaqués lacks typical large-city transport, but offers unique ways to explore its beauty.

Walking Tours

  • Self-guided walks are simple using maps from the tourist office or online.
  • Guided walking trips emphasize Dalí's Cadaqués, town history, or Cap de Creus nature.
  • Inquire at the tourist office or your place to stay for guided tour availability.
  • Many guidebooks offer suggested footpaths for independent exploration.

Unique Water Transport

  • Local boat services at Cadaqués harbor offer trips to secluded coves and beaches.
  • These trips explore Cap de Creus, accessing areas hard to reach by land.
  • Excellent for sightseeing along the dramatic coastline, offering unique perspectives.
  • Some tours combine a boat trip with snorkeling or swimming stops.

Accessibility Considerations

Challenging Terrain

Cadaqués' hilly, extensively cobbled, and uneven streets create challenges for travelers with limited mobility.

Limited Accessible Services

Public Spaces

Public spaces, especially the old town, remain difficult to navigate for wheelchairs or those with significant walking difficulties.

Uneven Surfaces

Research and Contact

Travelers with mobility needs advise research accommodations and activities carefully, contacting companies directly for accessibility features.

Plan Ahead

Unique Local Transport

Special Vehicles
  • Cadaqués has no specific specialty vehicle options like tuk-tuks or jeepneys.
  • The town lacks cable cars, funiculars, or other unique mountain transport systems.
  • Exploration generally depends on foot or local taxi/bus.
Harbor Tours
  • Operators at the Cadaqués harbor arrange boat trips to various secluded coves.
  • These trips access the beaches in Cap de Creus difficult to reach by land.
  • Inquire directly at the harbor for schedules and pricing for these excursions.

Important Considerations

  • Cash is the preferred taxi payment method; do not rely on card payments.
  • Licensed taxis operate safely; check for meter use or agree on price beforehand.
  • Consider full insurance coverage for car rentals due to narrow, winding roads.
  • Roads within Cap de Creus Natural Park present narrow, winding sections and steep drops.
  • Parking illegally can result in fines or towing in Cadaqués.
  • Petrol stations are in Roses or Figueres, not Cadaqués. Plan accordingly.
  • No specific "no-go" areas, but steep streets pose mobility challenges.
  • Always observe all signage, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

Parking Pre-planning

While driving, booking accommodation with included private parking is highly advisable.

Consider parking slightly outside the busiest areas and walking into the heart of Cadaqués.

← Previous
How to Get to Cadaques
← Back to Cadaques
Next →
Where to Stay in Cadaques

Next Up: Where to Stay in Cadaques. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Continue to Where to Stay in Cadaques
Getting Around Cadaques. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental