If your group enjoyed seeing works like “The Barcelona Mannequin,” “The Portrait of Joan Maria Torras,” and “The Woman in Flames,” and you’re craving more of Dalí’s genius, it’s time to hop on a bus and head north from Barcelona to visit the Dalí Museum in Figueres, the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, and the charming town of Cadaqués.
This mini-guide will walk you through organizing a one-day Dalí excursion in less than 1,400 words. This journey will immerse you in Dalí’s world of paranoia and hallucinations, making it a surreal and memorable experience! After being exposed to his boundless fantasy and madness, your own creativity will surely soar!
You’ll also discover the artist’s deep connection to this corner of Catalonia and the cultural legacy he left in Figueres, Portlligat, and the nearby village of Cadaqués.
Cadaqués (Costa Brava) – Photo credit: JaimeElfrances
The itinerary and map from Barcelona
Your group’s day will start bright and early so you can make the most of this fantastic trip. Here’s the itinerary, with a map of the route at the end.
- 8:00 am: Departure from Barcelona.
- 10:00 am: Arrival in Figueres and visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. The museum tour takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to admire his most famous works and the unique style of the installations.
- 12:00 pm: Head to Portlligat and tour the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, where you can spend an hour learning more about the artist’s life and work.
- 2:00 pm: Arrive in Cadaqués for lunch.
- 4:00 pm: Free time to explore Cadaqués.
- 6:00 pm: Return to Barcelona (arrival around 8:00 pm) after a day filled with art and culture on the Costa Brava.
Map of the route
Below you’ll find each stop on this Dalí-inspired tour that you’ll take as a group:
Transport for your group from Barcelona
This route to Figueres, Portlligat, and Cadaqués from Barcelona can be done independently by rental car, using public transportation, or by hiring a minibus with a driver.
By self-drive car
Going by car you’ll take the AP-7 to Figueres, which takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Then, continue to Cadaqués and Portlligat via the GI-614, adding approximately 40 more minutes.
The main drawback of going independently is the experience required for driving on winding roads, such as those leading to Cadaqués. The last 15 km before the town wind up and down through mountains, offering spectacular views of the rugged Costa Brava and Cap de Creus.
This option is best suited for small parties of up to 4-5 people. For larger groups, hiring a minibus with a driver or renting two cars may be more practical.
By public transportation via Figueres
Another option is to take a high-speed train (AVE) from Barcelona to Figueres (55 minutes) and then catch a local bus with Moventis (see time table) to Cadaqués. This is most economical choice, and it’s important to double-check schedules as they may not align with your planned visit times. Check the AVE train schedules on Renfe’s website.
By a Barcelona hired minibus
For a relaxed, all-inclusive more luxurious experience, hiring a chauffeured a chauffeured minibus in Barcelona is maybe the best option. You can forget about transport logistics, parking, and traffic while enjoying a drink, taking naps, and having fun on the road.
All you need to do is tell the driver to take care of the route, timing, and stops so you can make the most of each location. This option also lets you fully enjoy the landscapes along the way. Expect costs ranging from 750 to 1,100 euros for a minibus from Barcelona, or between 600 and 1,000 euros from Girona.
Parking for cars and minibus
When planning your visit to Figueres, Cadaqués, and Portlligat, it’s essential to know the parking options available for cars and tour minibus.
- Figueres: We recommend Parking Saba Plaza Catalunya, perfect for Dalí Museum visitors. It offers spaces for cars and minibus, with hourly rates and daily passes available.
- Cadaqués: The Saba Riera Sant Vicenç parking lot, located at the town’s entrance, provides paid spaces for cars and minibus. Due to high demand, especially in peak season, we suggest booking your parking spot in advance here.
- Portlligat: Located just behind the beach and about 100 meters from the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, the Portlligat parking lot offers paid spaces for both cars and minibus.
Places to see on this Dalí day trip
Here’s more detailed information about each stop on your Dalí tour:
Dalí Museum in Figueres
Dalí Museum (Figueres) – Photo credit: juliacasado1
The Dalí tour starts at the Dalí Museum in Figueres, one of the most fascinating museums in the world. Designed by the artist himself, every corner exudes the surreal style for which he is famous. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, and the unique Mae West Room, where the furniture and decor create a face when viewed from a particular angle.
Tickets and prices
Museum admission varies by season. From January 1 to June 30 and September 1 to December 31, general admission costs €17, with discounted rates for students and seniors (€14). Groups of 25 or more get a rate of €14 with advance booking, and guided tours cost €25 for general admission and €22 for the discounted rate.
In peak season (July 1 to August 31), general admission is €21 (€16 for reduced rates), with similar discounts for groups and guided tours available.
You can buy and reserve the Dali museum tickets here.
Portlligat
Portlligat Fishing Village – Photo credit: Luca Dugaro
In Portlligat, you’ll visit the house Dalí shared with his wife, Gala. The house is preserved exactly as the artist left it, with his studio, rooms, and the whimsical gardens. It’s an intimate space that showcases Dalí’s connection to nature and the landscapes that inspired many of his works.
Tickets and prices for the Casa-Museo
Tickets also vary by season, with discounts for seniors and students, though not for groups. Prices are €15 and €12 in the low season and €18 and €14 in the high season. For reservations and more information, click here.
Cadaqués and Dalí
Located 175 km from Barcelona and only 40 km from the French border, Cadaqués is a coastal village within the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Did you know Dalí called it “the most beautiful town in the world?”
Here, you’ll have free time to explore or have lunch among the white fisherman’s houses and understand why this town inspired Dalí and other artists like Picasso. Its historic center is full of homages to the artist, as well as art galleries, craft shops, and traditional restaurants.
Dalí Monument in Cadaqués – Crédito foto: JaimeElfrances
Where to eat with your group in Cadaqués?
Cadaqués offers a variety of restaurants serving excellent local cuisine. A good option is Can Rafa (Passeig, 7), known for its seafood and rice dishes. Their seafood paella is a standout. Another decent lunch option is Cadaq’s (Plaça Del Passeig 3), where you’ll find some of the best crepes on the Costa Brava.
Philosophical thoughts on the return to Barcelona
After a day in Cadaqués, you’ll board your car or minibus back to Barcelona. Dalí lived with mental health challenges throughout his life, often experiencing paranoid delusions and hallucinations. Yet, he married, supposedly fathered a child outside marriage, and was a prolific artist. He famously said, “The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad.”
As we wish everyone good mental health, may this tour also inspire awareness of the creative potential and resilience often hidden behind what we sometimes label as ‘mental illness’.
More info and get organized
Use the links below to plan and book your trip
Spain Rail / RENFE
Moventis public bus lines
https://www.moventis.es/es/lineas-horarios/linea-autobus-12-figueres-costa-brava-nord
Minibus and motorcoach rentals in Spain
https://rentautobus.com/countries/spain/item48
The Dali theatre museum
Dali’s house in Portlligat
