The Cap de Creus peninsula in northeastern Catalonia is a rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse; quaint coastal villages; and crystal-clear coves. The mountains extend from the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean sea and are now part of the Cap de Creus national park. Despite tourism developments along the Costa Brava coast, the Cap de Creus peninsula remains till this day a region of untouched beauty.
Places to visit in Cap de Creus
Cap de Creus (map) is the perfect place for a few days of tranquil bliss. However, there are many sights and activities around the peninsula to keep you occupied for a longer period.
Cadaqués
The charming fishing village of Cadaqués, with its whitewashed houses and gorgeous harbour, is famed as being a favourite haunt for artists and writers, and is absolutely worth a visit.
Search for hotels in Cadaques (Booking.com).
Port Lligat
Further up the coast is the small hamlet of Port Lligat, where Salvador Dalí built his home. The rugged natural beauty of the Cap de Creus peninsula was a major source of inspiration for Dalí. It’s not hard to see why Dalí chose this place: the wind, the sea and the mountains collude to create elements that seem incredibly surreal – Dalí himself was endlessly intrigued by the ethereal light that reflected off the cove of Port Lligat.
I highly recommend a visit to the Casa Dalí, one of three Dalí museums in Costa Brava, for unique insights into the life of this famous artist. While you’re there, go on an authentic boat trip in the Gala (the same boat Dalí and his wife used) with a local fisherman as your guide.
Sant Pere de Rodes
Another famous attraction in the area is the romanesque abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes near the town of Port de la Selva.
Read more about the best places to visit in Costa Brava
Sa Perafita
High up in the coastal hills of Cap de Creus, near the picturesque coastal village of Cadaqués, is the gorgeous Sa Perafita winery and B&B. Surrounded by fields of vines and inviting lawns, and with stunning views of the Cap de Creus mountains, Mas Perafita is the perfect place to relax in tranquil surroundings. It’s also a great base from which to explore the Cap de Creus peninsula. Cadaqués and Port Lligat are literally down the road whilst the Sant Pere de Rodes abbey is a mere 15-minute drive away.
The winery and B&B are located in a beautifully restored building that is part of a 15th century monastery. The upper floor houses four spacious rooms whilst the winery and dining areas are on the ground floor. There’s not a lot to do aside from sitting on the manicured lawns and taking in the magnificent view, or letting the wind cradle you to sleep in one of the hammocks, or sitting in the comfortable lounge chairs with a good book and a glass of Martín Faixó wine.
Wine tourism at Celler Martín Faixó
Run by the Martín Faixó family, the winery produces a variety of white and rose wines. My favourite is the fruity and aromatic Picapoll (a blend of Picapoll blanc and Moscatel d’Alexandria) that’s just perfect for a warm summer day. As a consequence of the geology of the Cap de Creus peninsula, the roots of the Martín Faixó vines extend deep into the earth and absorb the rich mineral content. The result are wines that are crisp, with unmistakable earthy flavours and a lingering fruity bouquet. The family actively encourages wine tourism in the area and organises a variety of wine-related activities such as wine-tastings. Guests are also invited to learn more about the grape varieties and are able to participate during the grape-harvesting season.
The Martín Faixó family also run a restaurant, Can Rafa, in Cadaqués, a ten minute drive away. The restaurant serves a delightful array of local specialties – ask for the sublime bacalao carpaccio or the pickled anchovies – accompanied by their prize-winning wines.
If you’re travelling through or holidaying in the Costa Brava region in the northeast of Catalonia, I recommend spending at least a few days in Cap de Creus. Its rugged natural beauty, picturesque villages and cultural and culinary highlights will keep you captivated throughout your visit!
[…] Northwest of Roses, the Cap de Creus peninsula beckons. A rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse, quaint coastal villages, and crystal-clear coves, Cap de Creus is perfect for a leisurely drive or lengthy hikes. Read more about Cap de Creus. […]
[…] From the Baix de Empordá, head north past the vast Bay of Roses to the Cap de Creus peninsula, a rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse; quaint coastal villages; and crystal-clear coves. Read more about Cap de Creus. […]
[…] The Cap de Creus peninsula is a rocky, mountainous region of wind-swept slopes covered by thick gorse; quaint coastal villages; and crystal-clear coves. The mountains extend from the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean sea and are now part of the Cap de Creus national park. The rugged natural beauty of the Cap de Creus peninsula was a major source of inspiration for one of the greatest artists of our time, Salvador Dalí, who lived in nearby Port Lligat. Places to visit on the peninsula include the gorgeous harbourside town of Cadaqués and the imposing Sant Pere de Rodes monastery. Read more about Cap de Creus. […]
I love your pictures! First the chairs were so inviting and then I could totally see myself relaxing in the hammock. And I would love to dine at that table! Your pictures and description make me want to move Costa Brava up on my bucket list.
[…] Read the accompanying post: “Pristine nature, culture and cuisine in Cap de Creus“. […]
Cap de Creus is really beautiful
Thanks Jeff. I’m sure you’ll love this corner of Spain. Stunning scenery, fascinating cultural attractions and the food/wines are superb. It was my first visit to this region and I’m going back next month to see more of it! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Wonderful write up and pics on Cap de Creus. I never knew this place existed. You really captured its spirit in your descriptions and images. Must see the Sant Pere de Rodes abbey as well as Dali’s house. Thanks for inviting me to this corner of the world!
Thanks for sharing such amazing posts on Costa Brava. I wish that I saw these posts before we went to Spain last year. I think that we would have had a completely different trip!
I must say that this trip has really opened my eyes to an area I was not at all interested in before! Every single word which has been written about it has made me want to go more, and, what’s more, the cheap flights I now have available to me make it very do-able! All I need to do is to save enough to be able eat like this!
I love that they have left the buildings in Cadaqués white, and resisted the temptation to paint them pastels or “earth tones”, which they seem to be doing all over the place here. Sometimes it works – other times not!
Thank you for introducing me to a new place that I did not know about. So beautiful. And I love Salvidor Dali’s work. Well, maybe not “love”, but it fascinates me.
Thank you for your comment Arantxa. Breathtaking nature AND amazing food & wines…. what more can a #gastrovictim ask for? 😉
I’m looking forward to going back in July and exploring more of Cap de Creus. Yay!
Hugs,
Keith
No doubt this place puts together quality, beauty, nature, local gastronomy, relax and wine, a perfect little paradise to visit an amazing area yet to be discovered.
I’ve really enjoyed reading this post