Vanessa Bruno’s Summer In Cadaqués

Every summer, Vanessa Bruno takes us to one of her favorite destinations, where both her wardrobe and her lifestyle take shape. This season, she sets her sights on Cadaqués, a preserved village on the Catalan coast, whose light, rugged landscapes, and gentle Mediterranean atmosphere inspire her new summer capsule collection. Between seaside getaways, gourmet breaks, and hidden gems, the designer reveals the places that define her summer.

Last summer, Vanessa Bruno celebrated the charms of Mallorca. This season, she’s set her sights on Cadaqués. Nestled in northern Catalonia, this iconic village, sheltered by the cliffs of Cap de Creus, cultivates a raw beauty where the dazzling white of the facades, the wind-sculpted rocks, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean converse. A preserved setting, imbued with a rich artistic heritage, which now inspires the designer’s new summer capsule collection.

For Vanessa Bruno, Cadaqués is much more than a holiday destination: it’s a place of memories as much as inspiration . “Cadaqués is a place that resonates deeply with me. My father spent time there when he was younger with my mother, and my brother made it a summer retreat. I followed their recommendations and personal favorites. Cadaqués is a village preserved from the rest of the Catalan coast, protected by a rugged nature, almost isolated, and steeped in artistic mythology, particularly through Salvador Dalí.”

Here, time seems to slow down. The days stretch out between sun-drenched alleyways, secluded coves, and leisurely strolls along the water’s edge. A simple, sunny, and instinctive atmosphere naturally permeates her summer wardrobe. Airy fabrics, fluid silhouettes, and easy-to-wear pieces compose a collection designed to embrace warmer weather with the relaxed elegance that has always defined the Vanessa Bruno style.

The designer approaches her travels with the same spontaneity as her collections. “Just as I think about and visualize my collections, I pack my suitcase very instinctively and functionally , with pieces that are easy to wear and mix and match. I always add a few statement pieces that bring that touch of whimsy that’s so characteristic of holidays.”

Like her wardrobe, her stay in Cadaqués is built according to her desires, with a strong taste for authentic places and simple pleasures . Restaurants, walks along the seafront or more secluded spots: Vanessa Bruno opens her address book and shares the stops that shape her Catalan summer.

Vanessa Bruno’s address book in Cadaqués

Where to unpack your suitcases

The fact that Cadaqués is protected by its surrounding natural park limits the development of large hotels, a constraint that preserves its intimacy. Instead, visitors stay in small white fishermen’s cottages, scattered around the village center, which can be found on Airbnb.

• Can Set Cadaqués: If you’re looking to treat yourself, the boutique hotel Set offers views of Casa Blaua, an iconic 20th-century house. Located right in the town center, with a café downstairs and just steps from the beach and shops – ideal for night owls. Pl. des Portitxó, 8
• Hotel Cala Jóncols: Recommended by my brother, the Hotel Cala Jóncols is located away from Cadaqués, surrounded by nature on Cap de Creus. Quiet, with no cell service, it’s perfect for a real escape. Carretera Cala Joncols, s/n, 17480 Roses, Spain
• Hotel Llane Petit: An ideal middle ground: secluded yet close to the village, this hotel offers direct access to a more secluded beach of the same name. Minimalist décor, designed for relaxation. Carrer del Doctor Bartomeus, 37

Where to walk

• In the heart of nature: Paratge de Tudela. Just 40 minutes from Cadaqués, this hike in the Cap de Creus Natural Park immerses you in almost lunar landscapes, which undoubtedly inspired Salvador Dalí. Among the wind-sculpted rocks, you can almost make out mythological shapes. At the end, enjoy a vermouth at the foot of the lighthouse, at the Cap de Creus restaurant.
• For a dose of culture: a visit to Casa Dalí. Just a 17-minute walk from Cadaqués, Salvador Dalí’s house in Port Lligat is a must-see. As you stroll along the coast, its white silhouettes, punctuated by giant eggs and sculpted heads, gradually appear on the landscape. Inside, the diverse collection of objects creates a profoundly arty-bohemian atmosphere, shaped by the tastes of his partner, Gala.

Where to dine at Catalan time

• Es Racó : A restaurant recommended by my mother and endorsed by locals. A bit hidden away, with a terrace overlooking the sea, it offers simple dining featuring exceptional ingredients. We spent our first evening there: ideal for experiencing the generous portions, especially the rice dishes meant for sharing. Carrer del Dr. Callís, 3

• Talla: A more inventive menu, still rooted in Catalan culinary heritage. Highly prized for its terrace, we were lucky to snag a table. A real surprise thanks to the precision of the dishes and the high level of gastronomy, all at a very reasonable price. Our recommendation: the cod, cooked to perfection. Riba Pitxot, 18
• Xiringuito La Sal: The beach shack that’s become an institution. Here, the scorpionfish (a local specialty) is prepared whole and served in two courses: the head, fried and crispy, then the rest of the fish, baked in the oven. A veritable ballet of waiters accompanies the service. Marcel, who looked after our table, shared his favorite spots in Cadaqués with us, which we’ve included in this guide. Avinguda Victor Rahola, 25
• Casa Nun : We didn’t have dinner there, but it often comes up in suggestions of must-try places. The staff welcomed us for coffee and showed us around before the evening service. Pl. des Portitxó, 6

Where to have a drink

• The Casino Bar : The Casino Bar seems frozen in time. Founded by the Societat l’Amistat at the end of the 19th century, it remains the village’s main meeting point. Facing the sea, regulars spill out onto the sidewalks as soon as the day ends; it is undoubtedly the true epicenter of Cadaqués. Plaça Doctor Trèmols, 1
• Café de la Habana : Although we went on a Monday evening, we could sense the more vibrant atmosphere of summer nights. On the program: live music and a glimpse of the blend of Mediterranean and Latin American influences. Carrer del Doctor Bartomeus, 2
• The Brown Sugar : Tucked away on a side street, this bar charmed us with its warm welcome. Carrer Vigilant, S/N
• Can Set Cadaqués : On the ground floor of the hotel mentioned above, settle down in the shade of an olive tree and sip a local vermouth, accompanied by green olives and pan con tomate – if you haven’t already had your fill. Pl. des Portitxó, 8
• Mut : An address that has been recommended to us several times. This small café is located on a pleasant square, perfect for an aperitif in the early evening. Plaça del Dr. Pont, 12

Where to go for a quick bite

• Pastisseria Can Cabrisas : Here you’ll find the quintessential local specialty, “Taps Dolços de Cadaqués,” small, soft biscuits, perfect with a coffee. You’ll also be delighted by chocolates shaped like sea urchins or mussels. Plaça Doctor Trèmols, 8

• Carnisseria Serraplà : For a savory break, this delicatessen offers a selection of local cheeses and hams, to be enjoyed standing around a barrel serving as a table, or to take away for a picnic on the beach. Carrer del Dr. Callís, 12
• Joia : A stand selling artisanal ice cream to enjoy on the go, perfect for strolling along the squares and beaches around which village life revolves. Riba des Poal, 1

Where to find your memories

• Paz Vieyra Jewels : An independent jewelry boutique run by designer Paz Vieyra. Drawn to the simplicity of the pieces, inspired by the shapes and textures of nature, each piece is handcrafted in the boutique. I fell in love with a crescent-shaped necklace, which Paz described to me as a representation of the sun. Carrer del Dr. Callís, 19
• No. 7 : A boutique run by stylist Belén Casadevall, born in Cadaqués. I loved her approach: simple, relaxed pieces with just the right detail that makes all the difference. Cool souvenirs, a tribute to the village. Carrer de l’Església, 3
• Colmado : Impossible to miss with its red storefront. Inside you’ll find rugs and a selection of handcrafted souvenirs. Carrer del Dr. Callís, 12

Where to relax

• Neil, masseur: If you enjoy massages, I was recommended Neil. He gave me personalized and very accurate advice, “and above all, rest!” Advice I’m sharing with you. Carrer de ses Hortes, 3

Where to swim

• It’s hard to imagine a trip to Cadaqués without spending time by the sea. Here are a few beaches not to be missed, recommended by locals we met there. A word of advice: bring water shoes, as the rocks are often home to sea urchins. Boquelles, Es Jonquet, Sa Sabolla, Sant Lluís, Sa Conca, Es Pianc

Source: Vanessa Bruno