MORE SURREAL THAN COVID-19: THE
DALÍ TRAIL
As it might feel like we are living through an entirely unrealistic movie, what better time to look at the life and work of Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. André Breton might have been the intellectual head of the Surrealist movement but Dalí was the theatrical heart of it. Spanish by birth, he spent much of his time between the northern westerly regions of Spain and the US, where he was well-received as an artist and eccentric showman.
Sandy beaches of Costa Brava
Much of what Dalí touched was surreal; a mix between fantasy and reality. Even in death, he managed to continue his legacy when, 28 years after his death in 1989, his body was exhumed for a paternity claim. When his coffin was opened, the coroner was surprised and delighted to discover his signature mustache still intact.
Discovering Dalí as an Art Pilgrimage is to explore the astounding region of Costa Brava. Peppered with toy-like medieval villages, rocky and sandy beaches, nature walks courtesy of Cap de Creus nature reserve, and some of Spain’s best cuisine, following the Dalí trail is a great way to make your way around the region.
Dalí’s house in Port Lligat, Cadaqués is almost entirely as he left it, with one a few barriers put up to stop visitors from looking with their fingers. When there, take your time to enjoy the town of Cadaqués with an ice cream fuelled walk through the small cobbled streets before heading to the famous Maritim Bar for cocktails and tapas.
Roquefort and Anchovies flavour Ice Creams in Paratellada.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum in his home town, Figueres, is just a few miles down the road and though it doesn’t have much to offer beyond the museum, you will be close by to Girona, Peratallada (go here for lunch and yes, you will want to have dessert the ice cream shop selling unusual flavours such as Roquefort Cheese or Gazpacho ice cream), and Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, one of the most breath taking and mysterious Benedictine monastery I have ever seen.
Costa Brava was were elBulli was located, the famous restaurant of Ferran Adrià Acosta which won the title of best restaurant in the world for 10 years running until its closure in 2011. Ferran Adrià claims his favourite restaurant in the area is Rafa’s in Roses. Though not much to look at, Rafa’s, which looks like a hole in the wall, serves up legendary fish and local fare cooked to perfection. Do try and book in advance.
Sant Pere de Rodes monastery
Below are the two main sites you will want to visit but if you do have time, do make it to Dalí’s wife Gala’s house, also known as Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. Dalí himself was only allowed to visit with prior written approval, such was their playful relationship. For those looking to look deeper into the work of this painter, do visit The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum) in Florida which hosts the largest collection of the artist’s works outside Europe.
