Gala and Dali's Musuem-House in Portlligat

In order to really appreciate the genius of Salvador Dali, a visit to his museum-house in Portlligat is absolutely indispensable. In 1932, Salvador Dali and his wife Gala, chose the bay of Portlligat to the north of Cadaqués for their home. They bought up several small fishermen's houses, which they renovated and made into one main home in 1948. From that day on, the peaceful bay of Portlligat, would never be the same, as it would witness the entire surrealist movement.

In 1997, the Gala Salvador Dali foundation opened the doors to the house to the public. The house and garden, planted with olive trees, look over the little pebble beach with its small, colorful fishing boats. But what really grabs your eye are the immaculately white ostrich eggs on the roof of the house. The house itself is a series of narrow, sunny rooms facing the sea, connected together with narrow hallways.

You'll visit the spaces where Gala and Salvador Dali lived, worked and entertained. Visiting each room is like taking a step back in time. The furniture and personal effects have remained there since the 60's and 70's, and bear witness to a happy and simple life. The white bathrobe still hanging on its hook, a tooth brush, a rough draft on a piece of canvas in the studio... the house gives you the impression that the master and his wife are going to walk through the door anytime. You will feel like a privileged guest. It's magical. Salvador Dali's presence is everywhere. You'll visit the library, the bedroom with its twin canopy beds, the studio where Dali painted some of his most celebrated works, between 1949 and 1970: Christ of St. John of the Cross, Tuna Fishing, and Apotheosis of the Dollar. You'll finish the tour with the oval-shaped living room and its surprising acoustics, and the swimming pool. This is one of the most important tours, if you are at all interested in the life and work of Salvador Dali.