Figueras, strategic location between Barcelona and southern France

 Figueras, whose original name "Ficaris" was coined in Visigothic times, is a Spanish city located in the northeastern corner of Catalonia. It is also the capital of the Alt Empordà and one of the most visited towns on the Costa Brava.

 Its name is historically linked to the birth of one of the most famous artists in the world: the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí.

 Due to its proximity to France, Figueras represents a strategic communication point and an obligatory stop for travelers entering and leaving Spain. Likewise, it should not be forgotten that Figueras is the last great Spanish city that can be found before entering French territory.

 After the episodes of the Spanish Civil War, the economic recovery of Figueras began in the 1950s, consolidating itself years later, in the mid-1960s, as one of the most demanded tourist references in the Catalan territory.

 There are countless advantages that tourists find when visiting Figueras. A city with a fascinating history, an immense cultural heritage, a rich and varied gastronomy and excellent connections, located only 15 kilometers from tourist destinations such as Rosas or Empuriabrava.  

 For all these reasons, it is not surprising that this border town with France has become in recent years one of the main options for buying a home on the Costa Brava. If you travel to the Costa Brava, do not forget to visit one of the properties for sale in Figueras. 

Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueras 

Opened in 1974, the Dalí Theater Museum in Figueras has a wide sample of the pictorial work of the Catalan surrealist painter, from his first artistic creations to the works of his mature stages.

Designed under the watchful eye of Dalí, visitors can enjoy a complete artistic experience that will not leave you indifferent.

Before visiting the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueras, it is advisable to buy the tickets in advance. More than 1.3 million visitors viewed the works of the Catalan genius in 2018. 

Gastronomy in Figueras 

The proximity of the Mediterranean gives the gastronomy of Figueras a clear culinary orientation towards dishes from the sea. 

If you visit Figueras for the first time, you cannot leave without visiting the Restaurant El Pelegrí, with an extensive menu inspired by Empordà tradition combined with international cuisine.

It is also recommended to taste the Catalan gastronomic offer of the Restaurant Duran, one of the most prestigious restaurants in Figueras. This restaurant is part of the Hotel Duran, a historic establishment that opened its doors in 1910.

How to get to Figueras

 Unlike Cadaqués, access to Figueras is not an ordeal for the visitor. Thanks to its easy accessibility, the capital of the Alt Empordà has good connections both with the rest of the Catalan territory and with neighboring France.

From Barcelona

 If accessed from Barcelona by car, the most common option by road is to travel on the AP-7 motorway and then take exit 4 (Figueras Sur). If you prefer access by train, there are currently around 11 daily frequencies by train from Barcelona, and you can choose the normal route (1 hour and 42 minutes) or the fast train route (1 hour and 14 minutes). 

From France

 If you are coming from the south of France by road thanks to the modern Mediterranean Motorway (AP-7). From the southern city of Perpignan, Figueras is easily accessible in less than 1 hour by car.

 By train, Figueras connects with various cities in the south of France and the capital of Paris through the French high-speed rail network (TGV).   

 From Paris you can get to Figueras in just 5 hours and 42 minutes using the high-speed rail that runs the nearly 800 kilometers that separate the two cities.

Interesting towns near Figueras 

Once the visit to Figueras is over, if the agenda allows it, there are a great variety of nearby villages of great cultural and scenic interest.

 In just 30 minutes by car, you can reach the coastal municipalities of Rosas and Empuriabrava. Both towns have a wide variety of beaches around them, ideal for a relaxing day on the Costa Brava. 

 Another mandatory visit is the famous town of Cadaqués, perhaps one of the most visited towns in all of Spain. Getting lost in the narrow streets of Cadaqués, strolling along its colonial-style promenade and savoring the traditional seafood cuisine are some of the must-visits.

 If the visitor prefers to continue with inland tourism, another perfect option is to visit the towns of Besalú and Castellfollit de la Roca, located towards the west of Figueras.

 Perelada is also a great option just 10 minutes drive from Figueras. Hometown of the famous chronicler Ramón Muntaner, this Catalan town has one of the most beautiful medieval castles in all of Catalonia.

Are you interested in buying a property in Figueras to enjoy a few months of holidays during the year or to settle there permanently? Please contact our real estate agency in Figueras to find the house, apartment or villa of your dreams.