The Towns of the Costa Brava and the Dalí Triangle Route

Have you ever felt that art can transport you to another dimension? Figueres, in the heart of the Empordà region, is the gateway to the breathtaking universe of Salvador Dalí.

This city was the birthplace of the surrealist genius and is the main point of the fascinating Dalí Triangle, a geometric figure that we draw on the map of Catalonia by joining Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol.

Surrealism comes to life in this unique space, designed by Salvador Dalí himself on the ruins of the old Municipal Theatre of Figueres, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1939.

From the iconic geodesic dome to the coral walls decorated with giant loaves of bread and eggs, every detail invites the visitor to enter his universe.

Inside, the experience continues with surprising installations, such as the “Rainy Taxi” and the enigmatic Mae West Room, designed to play with perception and imagination.

Beneath the stage is the crypt where Dalí rests, in what he called “the spiritual center of Europe,” reinforcing the eternal link between his legacy and his hometown.

A lively city where art and culture are present in every corner. The Museu de l’Empordà is a hidden gem with a rich collection of Catalan art and archaeological pieces that tell the story of the region.

For the nostalgic, the Museu del Joguet houses more than 15,000 vintage games and toys. And if gastronomy is your thing, don’t miss events like as the Wine Fair and the Buñuelo Fair, which celebrate the traditional flavors of Figueres.

The cuisine of Figueres is a fusion of tradition and quality, with emblematic products such as pink onions, extra virgin olive oil, and mar i munt, a delicious combination of land and sea flavors.

To accompany your meal, there is nothing better than wines with the Empordà Denomination of Origin, with varieties ranging from Garnacha to Capmany reds.

At CaramelTrail we can design a personalized gastronomic itinerary in Figueres that includes visits to local markets, such as those in Plaza de Cataluña and Plaza del Gra.

And what could be better than a typical sweet? Don’t miss the flaonas, tortells and rabaça de mazapán, perfect for ending any meal with the authentic taste of tradition.

A few miles from Figueres, among crystal-clear coves and fascinating rock formations, lies Portlligat, a small fishing village that, along with charming Cadaqués, became Salvador Dalí’s main creative refuge for decades.

In 1930, Salvador Dalí found his creative refuge in Portlligat, where he purchased a modest fisherman’s house, which he transformed into a labyrinthine residence over the course of forty years.

The interior is a unique experience, from the imposing Bear Room to the studio where the artist worked with absolute dedication. The Oval Room, with its reverberant acoustics, was Gala’s favorite place to receive visitors.

The same extravagance continues outside, with a courtyard hidden among a maze, a swimming pool, and surrealist elements such as swan-shaped fountains and lip-shaped sofas. After Gala’s death in 1982, Dalí never returned and moved to the Púbol Castle until his death.

A short drive from Portlligat is Cadaqués, a village of unique beauty that has inspired artists such as Dalí, Picasso, and Miró.

Its cobbled streets, white houses, and colorful doors create a unique setting overlooking the sea, where the special light and the Tramontana wind have inspired the creativity of generations.

Salvador Dalí’s relationship with Cadaqués goes back a long way, as his family spent their summers in a house on the beach of Llané Gran, which is reflected in some of his early paintings.

In 1969, Salvador Dalí bought the Púbol castle as a gift for Gala, beginning a strange relationship in which he could only visit her by invitation.

The interior is a showcase of his boundless creativity, with murals, antiques and symbolic spaces such as the piano room and the old kitchen converted into a bathroom.

The exterior is equally fascinating, with a garden populated by surrealist sculptures, a swimming pool decorated with busts of Richard Wagner, and the garage where Gala’s black Cadillac is on display.

Dalí lived in the castle until 1984, when a fire forced him to move to the Torre Galatea in Figueres. Today, Púbol is part of the Dalí Triangle and offers a unique window into the universe of the Catalan genius.

Púbol and its rural surroundings in addition to its association with the artist, the area is ideal for those who want to get in touch with nature, with hiking and cycling routes that wind through changing landscapes and charming medieval villages such as Madremanya, Monells, Peratallada and the Sanctuary of the Angels (where Dalí and Gala were married).

The cuisine of the Empordà interior is characterized by its intense flavors and its link to the rural environment.

Ingredients such as pork, sausages and vegetables give life to dishes such as mar i munt (sea and mountain), suquets and rice dishes, where the culinary tradition shines with simplicity and authenticity.

Local products such as Bonica aubergines and Pals rice add character, while wines with the Empordà Denomination of Origin complete the experience. We can design a gastronomic itinerary for you to discover these unique flavors. Are you ready?

Located at the easternmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Cap de Creus is a landscape sculpted by the wind and the sea, where crystal clear waters and unique rock formations create a magical environment.

This cape completes the Daliniana route, which reveals the settings that inspired the genius of the Empordà region.

Exploring Cap de Creus is one of the most authentic experiences on the Costa Brava. The park offers numerous hiking trails for all levels, allowing you to discover hidden coves and viewpoints with breathtaking panoramic views.

Do you prefer a more peaceful experience on the water? Sailing through the crystal clear waters of the Natural Park will allow you to discover unspoiled coves and observe the rich seabed of this privileged corner of the Mediterranean.

Let us surprise you with an unforgettable day in this magical corner of the Empordà! We suggest a combination of hiking along the most spectacular routes, swimming in secret coves and gastronomic experiences overlooking the sea.

We immerse ourselves in the authentic coastal life of the Empordà, where Palafrugell and its charming Calella represent the purest essence of the villages of the Costa Brava.

These coastal towns, with their white houses and cobbled streets, offer visitors an exceptional cultural and gastronomic experience that perfectly complements the Dalí Route.

The Cantada de Habaneras de Calella, which has been held since 1966, is the most emblematic event in Palafrugell.

Every first Saturday in July, thousands of people gather in the Plaza Port Bo to enjoy this musical genre with Cuban roots, which marks the beginning of summer on the Costa Brava.

Experience this unique cultural event accompanied by the traditional cremat, a drink made of rum, coffee, and spices!

The Costa Brava is a place where art, gastronomy and tradition come together in perfect harmony. Its identity is reflected in the legacy of Dalí in Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol, in the magic of the streets of Cadaqués, in the dreamy landscapes of Cap de Creus and in the melodic sound of the habaneras of Calella, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

At CaramelTrail, we can design your perfect trip to the Costa Brava. We would love to hear about your personal interests and preferences so that we can create a customized itinerary that will allow you to experience these Mediterranean villages in a unique and authentic way. You’ll leave a piece of your heart here!