Located in the heart of the Alt Empordà region, not far from the Pyrenees mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea, Figueres is a Catalan city that is a must see. Birthplace and deathplace of Salvador Dalí, it is renowned for the charm of its city center, its heritage and its exceptional cultural and artistic sites, including the unmissable Dalí Theater-Museum. On sunny days, as the city fills up with visitors who come to enjoy the Rambla, the shops, the monuments, the museums and the local gastronomy, the city comes alive with festivals that celebrate art in all its diversity and the local products. Here are the top 10 activities not to be missed during a stay in Figueres
1- Visit the Figueres of Dalí
It is impossible to visit Figueres without following in the footsteps of the local glory: the artist Salvador Dalí. The footprints of one of the greatest surrealist painters of the 20th century are everywhere. You only have to follow the Dalí itinerary and the ants on the signs to discover the most singular spaces in the city related to the local artist. At another point, after visiting the façade of the house where he was born on Monturiol Street, which is currently being converted into a museum, we come to the inevitable Dalí Theatre-Museum, the city's landmark. From its exterior architecture to its interior spaces, this special place offers a journey to the heart of the artist's universe, with the presence of numerous works. The Theatre-Museum also has a complementary space where more than 40 pieces of jewelry designed by Dalí are on display. Another opportunity to see his talent and creativity. In summer, visitors can enjoy the activity "Dalí de Figueres", an exhibition of 10 life-size statues of Dalí near places and addresses related to the artist. After dark, 5 projections of works inside the Theatre-Museum color the facades of emblematic monuments of the city, including the Torre Galatea in the Dalí Museum.
2- Sant Ferran Castle and the Water Cathedral
A stay in Figueres includes a visit to another remarkable building, the Castle of Sant Ferran. Built in the 18th century on a hill overlooking the city, its dimensions are impressive. Occupying an area of 32 hectares, it is the largest bastion in Europe. The visit to this monument, which has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and Historical-Artistic Monument, includes the interior, and it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide to better understand the fascinating history of the fortress. To fully enjoy all the particularities of the building, the visit can continue with the Water Cathedral, which includes a 4X4 ride along the ditches towards the underground galleries, and then a ride in an inflatable boat directly into the fort's tanks
3- See the exhibition Made in Figueres at the Museum of the Empordà
The Museum of the Empordà is dedicated to the research, conservation and promotion of local and regional cultural heritage. It houses a fine collection of Catalan works of art covering a period from the 19th to the 21st century. Its program includes interesting temporary exhibitions, such as the one taking place from April 30 to October 9, 2022, called Made in Figueres. The event traces the history of the industrialization of Figueres. Among other things, we learn that the Catalan city is a leading manufacturer of bicycles and motorcycles, with brands such as Rieju. Historical information, works of art, machines manufactured in local factories, the tour is fascinating and allows us to learn more about another facet of Figueres.
4- Stroll through the Toy Museum of Catalonia
The Toy Museum is another place not to be missed during a vacation in Figueres. Inaugurated in 1982, it exhibits more than 4,000 pieces, including spinning tops, airplanes, dolls, puppets, various wooden games, tricycles, magicians' kits and other toy soldiers. Some areas show old photographs of children with their toys. In this place that fascinates both young and old, it is always moving to know that some of these toys belonged to personalities such as Anna Maria and Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Federico García Lorca
5- Shopping and a trip to the market
In Figueres, the Rambla is the place where people like to go to enjoy the shade of the trees to have a coffee or a lunch on the terrace. It is also around this axis that a large commercial area is located, where the shopping streets intersect and where you can take the time to stop in the charming squares. Shopping is pleasant in Figueres and you can find everything you need. As a visitor, you will want to rush to the ready-to-wear stores, with local and international brands, but also to the jewelry and local products stores. Food lovers can also visit the Figueres market, which is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Located between the centenary Square of the Grain and the Square of Catalonia, the place is a range of colors and good mood. You can find fruits and vegetables, Iberian specialties such as cured meats, as well as seafood
6- Enjoy the gastronomy and wines in the city and in the Empordà region
If the Figueres market is a landmark for food lovers, you can also take advantage of your stay to participate in the wine and food routes organized by the tourist office and Laura Masramon, professional sommelier. Visitors follow routes to various key places related to the gastronomic history of the city and the region, such as the first restaurants to receive Michelin stars in Spain. They are located in Figueres and are still in operation, allowing visitors to discover the richness of the wines and gastronomy of the Empordà, a region that takes advantage of its proximity to the sea, the mountains and France. You can also go and meet the winegrowers directly in their wineries and try the red, white and rosé wines of the Empordà. Let's not forget that only 20 minutes from Figueres, the AO Empordà Wine Route is a wine and food itinerary that allows you to enjoy a multitude of activities related to the wines of the region: visits to wineries, museums, wine therapy and other kayaking sessions followed by a tasting of great wines accompanied by local culinary specialties. The oil in the area is also excellent. Visits to oil mills working with traditional methods are another must in the Empordà, with tastings to follow
7- Participate in music and dance festivals
Summer is the time for festivals and Figueres is no exception. From June 30 to July 3, 2022, dance is in the spotlight at the Festival Figueres Es Mou. The objective is to introduce dance and the art of movement to all audiences through performances in squares, theaters, without forgetting the courses and workshops offered to those who wish. Music will be heard from September1 to 4, 2022 in Acústica. The historic center of Figueres comes alive with concerts of various styles, with the presence of local and national artists. The participants also enjoy parallel activities and proposals with food trucks, a record fair and a designer market
8- Meet the producers at the Empordà wine fair
Every year, the Rambla de Figueres is the meeting point for lovers of good local wines at the Empordà Wine Fair. This year it is held from June 25 to 28. Residents and visitors come to meet the producers, browsing from stand to stand tasting the best wines of the D.O. Empordà. The reds, whites and rosés of the territory enjoy an excellent reputation in Spain and beyond its borders. This friendly event in Figueres is an opportunity to learn more about the secrets of wine making, buy products, participate in conferences, but also to schedule visits to the wineries
9- Schedule a guided tour of St. Peter's Church
Thechurch of St. Peter of Figueres is located in the eponymous square. It is around this major building in the city center that the medieval city was built. A guided tour allows you to better understand the eventful history of the monument, which suffered the bombings of the Spanish Civil War, but which also hosted a royal wedding, the baptism and funeral of Salvador Dalí. The visit goes through the different parts of the church: the nave, the north wall and a loophole at the foot of the bell tower, the oldest parts of the building dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. Let's not forget the spectacular view of Figueres from the bell tower!
10- Follow the heritage itinerary of the Figueres cemetery
Figueres offers an audio guide available in four different languages to discover part of the history of the city, from the late nineteenth century to the Civil War, strolling through the alleys of its cemetery. The cemetery of Figueres has hundreds of tombs and graves, 22 of which were built and sculpted by great Catalan architects and artists in various styles. There are neoclassical and modernist works, among others. Exceptional from an architectural point of view, great figures in the history of Figueres are buried in these tombs, such as Salvador Dalí and the New Zealand brigadier Reginald Miles
