This part of Spain, including the neighbouring towns of Figueres and Cadaqués, is where Salvador Dalí lived, worked and was inspired. The Cape of Creus itself has a surreal terrain, carved by nature into ambiguous shapes.

IN FIGUERES
Hotel Durán, Lausaca 5 (00 34 97 259 1250). Old-world but comfortable three-star hotel. It is family run, has a friendly atmosphere and is very central (just off the Rambla). It was Dalí's headquarters in Figueres and there is a lot of Dalínian memorabilia scattered around the place (photographs, prints, etc). £

Hotel Empordà, Antigua Carretera de Francia (00 34 97 250 0562). Very comfortable, modern three-star hotel. £

Mas de Torrent, Torrent, about 50km from Figueres (00 34 97 230 3292). Five-star hotel where the president of Catalunya sometimes stays. The main building is a restored 18th-century masia, or farmhouse. It is very quiet and beautiful, with exquisite service. ££

IN CADAQUES
Playa Sol, Playa Pianc 3 (00 34 97 225 8100/40). Three-star hotel in a quiet setting by the sea, not far from the centre of town. Good-sized rooms with balconies and beautiful views across the bay. £

Residencia de la Academia, Avenida Caritat Serinyana 1 (00 34 92 225 8312). Captain Peter Moore's hotel, across the road from Bar Boyà, at the hub of Dalíland. For Dalí buffs, this is undoubtedly the best place, particularly if the charming Moore himself is around. £

Llane Petit, Bartomeus 37 (00 34 97 225 8050). Comfortable three-star hotel by the sea. £

IN FIGUERES
Most of the restaurants in Figueres are found in the narrow streets around the Dalí museum, particularly along Calle Johquera, while the cafés on the Rambla are good for snacks and sandwiches. For something a bit more special, try:

Restaurant in Hotel Durán, Lasauca 5 (00 34 97 250 1250). Classical Empordanese dishes. Charming, colourful dining room. Long established, with excellent service. The maitre, Jaum, has been there since his adolescence and knew Dalí well. Gala used to tease him about going bald (he is very bald indeed).

Restaurant in Hotel Empordà, Antigua Carretera de Francia (00 34 97 250 0562). Empordanese dishes reinterpreted with imagination and flair. The wine list is excellent. Overall, good value for money.

El Bulli, near Roses (00 34 97 225 7651). About a half-hour drive from Figueres, set in Costa Brava creek, this restaurant has been called one of the most interesting restaurants in Europe. It is superb. Anyone interested in gastronomy should go there on pilgrimage.

IN CADAQUES
Casa Anita, Miquel Roset 2 (00 34 97 225 8471). This is a jolly place with communal wooden tables. Juan, the restaurateur, is a sort of Yorick figure who makes everyone laugh and join in. At the height of summer the place can get really packed, so get there early.

El Pescador, Calle Nemesi Llorens (00 34 97 225 8859). Harbourside restaurant with elegant two-floor dining room and some seats outside.

IN FIGUERES
Dalí's Theatre-Museum (Museu Dalí), Plaça Gala i Salvador (00 34 97 251 1976). After the Prado, this is the most visited museum in Spain. Open July-Sept, daily, 9am-7.15pm; Oct-June, Tues-Sun, 10.30am-5.15pm.

Museu de l'Empordà, Rambla 1 (00 34 97 267 4530). Contains local Roman finds and work by local artists. Open July-Sept, Tues-Sat, 11am-1pm, 3.30pm-7pm; Oct-June, Tues-Sat, 11am-1pm, 3pm-7pm, and Sun, 11am-2pm.

Museu de Joguets, Rambla (00 34 97 250 4585). Toy museum with over 3,000 exhibits from all over Catalunya. Open daily, 10am-1pm, and 4pm-7pm.

Castell de Sant Ferran (00 34 97 250 2653). This huge 17th-century castle, 1km north of the town centre, is Figueres' main sight-to-see after the museums. Follow Pujada del Castell from beyond the Dalí museum. Open July-Sept, 10.30am-7pm.

IN CADAQUES
The Museu Perrot-Moore, Calle Vigilant 1 (00 34 97 225 8231). Contains paintings, drawings and graphics by Dalí and Picasso. Open daily, 10.30am-1.30pm, 4.30pm-8.30pm.

Museu Municipal, Calle Monturiol 15 (00 34 97 225 8877). Features work by local artists. Closed from November until Easter. Otherwise open daily, 11am-1.30pm, 4pm-8.30pm.

AIRPORT
Fly to Barcelona airport.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK
Go with easyJet (0870 6000 000; www.easyjet.com), Iberia (020 7830 0011; www.iberia.com) or British Airways (0845 779 9977; www.british-airways.com).

CAR HIRE
You can arrange local car hire through www.easyrentacar.com.

The best time to visit this part of Spain is in the spring, early summer and autumn. The summer months of July and August can be too hot for sightseeing.

In Figueres, contact the Tourist Office at the Plaça del Sol (00 34 97 250 3155). In Cadaqué's, try the Tourist Office on Calle des Cotxe 2 (00 34 97 225 8315).