Northern Route by sailboat: Cap de Creus and Cadaqués

Northern Route - Cap de Creus

Empuriabrava – Cadaqués – Cap de Creus – Port de la Selva – Empuriabrava

The Northern Route leaves our base in Empuriabrava marina, crosses the Bay of Roses and enters the Cap de Creus Natural Park: coves beneath cliffs, Cadaqués and Portlligat and, when the forecast allows, the north side of the cape as far as Port de la Selva, Llançà and Portbou. It is the most spectacular route on the Costa Brava and also the one that depends most on the wind, so we plan it with you around each day’s forecast.

The route at a glance

Departure and return: Empuriabrava marina, with your berth included for the whole charter.
Area: Bay of Roses, Cap de Creus Natural Park and the north side as far as Portbou.
Duration: from a day trip to a week or more.
Nights: at our Empuriabrava base or in port (Roses, Port de la Selva, Llançà, Portbou). In July, August and on special dates, book your berth in advance.
The wind that decides: the tramontane. When it blows, we don’t round the cape.

Stops on the Northern Route

Port de Roses

A few miles from the base: fuel, provisions and an option for a night away from Empuriabrava. In high season, book ahead.

Cala Montjoi and Cala Pelosa

The first large bay in the natural park, with a mooring buoy field. Ferran Adrià’s elBulli was in Montjoi.

Cala Jóncols

A deep cove beneath cliffs, just past Cap Norfeu, with a buoy field and a restaurant. One of the most rewarding stops in a northerly wind, always depending on the day’s forecast.

Cadaqués and Portlligat

The white village that inspired Dalí. Its bay is sheltered from the tramontane swell but open to the south and south-east. In Portlligat you’ll find the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, visited by advance booking. To moor in Cadaqués, contact the town’s mooring services in advance.

Rounding Cap de Creus

The easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. We only round it with a favourable forecast for both the way out and the way back.

Port de la Selva, Llançà and Portbou

Now on the north side. From Port de la Selva you can head up to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes; Llançà is the most sheltered harbour on this stretch and Portbou the last one before France.

Sample itineraries

1 day: Empuriabrava → Cala Montjoi or Cala Jóncols (swim and lunch) → Empuriabrava.
2 days: day 1, Montjoi and Jóncols → night at our Empuriabrava base. Day 2, Cadaqués → back to Empuriabrava.
3 days: day 1, Cala Jóncols → night in Empuriabrava. Day 2, Cadaqués and, with a favourable forecast, round Cap de Creus → night in Port de la Selva. Day 3, return rounding the cape (a long day: set off early). If the cape can’t be rounded, day 2 ends back in Empuriabrava.
5 days: Jóncols and a night in Empuriabrava; Cadaqués and Port de la Selva; Llançà and Portbou; back to Port de la Selva; return rounding the cape.
7 days: we combine the Northern and Southern Routes, starting with whichever side the forecast leaves calmer, with a spare day.

All itineraries depend on a favourable forecast. If it isn’t, we adapt them.

How the wind changes the route

Tramontane (N–NW): we don’t round the cape. The south side gives some shelter, but in a strong tramontane the best option may be to stay in port.
South and south-east: Cadaqués and the south-facing coves are no longer places to spend the night.
Levante (NE–E): swell all along the coast; better to plan well-protected harbours.
Garbí and summer breezes: they shift through the day; we check the forecast every morning.

Natural park rules

Cap de Creus is a natural park with its own rules on navigation, speed, anchoring and overnight stays. Before you set off, check the current rules on the official Cap de Creus Natural Park website.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to round Cap de Creus to reach Cadaqués?

No. Cadaqués is on the south side of the cape, so you reach it from Empuriabrava without rounding it.

Where do you sleep on the Northern Route?

At our Empuriabrava base, with your berth included, or in port: Roses, Port de la Selva, Llançà or Portbou. In July, August and on special dates it’s best to book ahead.

What happens if the tramontane blows?

We rework the plan: routes along the south side, day trips or a day in port. Rounding the cape is ruled out.

How many days do I need?

In one day you’ll see the Bay of Roses and the park’s first coves. In three, weather permitting, you’ll reach Cadaqués and the north side of the cape.

How many days do you have and who’s coming aboard? Tell us and we’ll suggest a route and a boat. Browse our sailboat and catamaran fleet in Empuriabrava, contact the base or discover the Southern Route to the Medes Islands.