The Christmas season is approaching and with it, the desire to take a few days to see what's going on elsewhere. In Europe, many cities are decked out in their finest decorations and offering special events for the holiday season. This is the case of Figueres, a city in the Alt Empordà region of Spain. The city where the great Salvador Dalí was born and died is always happy to welcome visitors who come to enjoy the lively atmosphere of its streets with their Catalan architecture, but also its stores, restaurants, museums, heritage and gastronomy. In addition, during Christmas, Figueres does not fail to light up and celebrate the internationally renowned artist who will always have a special place in the town. Here are 10 experiences to enjoy on a trip that is sure to leave you with sweet memories
1- Take a few moments to shop in the center of Figueres
During a walk along the Rambla, we take advantage of the special atmosphere of the end of the year to stop in a café and warm up with a hot drink. All around this main axis, visitors wander through the typical Catalan streets to discover the different shops and treat their loved ones. Local stores, international brands, merchants are available to inform and advise visitors. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, decorations, gastronomy, you can find everything in the vast commercial space of Figueres. The market, which is located between the centennial Plaza del Grain and the Plaza de Catalunya, is another must-see during a shopping session to stock up on vegetables, fruit and Iberian specialties. It is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And then, as Christmas is upon us, don't miss the Christmas market that takes over La Rambla. Handicrafts, gourmet treats, illuminated trees, the atmosphere is always friendly
2- Enjoy the Dalí Christmas lights
During the Christmas season, Figueres goes all out to illuminate its streets, facades, heritage, and store interiors, thus putting stars in the eyes of young and old. In addition to its traditional decorations, the city is now adorned with illuminations that pay tribute to Salvador Dalí. For information, the artist collaborated from 1958 to 1976 with a pharmaceutical company to create greeting cards for customers and employees. The Dalinian Christmas lights include the Christmas tree, a key element of this former project. Today, they sprinkle the atmosphere of the end-of-year celebrations with surrealistic touches, and can be discovered during guided or self-guided tours
3- Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum
It's hard to imagine a Christmas trip to Figueres without visiting the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a monument conceived and designed by the surrealist genius himself. A space dedicated to the Catalan artist, its incredible exterior architecture is the first detail that catches the eye. Inside, it houses numerous works by the city's beloved child, representative of the early, surrealist and classical periods. Also not to be missed is the space where more than 40 pieces of jewelry created by Dalí himself are on display. Whether you choose a guided or self-guided visit, discovering the Dalí Theatre-Museum is always a powerful moment in a stay in Figueres. And this is true regardless of the season. For your information, Salvador Dalí is buried in the museum, in a crypt with a glass dome
4- Going to Sant Ferran Castle
Occupying an area of 32 hectares, the castle of Sant Ferran is a remarkable building to see in Figueres. Dating from the 18th century, it is the largest bastion in Europe. Imagine for a moment that it could accommodate up to 4,000 soldiers gathered to defend the Catalan territory. To better understand its history, its specificities and its importance, the best thing to do is to follow a guide and let yourself be lulled by his information. Another experience is offered to visitors at the Sant Ferran Castle, called the Water Cathedral. It is a 4X4 route along the moat towards the underground galleries, followed by a tour in an inflatable boat in the fort's tanks. A fun, but still highly cultural way to enjoy a building that has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest and Artistic Historical Monument.
5- Take part in cultural itineraries
A trip to Figueres for Christmas is an opportunity to take part in different heritage routes. One of them allows you to follow panels decorated with an ant and visit places related to the artist Salvador Dalí. Also available as a guided tour. A second one consists of taking a guide to discover the squares and noble and singular buildings that reveal the most history in Figueres. A route that also makes the visitors travel through the styles. Finally, the Figueres Cemetery route allows you to stroll around and discover a place with incredible graves built and decorated by great Catalan architects and artists. They house figures from the history of Figueres. The walk takes you back to a time between the end of the 19th century and the Civil War. An audio guide is available on smartphone, after scanning a QR Code at the entrance
6- Sign up for guided tours
What better way to discover the secrets of Figueres than to take part in guided tours? As we have seen, they allow you to discover the mysteries of the Sant Ferran castle, the places linked to the artist Salvador Dalí, the Christmas decorations inspired by the artist, and also to enter the interior of key monuments such as the church of Saint Peter. The guided tour allows you to discover the different spaces of the building and to enjoy an incredible view of Figueres from the bell tower. It is always moving to learn that the church has been the witness of great events in the history of the city: from the bombings of the Civil War to the funeral of Dalí, through a royal wedding.
7- Discover the Alt Empordà region
A stay in Figueres during the festive season is an opportunity to go and explore the roads of the beautiful region ofAlt Empordà. This territory in the extreme northeast of Catalonia allows you to enjoy the pleasures of walking in the mountains, with the presence of the Alberes massif. Beautiful coastal towns also await visitors, such as Portbou, Roses, Cadaqués, with its historical remains and the home of Dalí, or Sant Martí d'Empúries, with its medieval architecture. And what about the exceptional marine panoramas offered by the Natural Park of Cap des Creus? For history lovers, there is the incredible archaeological site of the ruins of Empuries. The Alt Empordà is also a territory to travel by bike. On two wheels, you will enjoy discovering the beautiful landscapes and the fauna and flora of the marshes that are part of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park.
8- Sitting at the table of restaurants
Since Christmas is the season for comfort food, a trip to Figueres is an opportunity to discover the restaurants that populate the city center. The culinary offer is varied and largely honors the authentic gastronomic tradition of the Alt Empordà. Meat dishes in sauce from the interior or fish and other Mediterranean flavors from the Costa Brava, there is something for everyone. A cuisine whose basic food is the delicious PDO olive oil produced in the mills of the region, in an artisanal way. Of course, the dishes can be accompanied by a glass of wine. The D.O. Empordà has the advantage of offering a wide range of flavors and notes.
9- Enjoy a multitude of family activities
The Christmas season is the time when we enjoy getting together and sharing moments with our families. Figueres is a sweet family destination. A city where you can enjoy a walk through the city center, before going to the wooded park, a real green lung. The place is perfect for observing the vegetation, taking a walk and stopping at the children's play areas. On another day, a moment in the Toy Museum allows you to discover more than 4,000 pieces, some of which belonged to famous people. Lead soldiers, wooden toys, tricycles, old photos of children with their toys, the visit will amaze all members of the family. And for hikers, there are many trails to discover the surrounding area, such as the one along the Manol River.
10- Consult the cultural agenda
Figueres is full of events all year round, in a variety of fields. So don't forget to check the cultural calendar when you visit the Catalan city. If in summer the Empordà wine fair is followed by the unmissable Figueres ES Mou (dance) and Acústica (music) festivals, winter also has its share ofevents not to be missed. Every third Saturday of the month, the antique fair sees the Rambla filled with stands where books, records, furniture and other objects are displayed. A good omen for the season of gifts.
