Figueres is a located 100 km north of
Barcelona in
Catalonia,
Spain. The journey takes a little less than 2 hours by car or bus, but the recommended mode of travel from Barcelona is to take the Catalunya Express train. There is also an airport about 30 minutes away in
Girona that provides access to many European cities.
Figueres is best known for being the birthplace of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Therefore, your first stop in Figueres should be to the Theatre Museum Gala Dalí. This art museum used to be a working theatre that was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. Dalí converted it into a museum and it opened to the public in 1974. It is full of Dalí’s signature style works and even has some interactive installations. Outside the museum is a large dome, now a symbol of Figueres.
There are more Dalí-based attractions in Figueres. Next to the museum you can see a display of 27 jewels designed by Dalí. Nearby is the Casa-Museu de Portlligat where Dalí lived in the latter half of his life. There is also a medieval castle that Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. Next to the museum is the cathedral in which Dalí was baptized.
Once you are done with the Dalí attractions, go to the city center of Figueres. There you will find quaint shops and eateries in the Castilian style. Most restaurants serve tapas and a set menu of the day. You can also find a toy museum and a more typical art museum.
