Φιγέρες

Spring and autumn are pleasant, with mild weather. Summer is warm and busy, as the museum draws many visitors on their way to the coast. Winters are cool and can be windy because of the tramuntana, a strong north wind.

The Dalí museum is crowded in July and August, so book tickets ahead or go early.

• Dalí Theatre-Museum is the surrealist museum designed by Dalí himself in the former town theatre, with a glass dome and a crypt where he is buried.
• Castell de Sant Ferran is a huge star-shaped fortress on a hill above the town, built in the 18th century and one of the largest military fortresses in Europe.
• Museu de la Tècnica de l'Empordà is a technology museum with old machines.
• The Museu del Joguet de Catalunya is a toy museum on the Rambla.
• The Museu de l'Empordà shows art and archaeology of the region.
• La Rambla and the Plaça de la Palmera are the lively center of town.
• Dalí's birthplace and the Rainy Taxi sculpture are near the museum.

• Spend a morning in the Dalí Theatre-Museum and see its courtyard and crypt.
• Walk around the fortress walls of Sant Ferran.
• Take a train to Girona or a drive to Cadaqués and Portlligat.
• Sit with a drink in the Plaça de la Palmera or along the Rambla.

• Cadaqués (about 35 km): a white fishing village and Dalí's home at Portlligat.
• Girona (about 40 km, 30 minutes by train): a medieval city with a colourful riverfront.
• Empúries (about 30 km): Greek and Roman ruins by the sea.
• Púbol (about 45 km): the castle Dalí gave to his wife Gala.
• Banyoles (about 40 km): a town on a lake.

Other places nearby:

• Costa Brava: Cadaqués.
• Catalonia: Girona, Banyoles and Barcelona.

• By train: Figueres-Vilafant station has high-speed trains (AVE and Avigon) to Barcelona in about 55 minutes, and to Girona in about 15 minutes. Regional trains stop at the central station. Book on Renfe.
• By air: Girona airport is about 60 km away, and Barcelona airport about 150 km.
• By road: The AP-7 motorway and the A-2 run past the town.

• On foot: The center is compact and flat. The Dalí museum, the Rambla and the main squares are within a 10 minute walk of each other.
• To the fortress: It is on a hill north of town, about a 20 to 25 minute walk, or a short drive.
• Cycling: Easy in town, with roads and paths out into the Empordà plain.

• Is a car worth it?: Not essential for the town, but useful for Cadaqués, Empúries and the rest of the Empordà.
• Parking: There are paid underground car parks near the center. Some central streets are pedestrian only.
• Roads: The road to Cadaqués is narrow and winding.

The Empordà has a strong food tradition. Try suquet de peix (fish stew), rice dishes, anchovies from nearby L'Escala, and botifarra (Catalan sausage) with white beans. The region is also known for its wines and for olive oil.

Desserts include crema catalana. Tapas and menú del día lunches are easy to find around the center.

Figueres is a safe town. Pickpocketing can occur in crowds near the museum. In summer, bring sun protection and water for the walk to the fortress.

Figueres was a Roman and medieval market town, and received its charter in the 13th century. In the 18th century the Castell de Sant Ferran was built to defend the border with France.

Salvador Dalí was born here in 1904. In 1974 the Dalí Theatre-Museum opened in the ruins of the town theatre, which was destroyed during the Civil War. In January 1939 the Spanish Republican government held its last session in Spanish territory in the fortress, before going into exile.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: