TRAVELLERS heading to Barcelona are missing out on one of Spain’s top hidden gems that is just two hours from the city.
Think clear waters and whitewashed houses and you could easily be forgiven for believing you were on a remote Greek island, when actually you are in the Spanish fishing town of Cadaques.
And what’s even better is that if you head there this week or next, temperatures will reach up to 27C.
Recently named one of the “best hidden coastal towns” in Europe by British Airways, Cadaques sits on the Cap de Creus peninsula on the Costa Brava and boasts a rocky coastline with hidden beaches and fewer crowds.
In the town centre, visitors can explore narrow, cobblestone alleyways that once inspired several artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali.
In fact, visitors can even head to the Salvador Dali House-Museum, which was home to the surrealist artist for 40 years.
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Inside, you’ll see the rooms where the Dalí family lived as well as Dalí’s studio, which has been preserved just as the artist left it with artist tools and unfinished canvases.
Outside, visitors can explore the gardens and courtyards, which feature olive groves and spot a number of giant white eggs.
If you do wish to visit, make sure to book in advance, as reservation slots fill up quickly.
Back in the historic quarter of the town, you’ll also find the Church of Santa Maria, which has a baroque altar inside.
Make sure to look out for Casa Serinyana too, which is also known as The Blue House.
The Art Nouveau home was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the wealthy Serinyana family, who were traders in the town.
Heading down towards the sea, you can visit two small rocky beaches – Platja Gran and Platja Port d’Alguer – both have crystal clear waters ideal for a swim.
The Natural Park of Cap de Creus, which is huge, completely surrounds the town.
It is a great area to go hiking, especially to the highest point Sant Salvador Peak, which is 670 metres above sea level.
The park includes both land and sea areas around Cadaques, but make sure to check access restrictions before your visit as during the summer months parts of the park are closed to cars.
If you don’t like hiking, the parts of the park that include the coastline and make for great spots for snorkelling.
According to Instagram user @liafische Cadaques “feels like a place where time stands still”.
Another Instagram user said: “It truly felt like I was transported to an Aegean island”.
When it comes to somewhere to stay, you could opt for Villa Salvador, which is an adult-only hotel between Pere Fet Beach and Ros Beach.
The accommodation has a mix of villas with sea views, rooms and suites, and there’s also an outdoor salt pool.
It costs from £269 per night for two people.
Alternatively, you could stay at Hotel Calina in either a room or studio from £114 per night with access to sprawling gardens, a huge pool and a children’s pool.
To get to Cadaques, you could fly to either Girona, which is about an hour and 20 minutes away, or Barcelona.
You could fly to Girona in June from £15 or to Barcelona in June for £13.
To get to the town, there is only one way into and out of Cadaques along a narrow, winding nine-mile road that heads through the mountains.
Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle bus called the Sarfa Bus from Figueres Bus Station, which sits outside the park and heads directly to the town, taking about an hour and 20 minutes.