Pre-Trip Checklist: Cadaques

Preparations

Organizing your Cadaqués trip starts months in advance, notably for popular attractions and peak seasons.

Planning Timeline

A structured approach to your trip preparation.

Long-Term Actions

Book Dalí House-Museum tickets

This is required; tickets sell out quickly. Visit Salvador-dali.org/en.

Secure Accommodation

Book your stay, specifically if traveling in high season or for specific boutique hotels.

Book International Flights

Secure your flights to Barcelona (BCN) or Girona (GRO).

Mid-Term Actions

Check Passport & Visa

Passport valid for three months beyond Schengen departure and two blank pages. Research Schengen visa or ETIAS (mid-2025).

Book Domestic Transport

Secure train tickets to Figueres and long-distance bus tickets to Cadaqués (Sarfa/Moventis).

Arrange Car Rental

Book your car if driving. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed.

Short-Term Actions

Purchase Travel Insurance

Obtain a comprehensive policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. World Nomads.

Consult a Doctor

Discuss recommended vaccinations for Spain and necessary prescription refills. Obtain a doctor's note for medications.

Home Security

Lock doors, set alarms, stop mail/newspaper, arrange pet care, unplug unnecessary electronics.

Mandatory Reservations

Important bookings for your Cadaqués visit.

Bookings

Salvador Dalí House-Museum tickets.
Accommodation in Cadaqués.
High-speed train tickets to Figueres (if applicable).
Car rental (if driving).

Pre-Trip Research

Advance knowledge for a richer experience.

Topics to Explore

Read about Salvador Dalí's connection to Cadaqués and Portlligat.
Familiarize yourself with basic Catalan culture and phrases.
Understand local transportation and Cadaqués parking challenges.
Make copies of important documents (physical & digital).

Home Preparation

Steps before leaving your home secure.

Security Measures

Lock all doors and windows.
Set alarms if present.
Stop mail/newspaper delivery or arrange neighbor collection.
Arrange for pet care if applicable.

Electronics & Utilities

Unplug unnecessary electronics.
Charge all cameras, phones, power banks.
Prepare power adapters.
Empty your refrigerator of perishables.

Document & Financial

Confirm all bookings: flights, accommodation, Dalí.
Notify bank and credit card companies of travel.
Share itinerary and emergency contacts with trusted persons.
Download offline maps and translation apps.

Pre-Trip Insight

Read about Salvador Dalí's connection to Cadaqués to elevate your museum visits.

Arrival & Departure

Your first hours in Cadaqués set the tone for a smooth trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Clear Customs & Immigration
Clear customs and immigration at your first port of entry into the Schengen Area.
2
Collect Luggage & Transport
Collect your luggage and locate pre-arranged transport, or the taxi stand/bus stop for your Cadaqués journey.
3
Settle In
Head directly to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and settle in.

Initial Orientation & Purchases

Tourist Information
Visit the Cadaqués Tourist Information Office for a local map and event schedules.
Neighborhood Walk
Take a short walk around your accommodation's neighborhood to get oriented and locate services.
Local Currency & Essentials
Withdraw Euros from an ATM; consider a local SIM; buy water and snacks.

Onward Travel to Cadaqués

Airport Transfer

Follow your pre-planned transport route from airport to Cadaqués.

For example, bus from Figueres to Cadaqués.

Driving Considerations

If driving, be aware of Cadaqués' car-free zones.

Navigate to pre-booked parking or public car parks on the outskirts.

Local Transit

Public transport via bus often operates efficiently.

Confirm schedules, especially for weekend or low season travel.

Smart Packing

Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes for Cadaqués' cobbled streets and hilly terrain. Flimsy sandals hinder movement.

Departure Preparation

Considerations for your departure from Cadaqués.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Plan souvenir purchases to allow time for secure packing.
If shipping items, inquire about services at the local post office (Correos).
Non-EU residents claim VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds on purchases over a certain amount.
Keep all receipts and fill out necessary forms provided by the shop for VAT refund.

Return Journey & Final Checks

Allow ample time for travel from Cadaqués to Girona or Barcelona airport.
Consider potential traffic and bus schedules, less frequent on weekends or low season.
Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight (2-3 hours for international, 1.5-2 hours for Schengen).
Dispose of all waste properly in recycling or general waste bins before leaving your accommodation.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow sufficient time for your departure process.

Timing Considerations

Charge all your electronics.
Organize your travel documents (passport, boarding passes).
Check for any last-minute changes or delays.
Pack last-minute essentials.

Airport Procedures

Process VAT refunds at the airport before departure.
Arrive early for VAT refunds, as queues can be long.
Pack your luggage carefully, ensuring no prohibited items in carry-on.
Take a final stroll through Cadaqués on your last evening to savor its beauty.

Important Note

Cadaqués presents challenges for travelers with significant mobility issues.

Thorough route and accommodation research is important for these travelers.

Pre-Trip Checklist