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Travel From Barcelona to Cadaques

Hello !

We would be traveling from Barcelona to Cadaques on the 2nd of November for a one night stay. Our original plan was to take the afternoon Sarfa bus from Barcelona and take the evening bus back the following day. However just discovered the November schedule of Sarfa doesn't have the 12 PM bus from Barcelona. It only has an evening bus reaching Cadaques around 8:30 PM and the bus from Cadaques is in the morning only at 730AM. So that obviously won't work, unless we stay two nights. So my question is is there any other alternative public transport to go ? Failing which we will consider renting a car. I believe the last leg of the journey is very twisty roads. Have anyone got the driving experience on that road ? I've driven from Milan to Southern France in winding roads , so generally used to it.

Any advise will be very useful.

Thanks,
Sumantra

Posted by
2541 posts

Well, I've taken a combination train/bus to get to/from Cadaques-Barcelona in the winter without difficulty, but perhaps your desired schedule is not available. Suggest calling the tourist office in Cadaques (972 258 315) and ask for help. The Skype application works great for calling Europe (or elsewhere in world) at very cheap rates. The road near Cadaques was rather "twisty" and very scenic. Don't dismiss Figueres and Girona as worthy of your time.

Posted by
3071 posts

Check the SARFA buses from Figueres to Cadaqués, the frequency is higher.

From Barcelona to Figueres you can take one of the numerous fast speed trains from Estació de Sants and in an hour you're in Figueres.

Posted by
4535 posts

You might see if there is a bus from Figueres at better times (you can take the train there). But November is pretty off season for Cadaques so the bus options may indeed be pretty limited. Driving frankly is a better option because you can explore the natural park nearby, a rugged coastline that was very influential to Dali and his work. And stop along the mountain road into town as it is very scenic.

The road is perfectly fine. A typical mountain road with switchbacks but it is standard width and well marked. I had no issues other than traffic can be heavy in summer (not relevant in November). If you do drive, Spain requires an International Drivers Permit along with your regular drivers license.

Also, the Dali House in Port Llgat requires advanced reservations but is well worth the visit.

Posted by
255 posts

We did the train from Girona to Figures and then the bus to Cadiques. Then stayed overnight in Cadiques which was lovely and caught a morning bus back. The bus ride was hairy since parts can't be passed easily. We both decided se were glad we weren't driving. Maybe you can catch an early train to Girona and continue on. Girona is a charming city we really enjoyed.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks to ALL for very valuable advise. I did see there are more buses from Figueres. We also had Girona in our original plan , so we might as well reconsider it.

Once again, this was very helpful.

Sumantra

Posted by
3071 posts

My advice...

  • Early (as in 8ish) fast train to Girona. Spend most of the day. Lots to see there.

  • Regular train to Figueres -why?, because in Figueres the fast speed station is on the outskirts, while the regular train station is on the centre of the town, at a short walk from the bus station. Lots of regular trains available. Schedule here... but no later than 6pm... the line suffers chronic (short) delays now and then.

  • Take the 7:30pm bus to Cadaqués (important: Mon to Fri only!) ... in an hour you're there.

Posted by
3071 posts

... on the way back just reverse the course (duh!)... but allot some time in Figueres this time since albeit being a town (Girona is a city!), it's also worthwhile strolling about. Besides of course the Museu Salvador Dalí, you have a few other things to see (ie. the Toy Museum or the Sant Ferran Castle among other) and also a small cozy centre to get lost in. More info: http://en.visitfigueres.cat/