Costa Brava Guide

In the heart of Catalonia, Figueres once played a role in Spanish history. Philip V wed Maria Luisa of Savoy here in 1701 in the church of San Pedro, thereby paving the way for the War of the Spanish Succession.

But that historical fact is nearly forgotten today: The town is better known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali in 1904. There are two reasons for visiting Figueres: some of the best restaurants in Spain and the Dali Museum.

Dali Museum - Inaugurated in 1974, the Dali Museum was atop the remains of the former Theatre of Figueres, and contains a broad spectrum of works covering the artistic career of Salvador Dali (1904-1989), from his early artistic experiences and his creations within the sphere of surrealism through to works ...

Toy Museum of Catalonia - The Toy Museum of Catalonia was inaugurated in 1982 in the premises of the former Hotel Paris (the old stately home of the Baron of Terrades, dating from 1767) on Rambla de Figueres. Recent refurbishment and redecoration work have tripled the Museum's original space, and it was reopened on ...

Museum of the Emporda - The rooms of the Museum of the Emporda present a wide chronological spectrum of our county’s art and archaeology, from pre-history down to our own days, with particular attention to 19th and 20th century Catalan and Emporda painting. The collection starts with exhibits of archaeological ...

Church of Sant Pere - Figueres parish church. Probably raised on the site of a former early Christian church, the oldest parts still preserved date from the 10th-11th century in part of wall on the north side with an embrasure at the foot of the belltower. Towards the end of the 14th century King Peter the Ceremonious ...

Figueres Walks - The surrounding streets of the Dali museum are very touristy, with lots of restaurants, small shops, ... It's nice to walk around, because some of the streets are nicely decorated with flowers or trees. This area reminded me a bit of a Belgian seaside resort, where people take the time to get away ...

Mae West Room, Dali Museum - The Mae West Room is located in the Dali Theater-Museum. Couch shaped like a woman's red lips sat before a nose-shaped fireplace below two abstract paintings. If you climb a staircase and look through a lens the paintings become eyes, sofa lips fireplace nose frames by a giant curtain of hair which ...

Figueres Market - Every Thursday Figueres squares turn into one large market where food, local crafts and numerous more or less useful items are sold. If you are vegetarian, you can get some goat cheese produced in a peasants' cooperative near Figueres. You can also see a wide variety of spices, ...

Figueres Restaurants and Cafeterias - Avoid restaurants at Placa Gala-Salvador Dali. Take a walk and you will find some good and cheap restaurants and ...

Former Jewish Quarter - Visit Magre street and Placa de la Llana. This is one of the oldest parts of the city and is the former Jewish quarter. The Jews arrived in the city in the second half of the 13th century, following a call for them to do so from Crown Prince Peter, in accordance with which any Jews setting up in ...

La Rambla - There isn't a lot going on, just a big "boulevard", with benches on both sides, for people enjoying the sun and chatting. I find this very relaxing and great to have a rest! Long live the ...

Terraces in Figueres - When visiting the Dali museum at Figueres you can sit on the many terraces on the square and have some delicious ice cream or sangria. Restaurants you will find as well so you dont have to take any food with you. I cant tell much about the locals accept they were nice and ...

All Languages in the Dali Museum - The Salvador Dali Museum is equipped to handle a huge number of languages, offering brochures and audio tours in many languages. Greek, Hebrew, Bulgarian, Korean and many more are represented. In my opinion, if a person has managed to arrive at the Salvador Dali museum, they will be able to enjoy ...