- Travel Enthusiast
- Dec 24, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
FIGUERES: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Figueres is a small Catalan town with a global cultural footprint, shaped largely by its connection to Salvador Dalí. Known for its bold artistic legacy and strategic location in northern Catalonia, it also works well as a practical stop between Barcelona, the Empordà, and the Costa Brava.
This guide focuses on what to see in Figueres, how to structure your time, and how to decide between a short visit or a longer stay, depending on your itinerary.
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FIGUERES HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re looking for the absolute best of Figueres, these are the spots you shouldn’t miss:
Dalí Theatre-Museum – Salvador Dalí’s most iconic creation, designed by the artist himself as a surreal journey through paintings, installations, and theatrical spaces.
The Old Town – A compact historic center with narrow streets, quiet squares, and local shops that offer a glimpse into everyday life in Figueres.
La Rambla – Figueres’ main promenade, lined with cafés and restaurants and well placed between the Old Town and the main sights.
Sant Ferran Castle – A vast 18th-century fortress overlooking the town, with open courtyards, underground galleries, and panoramic views across the Empordà plain.
Dalí Jewels Collection – A small but striking collection showcasing Dalí’s intricate jewelry designs made with gold and precious stones.
GETTING TO AND AROUND FIGUERES
Getting around Figueres:
Figueres is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, Old Town, La Rambla, and most restaurants and cafés are all within walking distance. Taxis are available if needed, and having a car can be useful if you plan to explore the surrounding Empordà region or nearby coastal towns.
Getting to Figueres:
From Barcelona, Figueres is easy to get to:
By train – High-speed AVE trains run regularly from Barcelona to Figueres Vilafant, with a travel time of around 55 minutes. Regional trains are also available but take longer.
By car – The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, following the AP-7 motorway north. Driving works well if you plan to continue toward the Costa Brava or nearby villages.
By bus – Long-distance buses connect Barcelona with Figueres, though journeys are slower than the train and less frequent.
By guided tour – Short on time? A small-group day trip from Barcelona that combines Girona and the Dalí Theatre-Museum is a convenient option, with transport and a guided visit included, allowing you to see both in one day without planning logistics.
FIGUERES ITINERARY
Figueres works well as a day trip from Barcelona, covering most of the highlights. Staying overnight offers a quieter experience once the museum crowds thin out.
DAY 1
Morning: Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, allowing at least two hours to fully experience its rooms, installations, and rooftop terrace. Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially in high season.
Then, visit the Dalí Jewels Collection, located right next to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
Afterwards, wander through the Old Town, stopping by Plaça de l’Ajuntament and browsing small local shops and cafés tucked into side streets.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at El Pati de la Taverna, a local favorite known for seasonal plates and regional cooking.
Afternoon: Head up to Sant Ferran Castle, one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Its scale, underground cisterns, and panoramic views offer a complete contrast to Dalí’s surreal world.
Evening: Take a walk along La Rambla, the town’s central promenade.
DAY 2
If you have another day, use it to explore more of Figueres and the surrounding area. Here are a few options to choose from:
Explore the Dalí Triangle – Continue tracing Salvador Dalí’s life by visiting the other two key sites linked to him: the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. Together with the museum in Figueres, they provide a fuller picture of his life and work. You can book a combined pass that covers all three here.
Visit the Toy Museum of Catalonia – This museum is centrally located and easy to pair with the Old Town, with a well-curated collection that appeals beyond just children.
Explore Peralada – Visit this small historic town known for its medieval center and castle grounds, just outside Figueres.
Explore the Empordà countryside – Use Figueres as a base to drive through small villages and vineyards in the Empordà region, which gives context to Dalí’s landscapes and the wider area.
WHERE TO STAY IN FIGUERES
Staying overnight? Here are some great places to stay in Figueres:
Hotel Los Angeles – A centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms, within walking distance of the Dalí Theatre-Museum and Old Town.
Ibis Styles Figueres Ronda – A comfortable and practical option with easy access by car, suitable if you’re arriving by road or continuing on to the Costa Brava.
Hotel Duran – A historic hotel in the town center, long frequented by Salvador Dalí, close to the Dalí Theatre-Museum and Old Town.
Hotel Divino & Aparthotel – A contemporary hotel with modern design, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location in Figueres.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Figueres worth visiting?
Yes, Figueres is worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in art, culture, or exploring northern Catalonia. While many people come for the Dalí connection, the town also offers a walkable Old Town, historic landmarks like Sant Ferran Castle, and easy access to the Empordà region and the Costa Brava.
Why is Figueres famous?
Figueres is famous as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and for the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a major museum dedicated to the artist’s work. It’s a key stop on the Dalí Triangle in Catalonia.
How long does it take to get from Barcelona to Figueres?
The journey from Barcelona to Figueres takes around 55 minutes by high-speed train, with regular AVE services arriving at Figueres Vilafant station. By car, it usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, following the AP-7 motorway north toward France. Regional trains and buses are also available but take longer.
Is the Dali Museum in Figueres worth it?
Yes, the Dalí Theatre-Museum is widely considered worth visiting. Designed by Dalí himself, it offers a unique experience that goes beyond a traditional art museum, with installations, optical illusions, and a large collection of his works. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
BEYOND FIGUERES
Got extra time? Here are a few amazing places just outside Figueres that are worth checking out.
Cadaqués – A whitewashed coastal village with narrow cobbled streets and a sheltered bay, long linked to Salvador Dalí. Set beside the rugged landscapes of Cap de Creus, it feels distinct from other towns along the Costa Brava. Want to know more? Take a look at our Cadaqués guide.
Costa Brava – This famous stretch of coastline is home to rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and postcard-worthy towns like Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell. Want to know more? Take a look at our Costa Brava guide.
Begur – A hilltop town with a castle, winding streets, and views that stretch across the Costa Brava. It’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful coves in the region, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the scenery. Want to plan a visit? Take a look at our Begur guide.
Girona – A medieval city with cobbled streets, a grand cathedral, and colorful houses along the Onyar River. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize filming locations here, but even without them, Girona’s Old Town is one of the most atmospheric in Spain. Want to plan a visit? Take a look at our Girona itinerary.
Besalú – A medieval gem with a Romanesque bridge straight out of a storybook. Its cobbled streets, stone archways, and hidden squares make it one of Catalonia’s most photogenic villages.
