The 10 things to do in Figueres

Visit Figueres: what are the best things to do and see in this pretty Catalan city so dear to Salvador Dalí?

Figueres is a typical Catalan village located in the heart of Alt Empordà, near the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees. It is world famous for its cultural and artistic sites. Visiting Figueres is also discovering the city of Salvador Dalí, a famous surrealist painter who was born there, resided and died.

Dynamic at any time of the season, it is full of activities to do in a couple, friends or family. Wanderlix offers you its list of the best of them, not to miss when you come to visit Figueres. Choose what you like, we'll find you there!

1. Go to Dalí Theatre-museum

Visit Figueres without passing through Theatre-museum Dalí ? You don’t think about it! This cultural space of national importance is dedicated to the Spanish painter who made the great hours of the surrealist current.

In 1974, he opened his own museum and spent the rest of his life encircling it with spectacular creations. The artist is still there today, since he is buried there: he rests in a crypt with a glass cupola.

The building is built on the remains of the former Figueras municipal theatre destroyed at the end of the civil war. Many works of this prolific painter are housed there: you can discover his early period (1917-1928), surrealist (1929-1940), and classical (1941-1983). Duration two hours on average , the visit is quite exciting. Don’t hesitate to book in high season , places are limited!

2. Walking around the streets

Figueres is one of the most sympathetic cities where he makes a good stroll. The typical Catalan architecture of the alleys is sublimated by a substantial sunlight throughout the year. Many buildings of interest punctuate your journey: the Church of Sant Pere of the 10th century reconstructed in a neo-Gothic style, Casa Puig (the birthplace of Dalí), and the picturesque houses on the Rambla side, the true heart of town.

To know everything about this city of character, don’t hesitate to book a guided tour at the Tourist Office. The Escorxador square is surrounded by many bars and restaurants. Here, moreover, a plate of tapas on the terrace is required!

3. Visit the castle of San Ferran

This unspoiled military complex built in the 18th century is located at the end of Pujada del Castell Street. He's busy. 32 hectares which makes it the largest monument of Catalonia and Europe’s largest modern fortress ! The place could accommodate up to 4,000 soldiers ready to defend Catalan territory.

Today, he is more willing to visit guided tours for the greatest happiness of tourists. If you’re looking for an activity to do in Figueres combining walk and heritage, it’s a great plan!

You can discover the secrets of this exceptionally well preserved castle, and know everything about its complex architecture. We recommend it especially to families with children : they will be the first thrills to take on this legendary mastodon.

4. To visit the Toy Museum of Catalonia

Children are decidedly spoiled in this top of the best activities to do in Figueres. The Museum of the Toy of Catalonia They are specially dedicated to them: a real machine to go back in time, this cultural space retraces the history of the toy. Puppet theatres, lead soldiers, cardboard horses, balls, board games, plush, tricycles and robots will shine the eyes of small and large children.

Located in the heart of the Casa Terradas built in 1767, the museum includes 10,000 pieces Half of them are exposed to the general public. Inaugurated in 1982, it also hosts precious period documents including photographs by Dalí... with his toys, of course. You will contemplate invaluable objects like this figurine of the baker dated the sixth century BC. It was found in a tomb of the Greek necropolis of Emporion.

5. Making wine tourism

The Empordà region is crossed by a wine route , gourmet route highlighting the Catalan wine know-how. The AOC Empordà is a world-renowned appellation concerning vineyards distributed between sea and hills. Throughout the itinerary, you will have the opportunity to discover exquisite beverages in the heart of vintage cellars.

This road connects the three main Roman monasteries that initiated the culture of the vineyard and the elaboration of the wines. It will also be an opportunity to cross the beautiful Cap de Creus natural park and to reach the castle of Peralada which houses the Wine Museum. On the side Roses , the Centre œnologique offers interactive animations... and tastings. With moderation, anyway!

6. Visit the Museum of Empordà

The Museum of Empordà is an entire institution dedicated to the conservation and promotion of regional heritage. If you're looking for a cultural activity to do in Figueres, you're in the right place.

This museum opened in the 19th century offers varied exhibitions and animations as well as Catalan artistic collections. If, of course, Dalí’s works are honoured, you will have the pleasure of admiring the creations of other local artists.

The archaeological space of the museum highlights the history of Catalonia, from prehistory to modern times, through Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

7. Discover the Natural Park of Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà

The Aiguamolls Nature Park of Empordà is the second largest wetland in Catalonia. It is a marsh close to 5,000 hectares became a natural park in 1987 in order to save it from urbanization. The park is divided into three areas of integral nature reserve: the island of Caramany, the coastal lagoons of Llaunes and the ponds.

It houses a varied flora and endemic fauna. Salicorne, tamariners, marine joncs are playgrounds of many reptiles, amphibians and mammals. You can see turtles freely. Educational trails punctuated with explanatory signs make the joy of the walkers, who can admire the waltz of migratory birds. A beautiful walk in the open air that you enjoy in a couple, family or friends!

8. Turn around the Figueres market

Miam! Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. , the Figueres market makes a great part to local products. Finally, the markets instead: the old with its hall ( Plaça del Gra ) and the new ( Plaça de Catalunya ). Good mood, good colors, good flavors, good odors: all ingredients are gathered to put your five senses awake.

You can taste iconic Iberian specialties such as chorizo, webresade, serrano ham, succulent seafood and organic fruit filled with vitamins. Moreover, your loved ones would probably be delighted to receive a beautiful bottle of olive oil or wine as soon as you return, what do you think?

9. Take a break

When you come to visit Figueres in the summer, it is good tone to enjoy the beautiful stretches of sand of the Costa Brava . They are only a few minutes’ drive from the city centre: the beaches of Portbou, the Cap de Creus, the cove Cala del Tres Platgetes, the beaches of Llança ... You have the embarrassment of choice!

We also recommend you to go to Empuriabrava, the “ Venice of Spain”. This seaside resort has seven kilometers of coastline and is full of tourist and fun attractions. By the way, are you rather water sports, ascent parachute, swimming or stuffing?

10. Go to the church of Saint-Pierre de Figueras

The Church of Saint Peter of Figueras is located on the square of the same name, in the heart of the city. Built in the 10th century in the Romanesque style, it was decorated with Gothic elements over history. His dome was rebuilt in 1895 on the plan of the architect Josep Azemar i Pont... but the building suffered extensive damage during the Spanish war.

A spectacular octagonal tower was added to it. This historic monument was the theatre of baptism, first communion and funeral of Salvador Dalí.

How to get to Figueres?

By plane

To come visit Figueres from the air, one solution: airport Barcelona , which only happens 1 h 30 de route . To find a flight at the best price, enjoy the expertise of Skyscanner A smart flight comparison. It is ideal to select the most suitable offer for your stay: practical!

By train or bus

Figueres Station is served by regional trains line R11 and trains line RG1 . It is thus easy to reach other cities throughout Catalonia and throughout Spain.

You can also enjoy the Bus station located a few dozen meters from the station. Buses serve the major cities of Spain.

By car

Visiting Figueres by car is very convenient to move once on site. Moreover, the Catalan city is easily accessible by the road. It is only about 20 kilometers from the French border at the Perthus level.

L’ A9 motorway will lead you directly from Perpignan , Montpellier , Nimes Or Orange.

The Spanish side is the AP-7 , also known as the “Mediterranean Motorway”, which serves as the main axis to get there. It connects Figueres to the metropolis of Barcelona and its wonders, for example.

By boat

Ferries serve the ports of the Costa Brava closest to Figueres. You can access the Empuriabrava marina or Cadaques easily from Spanish coastal cities.

Your boat, if you have the chance to own one, will appreciate the many possibilities of anchorage in the area. Places at the port will however be book well in advance especially in high season!

Where to stay in Figueres?

Whether you’ve come to visit Figueres for a weekend or a long stay, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vast choice of accommodations that the city has. With regard to hotels, there are about 50 hotels in the commune.

Use this great Compare hotels to search for the most suitable establishment for your desires, needs and of course your budget. Aparthotels, guesthouses and inns are distributed on both sides of the region.

Of course, housing for rent from individual to individual, many and varied, is a practical and affordable solution. Choose the ground of your dreams on the platform Airbnb , for example, to feel at home. We recommend them book well in advance , they are very requested in high season.

Only to choose... and decide the date of your coming. When do you plan this?