If you've decided to travel to Figueres, perhaps you heard of this little town which was made famous by Salvador Dali. The Dali Theatre-Museum which was designed by the artist himself, is the perfect place to get to know his eccentric work. There's much more to discover in Figueres, however, which is why we present you with an overview of the best family activities in this area. Don't forget to reserve your family holiday home in Figueres to make your holiday a perfect one.
Forget about everyday life for a while in Figueres, enter the surreal world of Dali where you can let your imagination run free.
Dali Theatre-Museum
Let's start with the impressive Dali Theatre-Museum. Formerly known as Figueres Theatre, it was designed by the Catalan artist himself. Dali was inspired by Figueres' beautiful surroundings when designing this spectacular building.
Dali's ultimate goal was to offer every single visitor a unique experience. The facade is bright red and is covered in golden and white details. On top of this, the roof is lined with huge eggs which look like a crown. Inside you can visit several heavily decorated rooms which feature some of Dali's works.
In an adjacent building there's an exposition of special jewels designed by the artist. A visit to Dali's world of colours, shapes and motifs is highly recommended for all ages. Get your tickets on the website to avoid a long queue when it's hot.
A charming mediterranean village
Undoubtedly, the Dali Theatre-Museum played a role in the development of Figueres as the capital of the Alto Ampurdán region. The history of Figueres dates back to the ancient Greeks and the Romans who developed the traditional Emporda wine. Nowadays, the city's rich history is still very present in its heritage.
Some of the most beautiful squares in the city date back to medieval times, such as Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the ancient Jewish neighborhood. There used to be a medieval wall in the city, but the only remains of the wall is the Torre Gorgot tower. You'll instantly spot this tower when visiting the Dali Museum-Theatre as it's a part of the museum.
The city's most beautiful modernist buildings are to be found alongside the Rambla boulevard. They're architectural gems dating from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Today, you'll find a plethora of shops, restaurants and museums which are really worth a visit. The historical city is a collection of little squares with terraces and some interesting sculptures like the Salvador Dali monument, which we highly recommend visiting.
The Sant Ferran Castle
Another nice idea for a family trip during your holiday in Figueres is a visit to the Sant Ferran Castle (Castell de Sant Ferran). This castle is situated high above the Rosa bay and the views of the surroundings are simply breathtaking.
The Sant Ferran castle is so big that it's one of the biggest military castles in Europe. Despite dating back to the 18th century, the castle is still in impeccable condition. You can visit it with a guide and do a standard walking tour and alternatively you can get to know the castle and its surroundings on a jeep or a boat tour. The boat tour will take you underground, underneath the castle, an adventure which your children will surely love.
If you'd like to pay a visit to the Sant Ferran Castle, we recommend that you reserve tickets beforehand.
Sports and adventure in Figueres
If you're travelling with children you're probably looking for alternative outdoor family activities to enjoy nature. One of our favourite activities is a balloon flight with the whole family which promises spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and the valleys of the Ampurdán.
You'll also find paintball parks in Figueres which are a great option for older children and teenagers. Another option is renting a kayak to explore the Darnius Boadella reservoir and follow its course down the River Muga.
There are many more beautiful villages along the Costa Brava which have incredible beaches and hidden bays. Not very far from Figueres you'll find the towns of Roses and Empuriabrava, which are both just a stone's throw away from the natural parks of Cap de Creus and Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Take a look at our guide to the best activities in Roses and get the most out of your stay.
A variety of museums
The museums of Figueres deserve a separate mention. Despite being a small town, Figueres offers a lot of options for visiting museums from the Technology Museum of l'Empordà to the Electricity Museum or the Toy Museum of Catalonia.
The Toy Museum is probably the most interesting one for children. It's situated in the centre of the town on the Rambla of Figueres. The museum has nearly 4,000 different toys on display including toy horses, bicycles, teddy bears, puppets and more.
International Gold Elephant Circus Festival
Throughout the year, the town of Figueres organises a lot of cultural activities. The International Gold Elephant Circus Festival is only five years old, but it's already widely considered to be one of the best circus shows in Europa.
In a wonderful show of tricks and impossible choreographies, more than eighty international artists compete to lift the golden elephant at the end. It's guaranteed to be a fascinating experience for you and your family.
Figueres is the perfect town to enjoy a family holiday. With its rich heritage, quality museums and beautiful surroundings, it offers countless opportunities for disconnecting and having fun with your family. Don't hesitate to reserve your holiday home in Figueres for the perfect family holiday.