Salvador Dalí: A surreal journey across Spain through his art
Explore Dalí’s genius through his work and the corners of Spain that shaped his life.
It has been 101 years since the birth of Salvador Dalí, the genius of surrealism who left an indelible mark on art, design, and popular culture.
Beyond his iconic paintings and eccentric personality, Dalí was deeply connected to Spain, especially Catalonia, where he found inspiration in every corner.
His creativity was not limited to the canvas: he also explored fashion, graphic design, furniture, and even advertising. Today, we invite you to visit the places that shaped his life and work, as well as his forays into different creative fields.
FIGUERES: THE BIRTHPLACE OF GENIUS
Dalí was born in Figueres, a town in the province of Girona, on May 11, 1904. This is not only the birthplace of the artist, but also the site of his most impressive work: the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
This museum, designed by Dalí himself, is a work of art in itself, with surrealist architecture and a collection that allows visitors to delve into his creative mind.
CADAQUÉS AND PORTLLIGAT: A REFUGE FOR INSPIRATION
If there is one place that marked Dalí’s life, it is Cadaqués, a picturesque village on the Costa Brava where the artist spent long periods of his youth, fascinated by the Mediterranean landscape and the region’s unique light.
Nearby, in Portlligat, he built his home studio, which is now the Salvador Dalí House Museum. It is a labyrinthine space with direct access to the sea that reflects the essence of his art and way of seeing the world.
PÚBOL CASTLE: A TRIBUTE TO GALA
Dalí acquired the Púbol Castle in 1969 as a gift for his muse and wife, Gala, located in the Baix Empordà region.
It was only with Gala’s permission that Dalí could enter this mysterious and romantic place. Today, the castle is a museum that offers a better understanding of the relationship between the two and Gala’s influence on his work.
MADRID AND THE REINA SOFÍA MUSEUM
Although Dalí was always linked to Catalonia, his art is also present in Madrid, where the Reina Sofía Museum houses some of his most important works. Among the pieces on display is “The Great Masturbator,” one of his most influential creations.
DALÍ AND FASHION: THE COLLABORATION WITH SCHIAPARELLI
Dalí had a close relationship with designer Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the most innovative figures in 20th century fashion. Together they created pieces that challenged the limits of conventional clothing.
One of their most famous designs was the “Lobster Dress”, a white silk garment printed with a red lobster, inspired by his painting “Lobster Telephone.” He also designed the “Shoe Hat”, a surrealist piece that turned a shoe into a head accessory.
THE CHUPA CHUPS LOGO: A DESIGN IN MINUTES
In 1969, Dalí was asked to design a new logo for the Chupa Chups candy brand. In less than an hour, he created the iconic design with a bold font surrounded by a daisy shape. His genius lay not only in the design, but also in his decision to place the logo at the top of the wrapper so that it would always be visible.
SURREALIST FURNITURE: ART FOR LIVING
Dalí also ventured into furniture design, creating pieces that look like they came straight out of his paintings.
One of his most famous designs is the “Mae West Lips Sofa,” inspired by the actress’s mouth. This red sofa, with its voluptuous shape, became an icon of surrealist design. He also designed lamps, tables, and other objects with extravagant and symbolic shapes.
DALÍ’S ECCENTRICITIES
Dalí was as famous for his art as he was for his flamboyant personality. Among his eccentricities were:
DALÍ IN POPULAR CULTURE: MONEY HEIST
Decades after his death, Dalí’s image remains a symbol of rebellion and creativity. In the Spanish series Money Heist, the protagonists wear masks with his face, making him an icon of resistance and mystery.
THE DALÍ TRIANGLE: AN ESSENTIAL ROUTE FOR LOVERS OF SURREALISM
This route links Figueres, Cadaqués and Púbol. This tour allows you to discover the most emblematic places of Dalí’s life and to better understand his artistic universe.
CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC IMMERSION: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SALVADOR DALÍ
To discover the places that marked the life of Salvador Dalí is to enter his world of creativity, passion and surrealism.
From Figueres to Cadaqués, through Púbol and other important places, each destination reveals a different facet of the genius that transformed art. Thanks to CaramelTrail’s personalized tours, you can immerse yourself in the magic of the Dalí Triangle, explore the Costa Brava and feel the inspiration that permeated his work.
If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the Dalí universe, this trip is the perfect opportunity to do so with a tailor-made experience.
