1. Salvador Dali Figueres
Probably the most famous of all the museums is the Dalí’s Museum in the town of Figueres, about 50 km from Begur. For lovers of his work or art lovers in general, a visit to this museum is a must. The great legacy of the genius is not to be missed, with its ovoid-topped towers and the huge dome that is supposed to represent the museum. It is the world’s largest surrealistic object where you can admire more than 1,500 works by him.
In the summer the museum is open late at night, for more information you can take a look at the website.
Address: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dali 5, 17600, Figueres
Website: www.salvador-dali.org
Phone: 0034 972 677 500
2. Salvador Dali Pubol
More inland from Girona, not far from Begur, you will find the Gala-Dalí Castle House-Museum in Pubòl. This is where Dalí’s wife and muse lived: Gala. A mysterious, romantic atmosphere surrounds this medieval castle that was completely restored by Dalí.
Discover the paintings and drawings that the artist gave to Gala as gifts, the patios and fountains and explore the rooms designed by the artist himself: they are unusual rooms with a predominance of medieval and baroque decoration, the perfect reflection of his creative current.
In addition, you get the opportunity to walk through the garden where you also fall from one surprise to another. A perfect outing on a beautiful sunny day.
Address: Gala Dali, S/N, 17120, Pubòl
Website: www.salvador-dali.org
Phone: 0034 972 488 655
3. Salvador Dali Portlligat
Dalí’s third museum can be found in the beautiful town of Portlligat. This is a village with a typical small white fisherman’s house and a beautiful bay. Portlligat eventually became the artist’s main retreat. Dalí fell in love with this typical Mediterranean scene, because of the light and the landscape. Here he painted most of his major works.
Admission to this museum gives you the opportunity to discover the more private, intimate side of Dalí. It is a special experience of narrow corridors, dead ends, rooms decorated with personal objects and mementos of the brilliant artist.
Remember to book the date and time of your visit in advance – admission is limited to small groups.
Address: Platja Portlligat, S/N, 17488, Cadaqués
Website:www.salvador-dali.org
Phone: 0034 972 251 015
4. Terracotta Museum
Pottery was and still is the main activity in La Bisbal d’Empordà. For those who like it, there is also a museum about the history and production of pottery, plus often temporary exhibitions of various works of art.
The museum aims to show visitors the unique industrialization process that results from industry. In this sense, the Terracotta Museum represents the pottery industry in La Bisbal d’Empordà and the Girona region; the museum is without doubt the most important cultural heritage of this city.
During the visit you will learn about the crafts (tilers and potters) and the products involved in the world of pottery and its history in La Bisbal d’Empordà from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
Address: Carrer del Sis d’Octubre de 1869, 99, 17100, La Bisbal
Website:www.terracottamuseu.cat
Phone: 0034 972 642 067
5. Cap Roig . Botanical Sculpture Garden
In a beautiful spot just outside Calella de Palafrugell overlooking the coast is the 17-hectare botanical garden of Cap Roig. Nature, art, culture and history come together in this series of terraced gardens from the castle on the hill to the beach, with plants from around the world and sculptures by international artists. A lovely oasis!
The garden descends from the Cap Roig castle to the sea through terraced parks: connected the Terrasses de les Monges (the Nuns’ terraces), Terrassa del Bassin (the Bassin terrace), Jardí dels Enamorats (the garden of the lovers) through the Escala dels Xipres (the steps of the cypress). In the area closest to the sea, you will find the Jardí de la Primavera (Spring Garden), the Jardí de Cactus (Cactus Garden) and the Passeig dels Geranis (Geranium Road) with spectacular flowers.
If you’re here in the summer, don’t miss the Cap Roig Festival; the open-air auditorium serves as a stage.
Address: Camí del Rus, S/N, 17210, Calella de Palafrugell
Email: icaproig@magmacultura.net
Phone: 0034 972 614 582
6. Museu de la Pesca
Palamós has an interesting old town, market and fish fair with the auction. The sea, bay and harbour are so lively that it attracts many tourists every year. The port of Palamós is the largest on the Costa Brava and one of the most important in Catalonia.
Today, the port is used as an international port for cruises, merchandise and local fishing. It is a large and deep harbour, which means that both large and small fishing boats can moor here. You can also visit the museum about fishing in Palamós.
Located right next to the marina, the Fisheries Museum in Palamós is a fascinating space that chronicles the history of fishing in the area. It covers everything from building boats to the different ways of fishing, what fish are caught in the area and even how the women used to gather to mend the nets. Combine this museum with a visit to the fish auction in the afternoon, where you can buy the fish straight from the boat. It won’t get any fresher.
Address: Zona Portuària, Calle del Muelle, S/N, 17230, Palamós
Website:www.museudelapesca.org
Phone: 0034 972 600 424
7. Museum Can Mario
Museu Can Mario is a Museum of Contemporary Sculpture. It houses about 220 sculptures from the 1960s to the present and belonging to various artists born or living in Catalonia.
Since April 2011, there have been several novelties, such as the placement of 33 sculptures by artists from the Empordà in the Can Mario garden, a permanent open-air exhibition, or the Sala del Empordà, which, since October 2011, has been devoted to temporary exhibitions by artists from the Emporda. Temporary exhibitions are held every year.
Here you can also see the modernist water tower and you can visit the cork museum: Museu del Suro.
Address: Plaça de Can Màrio, 7, 17200, Palafrugell
Website: www.fundaciovilacasas.com
Phone: 0034 972 306 246
8. Museum of Suro
Palafrugell has traditionally been a so-called Cork Town. This also explains the large amount of cork oaks in the area. The Cork Museum, or Museu del Suro in Catalan, is located in the town of Palafrugell. It is dedicated to all things cork and is located in an old cork factory, the largest in Spain in fact. In the cork museum you can see what is made of cork, how it is processed and how it is part of the local culture.
Address: Placeta del Museu de; Suro, S/N, 17200, Palafrugell
Website: www.museudelsuro.cat
Phone: 0034 972 307 825
9. San Sebastian de La Guarda
In San Sebastià de La Guarda you can visit the Roman excavation of more than 2000 years old. In addition, it is also possible to view and climb the old watchtower. The tower offers panoramic views of the Costa Brava coastline and contains a small museum describing the history of the monument and the Llafranc area.
When the day is clear, the view even reaches the Pyrenees! The tower of San Sebastià de la Guarda dates back to the 15th century when there were still many pirates and this place was very strategic. You have a fabulous view over the entire coast and the hinterland. Entrance is only €1 for adults.
The trip to this beautiful sight alone is a gift. A beautiful drive overlooking Llafranc. The well-known Far Nomo restaurant is also located here, which is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Carrer de l’Uruguai, 87, 17211, Llafranc
Website: http://museudelsuro.cat/patrimoni/conjunt-monumental-de-sant-sebastia/
10. Ruins d'Empuries
Need to go out for a day and discover a new environment? Then a visit to the ruins of Empúries is a very nice day activity. This is an archaeological site considered to be the gateway to Greek and Roman culture on the peninsula.
As expected, in the museum of Empúries you will discover ruins of a Greek city, ruins of a Roman city and some remains of the civilization that existed before the arrival of the Greeks: the Iberians. And that a few meters from the beach.
The recommended basic route takes approximately 2 hours, with an additional 20 minutes to explore the museum.
To complete your visit to the ruins of Empúries, we recommend taking a 20-minute walk along the promenade to Sant Martí d’Empúries. A beautiful walk along the sea and then take a dip during the warmer days.
Address: C/ Puig i Cadafalch, s/n, 17130 L’Escala, Girona
Website: http://www.macempuries.cat