Wandering through the pretty, winding streets of Cadaqués' Old Quarter, surrounded by whitewashed houses with colourful shutters and jewel-toned bougainvillaea cascading from pretty balconies, it's easy to see why this place enchanted Salvador Dalí so much that he made it his home for 52 years.
This artsy fishing village in Catalonia is still relatively under the tourism radar thanks to its remote location; you can only reach it via a long, winding mountain road, complete with tight turns and steep drops, through the rugged Cap de Creus peninsula.
Summer afternoons in Cadaqués are spent shopping in stylish boutiques, meandering through galleries and exploring pretty pebbled coves with a jamón sandwich in hand. With glimpses of shimmering water round every corner, unspoiled scenery and an enviable food scene, it's worth the slightly hairy journey.
But if you don't want to travel to a remote part of the Costa Brava, there's a Cornish alternative that mirrors Cadaqués' elegant harbourside style – with an artistic heritage of its own.
Cadaqués has plenty in common with Port Isaac, a pretty Cornish fishing village built around a central harbour on the Atlantic Coast, with rows of white cottages weathered from salty air cascading down towards the sea.
Both have narrow, winding streets lined with quirky shops, bakeries, and ice cream parlours, with ocean views that invite a slower pace. Not to mention a famous food scene, where fresh local produce is paired with exquisite fine dining. Cadaqués and Port Isaac are also havens for art lovers, championing creativity through independent galleries and artists' studios where visitors can learn local crafts.
Why Port Isaac?
Visually, there are striking similarities, but it's also Port Isaac's independent, creative spirit that aligns so well with Cadaqués. Both transcend notions of a typical sleepy fishing village, with vibrant art and food scenes that bring something unexpected to the area.
While it may not have quite the same artistic pedigree – Cadaqués was, after all, home to arguably the most influential surrealist of all time – Port Isaac has long attracted painters, poets and illustrators, captivated by its wild coastal scenery. Follow the South West Coast Path around the harbour and headlands to experience the landscape through an artist's eyes.
Best explored on foot, Port Isaac is a joy to wander through with plenty to keep art enthusiasts entertained. Visit Cliffside Gallery, an independent gallery overlooking the bay, to discover Katie Childs' work, focused on local landscapes and Port Isaac's fishing heritage, and Dempsey Gallery on the pretty Fore Street, showcasing the work of contemporary fine artist Martyn Dempsey.
Pretty fishing villages with serious culinary credentials
Cadaqués may look like a quaint, unassuming Spanish village at first glance, but it holds an enviable culinary pedigree. Just 40 minutes from the legendary three-Michelin-starred El Bulli, the restaurant that revolutionised molecular gastronomy, its influence still ripples through the towns and villages of the Costa Brava.
Port Isaac also has a deceptively high-brow food scene. There’s an abundance of freshly caught seafood, served simply and deliciously in bistros and coastal pubs, but those seeking fine dining won't be disappointed.
The village is home to Nathan Outlaw’s famous seafood restaurants, Outlaw's Fish Kitchen and Outlaw’s Bistro, world-famous for their elevated take on Cornish seafood, Nathan's cooking legacy and their idyllic settings.
A sense of seclusion
Perhaps what will stay with visitors most after visiting Port Isaac is how peaceful it feels, particularly out of season. While July and August draw in the crowds like any other Cornish destination (its appeal amplified as the setting for ITV show Doc Martin), it's slightly less crowded than the likes of St Ives, Newquay or Padstow, and, like Cadaqués where the heat dies down in September, an enchanting place to visit later in the year when the bay is bathed in an autumnal glow.
Like Cadaqués, which is situated in the stunning Cap de Creus Natural Park, Port Isaac's remote location means it offers easy access to its surrounding countryside, with stunning hiking trails across the North Cornwall coast.
Grab a Cornish pasty or a crab sandwich from Fresh From The Sea and head towards the coast path along Port Isaac’s dramatic cliffs to take in views of Port Isaac at its most spectacular, the village's white-washed cottages tumbling down towards the gentle curve of the harbour and the wild Atlantic beyond.
Where to stay
Outlaw's Guest House
As mentioned earlier, this charming, unassuming guesthouse – set up by chef Nathan Outlaw and his team – offers an adults-only retreat in the heart of Port Isaac. Boasting a short a 4-minute walk from Port Gaverne Beach and a Michelin-recommended restaurant, this nine-room Victorian house is perfect for a relaxed, comforting escape.
Port William Inn
A few miles away from Port Isaac (around a 20-minute drive) lies this stylish pub with rooms. Each of the eight bedrooms offer sea views, with dog-friendly options available, too. This hotel is a good option if you want to base yourself between a few Cornish villages and float between them during your trip.
