Surreal World: Salvador Dalí’s Costa Brava

The master of surrealism, Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain">Spain</a>, in 1904, giving his first exhibition in the town at the age of 14. One of the most important figures of the surrealist literary and artistic movement birthed by Frenchman André Breton, Dalí received his first taste of fame in Luis Buñuel’s films Un Chien Andalou and L’âge D’or.He fled to America during Francisco Franco’s regime and lived there from 1940 to 1948. He gained international celebrity in the United States, collaborating with famed Americans such as Walt Disney. Upon returning to Spain in the 1970s, he became a supporter of Franco, a fact that soured his relationships with the other surrealists.Dalí spent the final years of his life in Figueres, mourning the loss of his wife, Gala, and suffering from psychological disorders. It is believed that in his later, less lucid years he was manipulated into signing blank canvases. When Dalí died in 1989, he was buried beneath the Teatre-Museu in Figueres.<h2>The Alt Empordà</h2>The Alt (Upper) Empordà and the Baix (Lower) Empordà are geographically and politically distinct regions separated by the Ter River, which flows out to the Mediterranean. The Alt Empordà is known for its landscape of rolling hills and thick pine forests, dotted with fortified farmhouses.&nbsp;The area is home to a total of 68 municipalities with just over 100,000 inhabitants. Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí was from the town of Figueres in the Alt Empordà.

<h2>Figueres</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:350/233;height:auto;width:0px;" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Sant_ferran_castle_350_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="233">Figueres is the capital of the Alt Empordà, and an important centre of commerce and tourism, known primarily for its Dalí Museum (Teatre-Museu Dalí). It is a pleasant little town that boasts a lively rambla (boulevard), a variety of cafés and restaurants, and the imposing Castell de Sant Fernand—a huge 17thC castle, where the Republicans headquartered during part of the Spanish Civil War.<h2>Teatre-Museu Dalí</h2>In 1974, in a reconstruction of the town’s old municipal theatre where he gave his first exhibition, Dalí inaugurated the Teatre-Museu Dalí, now the second most-visited museum in Spain after the Prado.&nbsp;Dalí exercised considerable control over the museum, filling it with a variety of works, including many from his early years. The building itself is as surreal as the exhibits it contains. (Always the attention-seeker, Dali would sometimes wander down the streets of Figueres with a loaf of round bread fitted over his head like a helmet.)

<h2>The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol</h2>The Gala Dalí Castle Museum-House in the town of Púbol, where Dalí’s wife Gala lived during the 1970s, was opened to the public in 1996. It was a gift given to Gala from Dalí, fulfilling a promise he made early on in their relationship. She accepted this gift on the condition that it was her realm and Dali could only visit her there upon receiving a written invitation.On display are paintings and drawings Dalí gave Gala to decorate the castle, a collection of Gala’s haute couture dresses, and various pieces of furniture. The museum, and—most of all—the story behind it, gives a fascinating glimpse into both Gala and Dalí’s personal world and intimate relationship.&nbsp;Ready to see Dalí's world for yourself? Browse our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain/catalonia">Catalonia trips</a> or go fully tailored with a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/catalonia-bespoke">bespoke</a> trip.

Explore Salvador Dalí’s Costa Brava, from Figueres and the Teatre-Museu Dalí to the Empordà countryside and Gala Dalí Castle. Discover the landscapes, history and places that shaped the master of surrealism.

Spain

Andalucia, Catalonia, Rioja (to name a few)… the beauty of Spain never ceases to amaze us. We’ve spent decades whittling our journeys here to perfection. Feeling bleh? Pedal through a fiery Spanish-Arab cultural mash-up. Feeling thirsty? Aim for the Old World vineyards. Feeling reflective? Have we got a pilgrimage for you…

A fiesta of flamenco, sunsets, and savoury tapas

Cycle Basque Country and Catalonia, walk Andalucía and the Camino on small group or private bespoke trips through Spain, with local guides and insider access.

Spain Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Riding in Rioja is a sensory experience. Your eyes won't believe the vineyard-covered hills of neighbouring&nbsp;Ribera del Duero. Your body won't believe the comfort of the 5-star Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine Hotel. Your taste buds will never tire of the tapas, pintxos, and barbecued meats—not to mention the world-famous wine. And your mind? Totally and utterly blown.

Exceptional Wines

Incredible Rides

One-of-a-kind Hotels

There’s a fresh energy pulsing through Northern Spain’s wine country. Cycle through rolling vineyards and wheat fields where bold architecture meets deep tradition. Meet visionary winemakers, artists and chefs redefining the region’s identity. From smoky txorizo to Michelin-starred magic—paired with vintages full of surprise—this is Spain as you’ve never tasted it before.

Taste and ride Northern Spain

Immerse yourself in the sensory symphony

Riding in Rioja is a sensory experience. Your eyes won't believe the vineyard-covered hills of neighbouring&nbsp;Ribera del Duero. Your body won't believe the comfort of the 5-star Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine Hotel. Your taste buds will never tire of the tapas, pintxos, and barbecued meats—not to mention the world-famous wine. And your mind? Totally and utterly blown. *Some departures run on a slightly different itinerary.

This region in northern Spain offers more than just award-winning reds. Rioja exudes creativity and boasts whimsical architecture and design, all while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. Go Self-Guided and cycle our routes through ever-changing landscapes, immerse yourself in medieval history and follow the paths of pilgrims who've left their footprints here for millennia. It's an experience that can only be described as divine.&nbsp;

Historic Sites

Rioja: where the reds are award-winning, the architecture’s delightfully quirky, and the roads were practically made for cycling. Ride through rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and pilgrim paths carved over millennia. With divine scenery, rich history, and vino at every turn, this self-guided spin serves up Spain with just the right splash of magic.

From Mountains to Medieval Towns

A sensory experience in the heart of Spanish wine country

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

$4,995 based on four travellers. $5,495 based on two travellers.

Explore La Rioja on a tailor-made itinerary. Medieval wine villages, a stay at Frank Gehry's Marqués de Riscal hotel and Basque mountain passes, built for you.

Northern Spain Private Tours: La Rioja Wine Villages & Frank Gehry's Hotel

B&amp;R’s Women’s Only trips are designed by women, for women to experience new regions, cultures and communities from female perspectives. ﻿For centuries, women have walked along the ancient paths of the Camino de Santiago, a storied network of pilgrimage routes that weave through Europe. On this journey, you’ll follow the footsteps of countless pilgrims before you, beginning at the sacred Cruz de Ferro. Wind along cobblestone streets lined with charming houses until you reach the Palacio de Canedo—your first hotel and a place where local women once found a rare opportunity to forge their independence. Discover enchanting mountain villages and stroll through the cascading vineyards of the Sil River valley, dotted with historic chapels. Explore the medieval Cathedral de Santiago, then journey deeper into Galicia, where rugged mountain coastlines lead to the lighthouse at the end of the world. Throughout your pilgrimage, you’ll be inspired by the extraordinary women you’ll meet, each sharing stories of independence and honouring the women who helped pave the way.

Local Connections

Vibrant Culture

One-of-a-kind-Hotels

Intrepid women have been hiking the Camino de Santiago for centuries—and we're proud to follow in their footsteps. Wander cobblestone lanes, toast independence at Palacio de Canedo, and saunter through vineyard-speckled valleys. Pilgrim past historic chapels, meet trailblazing local women, and finish at Galicia, where rugged mountain coastlines lead to the lighthouse at the end of the world.

Tracing her footsteps along the Camino

Spend 5 nights hiking the Camino in a small women's group. Expert guides, village dinners and conversations that only happen when you walk all day together.

Camino de Santiago Women's Walking Tour: Village Dinners & Shared Stories

Embark on an enchanting journey through the land of the Basques, where whispers of Europe’s ancient language echo through the valleys. Your adventure begins in the heart of the French Basque Country, winding along quaint country roads and trails that reveal breathtaking mountain views. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural life as you explore the charming villages surrounding Bidarray, while the distant sound of Mancech sheep bells fill the air. Cross into the Spanish Basque Country and wander through the small village of Aia to reach the serene Pagoeta Natural Park. Follow the awe-inspiring trail to Flysch Geopark, where ancient geological wonders meet the crashing waves of the sea.&nbsp;Your Basque journey ends in the vibrant San Sebastián, where you’ll meet our friend for&nbsp;an authentic pintxos tour, followed by an invitation to an exclusive evening at the Gastronomic Society.

Great Walks

Insider Access

Authentic Food

Walk from France to Spain (passport optional, appetite mandatory) through Basque Country, where sheep bells ring, and jagged cliffs hover wave-batter shores. Wander postcard-perfect villages, stroll lush Pagoeta Park, and see geology throw a tantrum at Flysch Geopark. End in San Sebastián, swapping your trail boots for pintxos, vino and an evening of culinary mischief at a secret Gastronomic Society.

Wander from the verdant countryside to coastal San Sebastián

Spend 5 nights hiking the Basque coast from Biarritz to San Sebastián in a small group. Clifftop trails, surf towns and Europe's most acclaimed culinary coast.

Basque Country Walking Tour: Biarritz to San Sebastián, Cliffs & Surf Towns

Journey to the eastern coast of Spain and uncover the enchanting islands of Menorca and Mallorca. Your adventure begins in the sun-drenched Mallorca, where you’ll cycle through picturesque villages and dramatic mountain ranges on two wheels. A short flight then whisks you to Menorca, an island steeped in history and natural beauty. Explore the Cami de Cavallas by foot or bike and glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past at the Talayotic ruins. Experience pure bliss as you cruise the sparkling waters on board your private boat and indulge in the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean at seaside restaurants. In just five days, you’ll feel a deep connection to these magical islands nestled in the Balearic Sea.&nbsp;

Mallorca and Menorca: the Balearics' dreamy duo, where the history runs deep, the beaches sparkle, and the tapas never ends. Pedal Mallorca’s sun-kissed villages, then hop over to chilled-out Menorca for ancient ruins and blissful seaside hikes. Sail turquoise waters by private boat, feast shamelessly at waterfront eateries, and embrace island life so fully, you may never return to the mainland.

Explore the shimmering coast

Spend 5 nights biking and hiking Mallorca in a small group. Deià's clifftop village, hidden coves and the UNESCO Serra de Tramuntana — one island, many ways

Mallorca Multi-Active Tour: Deià Clifftop Village, Hidden Coves & Tramuntana

The alluring riches of the Mediterranean are sure to seduce. Limestone cliffs, azure blue shores, swathes of almond groves and artichoke fields. Experience it all on this journey through Mallorca, a biker's paradise, with options for every riding ability, from the level interior to the leg-working coast. (On your trusty e-bike you get to decide when to sweat and when to cruise.) The permeating scent of citrus, the freshest catch of the day, secluded coves and remarkable hotels in unforgettable settings—this place offers luxury in many forms. *Prefer to sweat it out? Regular road bikes are available by request, ask your Travel Advisor for details.*Please note the hotel lineup for 2024:The Lodge, La Residencia: May, June, September, OctoberFinca Serena, Son Brull: September, OctoberFor information about the hotels assigned to your departure, kindly contact your Travel Advisor. You can also download the detailed itinerary to view the complete hotel lineup.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Mallorca is Mediterranean perfection with a pulse—an island where rugged mountain climbs meet breezy coastal spins, and vineyard picnics give way to cliffside gin tastings. Ride quiet country roads, conquer legendary passes, and roll into whitewashed villages that feel frozen in time. With sun-drenched stays, bold flavours, and one spectacular surprise after another, this trip is the ultimate island escape on two wheels.

The beating heart of the Balearic Islands

Lunch on Day 1 is at Joan's House - Regular Trip Location

Lunch on Day 1 is at Barbara's Winery and not Joan's House due to Joan not being available that day.

The alluring riches of the Mediterranean are sure to seduce: limestone cliffs, azure blue shores, swathes of almond groves and artichoke fields, to name a few. Experience it all on this journey through Mallorca; a biker’s paradise, with options for every riding ability, from the level interior to the leg-working coast. (On your trusty e-bike you get to decide when to sweat and when to cruise.) The permeating scent of citrus, delectable tapas, secluded coves and remarkable hotels in unforgettable settings—this place offers up luxury in many forms.

Spend 5 nights cycling Mallorca's legendary coastal roads in a small group. UNESCO Tramuntana passes, hidden coves and Cap Formentor at its most dramatic.

Mallorca Bike Tour: Serra de Tramuntana Passes, Hidden Coves & Cap Formentor

With its European charm and uncrowded appeal, Portugal's coast offers a bounty of experience for history buffs, adventurers and foodies alike. Explore from Northern Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain; end your journey by cycling the final stretch of the Camino on lesser-known routes. Pedal the sparkling blue coastline, savour a Vinho Verde tasting and indulge in the region's spectacular seafood.&nbsp;

CAMINO COASTAL CHARMS

Michelin-Star Dining

Cultural Immersion

Straddling France and Spain, Basque Country plays by its own rules—and (quite literally) speaks its own language. From San Sebastián’s foodie fever to Bilbao’s modern flair, this place pulses with pride, passion and just the right amount of rebellion. Explore its green hills, drink in the crashing surf and experience pintxos worth planning a trip around.

A coastal and countryside feast for the senses

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Bike Spain's Basque coast from Zarautz to San Sebastián on a custom itinerary. More Michelin stars per square kilometre than anywhere on earth, built for you.

Basque Country Private Tours: Zarautz to San Sebastián & Pintxos Bars

Northern Spain is having a moment—and it’s delicious. Ride through Basque, Rioja and Duero, where bold architecture rises from ancient vines, jaw-dropping shorelines beg to be explored, chefs rewrite the rules, and winemakers blend tradition with a twist. Snack on txorizo, sip unexpected vintages, and meet the makers redefining this storied land. Yes, it's Spain. But no, you've never seen it quite like this.

Spend 5 nights cycling La Rioja in a small group. A stay in Frank Gehry's Marqués de Riscal hotel, private bodega access and Spain's best pintxos at the source.

Rioja Bike Tour: Frank Gehry's Hotel, Spain's Finest Reds & Pintxos Bars

Join us to explore B&amp;R's favourite stretch through Northwest Spain, zig-zagging our way through pretty Roman villages, rows of eucalyptus trees and jaw-dropping panoramas. Our final route gives us a sample of Galicia's understated, yet majestic rugged coastline. Step-by-step we’ll tackle rewarding climbs, revel in gripping vistas and marvel at prominent pilgrimage sites.&nbsp;Please note our new hotel lineup for 2025 departures: Palacio de Canedo, Aurea Palacio de Sober, Casa Beatnik Hotel, Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Parador Costa da Morte Muxia

Diverse Landscapes

Walk the Camino’s best bits, zig-zagging past sleepy Roman villages, whispering eucalyptus forests and views worth every uphill step. Discover Galicia’s wildly underrated coast—ruggedly beautiful and delightfully drama-free. Reward your daily feats with epic panoramas, iconic pilgrim stops and enough vino tinto to fuel the soul-searching. Heaven can wait; for now, Santiago beckons.

Walk the ancient route

Featured stays

Join us as we slow down on the Camino de Santiago: an ancient pilgrimage route that passes by pretty Roman villages, rows of Eucalyptus&nbsp;trees and rugged coastline. Step-by-step, we’ll tackle the rewarding climbs and revel in the open plains. While the full version of the trail spans across Europe, we take on only a stretch of it. But that’s not to say we miss the good stuff.&nbsp;Along the way, we’ll witness some of the pilgrimage’s best-known sites, including the Puerta del Perdón, the Iron Cross and the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

Spend 5 nights walking the Camino in a small group with a guide who's done it dozens of times. Village dinners, Galician hospitality and the climb to

Camino de Santiago Walking Tour: Expert Guides & Village Dinners

Andalucia is the spirited soul of Spain. Spot white-washed, hilltop villages shine like beacons in the countryside. Feel the pulse of flamenco music and the swish from the dancers’ colourful dress. Dine on tapas washed down with the local sherry to your heart’s content. Did we mention the over 300 days of sunshine per year? Pack your bags, this seven-day experience is one for the books.

Sacred Trails

Path of the Pilgrims

The Camino isn’t just a walk—it’s a rite of passage (with better wine). Follow ancient paths through misty forests and stone-clad villages, swap stories with fellow pilgrims and chase the glow of Compostela. Whether you’re seeking clarity, camaraderie or just a really good tortilla española, the Camino delivers—step by step, soul first.

Find enlightenment on the Camino de Santiago

Walk the Camino your way — custom-routed, expert-guided and built around your pace. Historic pilgrimage paths and stays most pilgrims never find.

Camino de Santiago Private Tours: Custom Routes & Expert Guides

One-of-a-kind Hotels 

Andalucia unfolds in layers: whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, golden hills lined with olive groves, and the rhythm of Flamenco carrying through sunlit plazas. Ride winding roads from countryside to coast, pause for picnics at family-run fincas, and taste the region’s soul in Sherry cellars and seaside feasts. This is Andalucia beyond the postcards—vivid, soulful, and made to be savoured.

Spend 5 nights cycling Andalusia in a small group. Jerez sherry bodegas, flamenco tablaos and the white-walled pueblo routes through Spain's most dramatic

Andalucia Bike Tour: Sherry Bodegas, Flamenco Tablaos & White Pueblo Roads

Home to volcanic craters, coastal cliffs, Pyrenean peaks and enough tapas to fuel the whole adventure, Catalonia is a feast. Hike Garrotxa’s lava trails, bike through sun-soaked vineyards and float over it all by hot air balloon. From Costa Brava beaches to medieval towns, Catalonia serves up scenery, culture and cuisine with serious flair.

Hike the Costa Brava, sail hidden coves and taste Empordà wines on a tailor-made Catalonia itinerary. Spain's wildest coast, explored privately and built for

Catalonia Private Tours: Costa Brava, Hidden Sailing Coves & Empordà Wines

Soak up the warmth of the Med in a region we adore. Ride rolling volcanic hills dwarfed by the Pyrenees and explore villages stamped by time. Cruise the Costa Brava, feast on farm-to-fork cuisine in Figueres, and let Spain’s best Dali guide lead you on an intimate tour through Dali’s marvel of a theatre-museum. Melt like a clock for this sensuous region.

Unique Gastronomy

Art and History

Spin your way through volcanic hills, Pyrenean peaks and Dalí’s surreal dreams. Cruise the Costa Brava, pedal through postcard-perfect villages, and savour flavours fresh from Figueres farms. Top it off with Spain’s ultimate Dalí whisperer at his whimsical theatre-museum. By trip’s end, you'll melt like one of Salvador’s clocks—blissfully, beautifully.

Getting Surreal in Spain

Soak up the warmth of the Med in a region we adore. Ride rolling volcanic hills dwarfed by the Pyrenees and explore villages stamped by time. Take sips and dips on B&amp;R’s sailboat while cruising the Costa Brava, feast on farm-to-fork cuisine in Figueres, and let Spain’s best Dali guide pour drinks before an intimate art tour. Melt like a clock for this sensuous region.﻿

Spend 5 nights cycling Dalí country in a small group. Medieval Girona, the surrealist Dalí museum and Costa Brava clifftop roads to hidden coves below.

Catalonia Bike Tour: Medieval Girona, the Dalí Museum & Costa Brava Cliffs

Island Paradise

Exclusive Access

Active Adventure

Mallorca is Mediterranean magic, with a twist of lime. Ride the legendary Tramuntana, hike into secret gorges and sail to coves where the only thing on the agenda is lunch—and maybe a swim. From vineyard tastings to citrus-scented strolls and luxe stays like Son Bunyola, this island does indulgence and adventure in equal, sun-drenched measure.

The Mediterranean magic of Mallorca

Bike Mallorca's UNESCO mountain roads, hike hidden coves and visit private wine estates on a custom itinerary. The Balearics' most beautiful island,

Mallorca Private Tours: UNESCO Mountain Roads & Private Wine Estate Access

Traditionally, the Camino de Santiago is about soul searching, but we’re more interested in soul-stirring. It starts with riding while others walk, to feel serenity in the saddle. It continues in the farm-fresh meals we enjoy en route, and the passion of the people who prepare them. And it culminates at the resplendent&nbsp;Reis Católicos, a stone’s throw from the cathedral.

Great Biking

Rioja is more than world-class wine (though yes, there’s plenty of that). Ride through rolling vineyards, medieval towns and into the artistic buzz of Bilbao and San Sebastián. With bold architecture, deep roots and food that rivals the vino, this is northern Spain at its most deliciously dynamic.

Spoil your senses in Spain’s wine country

Explore Elciego and Samaniego on a tailor-made Rioja journey. Private bodega access, Marqués de Riscal hotel and Spain's finest reds at the source.

Rioja Private Tours: Wine Villages & Frank Gehry's Hotel Marqués

Land of Striking Contrasts

Andalucia is Spain turned all the way up—sun-soaked, spice-laced and alive with rhythm. Wander Moorish palaces, sip sweet Jerez, carve jamón like a local and lose track of time under orange trees. With flamenco in your ears and tapas on your plate, this is southern Spain in full, glorious technicolour—yours to savour, your way.

Bike from Cádiz to Ronda and Granada's Alhambra on a custom Andalucia itinerary. Spain's most dramatic southern landscape, privately guided and built for you.

Surreal World: Salvador Dalí’s Costa Brava

By Lewis Evans

Spain

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