We can safely say that every visit to Figueres begins with Salvador Dalí. We know that being his birthplace does not mean the city has nothing else to offer, but we also know that it is probably the artist’s genius that has drawn you here. So no, we won’t keep you waiting before telling you about the Dalí Theatre-Museum.

At this institution, which could be described as surrealism in museum form, you can come face to face with some of his most iconic works and explore the evolution of his art. Dalí himself designed the museum, whose collection spans his earliest artistic creations and his later work, with his surrealism and passion for science represented in between.

To discover more about the man behind the artist, visit the Salvador Dalí Birthplace, where a series of audiovisual and immersive installations takes you back to his early years, inviting you to explore the world in which he grew up and meet the people who surrounded him. It is a way of understanding everything that shaped the child who would go on to become a genius.

With the Dalí must-sees ticked off, continue along La Rambla, the main artery of the city. From here, the rest of Figueres unfolds through a network of pedestrian streets with medieval origins, where historic buildings such as the Church of Sant Pere stand alongside shops, bookshops and cafés where you can stop for a coffee.

You’ll love coming across buildings that are pure Catalan Modernism and, surrounded by so much ornate detail, you may be surprised to discover that Figueres is also a city of castles. And Sant Ferran Castle is quite something. You’ll find it on the outskirts of the city and it is no small affair: the site covers 32 hectares. Dating back to the mid-18th century, it is impressive from the outside, but just wait until you see its underground cisterns.

In Figueres, they take local produce very seriously. If you don’t believe us, simply visit the markets held every week across the city. You’ll find apples from Sant Pere Pescador, onions from Figueres, cherries from Llers and Terrades… If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, you’ll be pleased to know that at this time of year, restaurants fill their menus with autumnal dishes featuring fish suquets, meat and, of course, mushrooms as the essential accompaniment. And naturally, it is all washed down with wines from the Empordà DO.

We know you’ll want to make the most of every second of your trip and enjoy everything Figueres has to offer. But if you ever feel like a change of scenery, you’ll be pleased to know that the city also enjoys a strategic location. In just 15 minutes by car, you could be soaking up the medieval atmosphere of Peralada; the sea at Cadaqués, which captivated Dalí, is only an hour away; and after a drive of around 25 minutes, you could be crossing the famous bridge in Besalú. A little further afield, you can wander among beech trees and volcanoes in La Fageda d’en Jordà and the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

Simply spending the night in Dalí’s hometown should be enough to make you excited about staying over. And if you choose a hotel like Sercotel President, the experience comes with an extra dose of comfort and wellbeing. We’ll be waiting for you right in the city centre, just five minutes from the Dalí Theatre-Museum, ready to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible. We have a private car park, subject to availability, so you won’t have to drive around looking for a space; a buffet breakfast, because we know you like to start the day on a high note; a pillow menu, so you won’t miss your own; and we’re also pet-friendly, so no one has to stay at home.

And for even more inspiration for your autumn breaks, discover our guide to 5 autumn destinations and experiences for a spontaneous getaway.