Buying in Cadaqués: the guide before you start

Cadaqués is the stuff of dreams. Its white houses, its bay and the light that inspired Dalí make it one of the most sought-after villages on the Costa Brava, among Spanish and international buyers alike. But it is also one of the most unusual markets on the coast: small, isolated and heavily protected. Here is what you need to know to buy in Cadaqués with your eyes open.

An unspoilt village at the end of the road

Cadaqués has barely 3,000 inhabitants. The village is surrounded by the Cap de Creus nature park, created in 1998, and can only be reached by a winding road through the hills, from Roses or from Port de la Selva. For a long time, the sea was in fact the main way of getting there.

This isolation is a big part of its charm. It also explains why so few properties come up for sale: the nature park severely limits building, and the village cannot spread out like a typical seaside resort.

The areas to know

The old village: white fishermen's houses in steep cobbled lanes around the church. Lots of character, but often little light, no car access and renovation work to plan for.
The seafront and the bay: a few flats and houses looking straight out over the water. These are the rarest and most expensive properties in the village.
Portlligat: a small bay to the north, home to Dalí's house-museum. An exceptional and very quiet setting, with very few properties.
The hills and olive groves: houses and villas with views, often surrounded by dry-stone walls. More space and peace, but a car becomes essential.

Living in Cadaqués all year round

In summer, the village is very busy and the access road can be gridlocked. In winter, it returns to a village pace, very quiet, with some shops and restaurants closing. It is a real lifestyle choice, one that appeals to lovers of nature and tranquillity.

For larger services, such as the hospital or big shops, allow about three quarters of an hour to Figueres. It is something to weigh up carefully for a retirement plan.

What to check before buying

The Cadaqués market calls for more checks than average. Here are the ones we carry out every time for our clients.

Planning: the village is preparing a new local plan to replace the one from 1986. Before signing, you need to check how the land is zoned and what the new plan could change for the property and its surroundings.
The nature park and the landscape: in a protected area, extending, adding a pool or altering a facade can be tightly regulated, or even impossible. Never count on works that have not been approved in writing.
The house's compliance: many old houses have been altered over the decades. Every extension must appear in the Land Registry and the cadastre.
Access and parking: in the old village, you cannot park outside your front door. Check where you will leave the car, especially in summer, and how you will bring in your shopping and luggage.
Holiday lets: demand is strong, but a property without a licence cannot be let by the week. Check the licence and the community of owners' rules, as explained in our article on letting your property.
The condition of the building: damp, roofs, old pipes and wiring. In village houses, a technical survey before making an offer is well worth the cost.

What budget should you plan for?

Cadaqués is one of the most expensive villages on the Costa Brava, because demand far outstrips supply. Properties that come up often go quickly, sometimes without ever being publicly advertised. So you need to arrive with a clear budget and your financing ready. Use our method for setting a realistic budget and our article on prices on the Costa Brava, not forgetting the buying costs in Catalonia.

Getting there

Girona airport is about an hour and a quarter away, the last part on the mountain road from Roses, and Figueres-Vilafant high-speed rail station about three quarters of an hour. It is one of the most remote corners of the Costa Brava: worth it, as long as you accept that last winding stretch.

What if Cadaqués is not the only option?

Many buyers fall in love with Cadaqués, then find that the ideal property does not exist within their budget, or not yet. The neighbouring villages offer an alternative: Port de la Selva, on the other side of the cape, keeps the character of a fishing village, and the Bay of Roses, twenty minutes away, has a much wider choice. Our guide to Roses and Empuriabrava and our article which towns to choose on the Costa Brava will help you compare.

Is Cadaqués right for you?

You are looking for a unique, unspoilt place and you accept the isolation in winter: Cadaqués has no equal.
You need services nearby all year round or easy letting: also look at Roses or Palamós.
You are prepared to wait for the right property: in Cadaqués, patience and quick reactions count as much as budget.

In such a narrow market, having someone on the ground makes a real difference. That is what we clarify with you from the first conversation, before any viewing.