When you reach Figueres, you’ll be sure to notice its natural beauty, nestled among vineyards between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava. But your hotel in Figueres is also your key to the home of internationally renowned artist, Salvador Dalí. Figueres’ most famous son lives on in the city, not least in his surreal theatre-museum.
Dalí, born in Figueres in 1904, left a sizeable amount of his legacy in the city, for which he had a special appreciation. His theatre-museum is the chief attraction in the city. The master of surrealism laid out every detail of this red castle, adorned with giant eggs and breads and watched over by suits of armor with baguettes on their heads. Once inside, you’ll be treated to exhibits such as Rainy Taxi, with water gushing over the occupants of an antique Cadillac, or Gala Looking at the Mediterranean Sea, featuring his wife and muse.
Just outside the city proper lies the Castell de Sant Ferran, one of the largest castles in Europe. Boasting a commanding view of the countryside, its grounds stretch over a mind-boggling 32 hectares, including a subterranean water system that visitors can explore today by boat! Back in town, you can explore the toy museum, the Museu del Joguet, whose 3,500 toys from throughout the ages have something for young and old alike.
Just 12 kilometers inland from the Gulf de Roses, your hotel in Figueres is an ideal base for an exploration of this rugged stretch of the Costa Brava. One popular route is the ‘Dalí triangle’, which will take you from Figueres to the seaside town of Cadaqués.
Cadaqués, a fishing village with sparkling white buildings, was a favourite destination of many famous artists, including Dalí and Picasso, many of whom left their mark on the town. It also boasts numerous beaches and inlets. Púbol is the site of Dalí’s former residence, the Castle of Púbol, which still contains numerous works by the artist and is a window into his later years.
Meanwhile, if mountains are more to your liking, the medieval village of Besalú, now a national monument, offers historical Romanesque architecture side-by-side with café-lined streets and fine dining. The hills of the Empordà region are home to the wine Denomination of Origin of the same name, and a wine route wends its way through the region’s wineries.
With culture and wine, mountains and sea, Figueres awaits your visit. Book your hotel in Figueres with B&B HOTELS to see what brings so many to this jewel of Catalonia.