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Figueres

The town of Figueres situated inland in the province of Girona in Catalonia, is best known for being the home of Salvador Dalí; yet visitors to this town with its deep Catalan roots, will find much more than Dali memories. Figueres is teeming with cultural attractions and has a full festival program throughout the year for visitors to enjoy. 

Figueres is the last town before the Spanish/French border in the county of Alt Empordà, set between the Pyrenees and the Costa Blanca. The nearest airport is Girona, just 56 kilometres from the town.

About town
The name Figueres translates to Fig Tree; as one can imagine, the town was once abundant with the sweet fruit trees. 

Like most traditional Spanish towns, Figueres is made up of a central Old Town, where the majority of the town’s cultural attractions can be found. There is a typical ‘La Rambla’ central avenue, which can be found at the heart of the shopping zone and links the old quarter with the newer parts of town, developed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Here you will find a mix of architectural styles, from Baroque, to Neoclassical, to Modernist and Rationalist styles. 

Distributed across Figueres are numerous public squares (Plaza, or Plaça en Catalan), iconic of Spanish town construction and part of the Spanish way of life, where people, meet, greet, sit, gossip, play dominos, or just watch the world go by. The main squares of interest are Plaça de L’Ajuntament, where you find the present City Hall; Plaça de les Patates, Plaça del Gra, where there is a colourful food market theld three days a week, and Plaça Doctor Ernes Vila and Plaça de Catalunya. Each square has its own story to tell, distinct architecture and activities. 

The old quarter provides an excellent stage for open-air shopping, with a variety of wares on display. There are various markets throughout the week including local produce, clothes and a flea market. 

Places to Visit
Figueres is home to a host of important historical monuments and cultural attractions. Amongst which is the Castle of Sant Ferran, an 18th century military fortress built on the top of a hill on the outskirts of town. Its vast form dominates the town; it has a perimeter of more than three kilometres making it the largest historical monument in Catalonia and one of the largest fortresses in Europe.

Of course the main reason why most tourists visit Figueres and what really has left the greatest mark on the town, is that it was the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of all time, Salvador Dalí. Tourists come from all over the world to visit the famous Salvador Dali Theatre-Museum. The building was actually designed by the artist himself, inaugurated in 1974, it contains an extended collection of his works covering his entire career, from his early artistic experiences through to works created during the last year of his life. 

Visitors will find some of his most outstanding creations here including: The Spectrum of Sex Appeal (1932), Galarina (1944-1945), The Bread Basket (1945) and Galatea of the Spheres (1952). 

Other notable attractions in Figueres include the Toy Museum of Catalonia; situated in the former Hotel Paris on the Rambla de Figueres; the museum exhibits over 4000 games and toys from different periods. The interesting collection ensures a nostalgic visit for both parents and children alike. The Empordà Museum is an ode to the historic routes of the local area, and takes you on a journey through the deep Catalan routes of Figueres and the province of Girona. 

A little further afield we recommend a trip to the nearby coastal resorts of the Costa Brava, with picturesque towns including Colera, with its beautiful beaches; Llançà with its upbeat marina and the attraction park, Port de la Selva, which provides fun for all the family.

Much of this strip of the Costa Brava is a protected marine life reserve and a stunning area of visit.

Cuisine and Eating Out
The local cuisine, like much of this province, combines fish and shellfish from the local coast, served baked, grilled, barbecued, or you choose! Produce from the land and mountains: chicken, rabbit wild mushrooms and local fruits, also feature heavily on local menus. 

There are also a range of delicious local wines and cava, labelled from the Ampurdán-Costa Brava Denomination of Origin. 

Climate
Figueres enjoys long pleasantly hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures are cool but pleasant.