The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol is a Gothic fortress transformed by Salvador Dalí into a secluded shrine for his wife and muse. Acquired in 1969, the medieval structure became a stage for their unconventional relationship — Dalí could only visit with Gala’s written invitation. He personally designed the interiors, blending Baroque furnishings with surreal touches: trompe l’oeil radiators, spindly-legged elephant sculptures in the garden, and celestial frescoes honouring Gala as a divine figure. After Gala’s death in 1982, the castle became her mausoleum (she lies entombed in the crypt) and Dalí’s final studio. Today, you can explore rooms frozen in time, from Gala’s lavish wardrobe to the artist’s melancholic paintings. Part love letter, part psychological portrait, it completes the “Dalí Triangle” alongside his Portlligat home and Figueres museum.

Take a 1-hour journey to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and step into his surreal masterpiece — the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. Constructed to replace an old theatre that burnt down during the Spanish Civil War, the building is a work of surrealist art, topped with giant eggs and crowned by a geodesic dome. Inside, it holds the world’s largest collection of Dalí’s works, from early impressionist pieces like Port Alguer (1924) to later marvels like Galatea of the Spheres (1952). Don’t miss the Mae West room, an upside-down bathtub fixed to the ceiling, or the glittering jewellery collection. The artist himself is buried in a crypt below the stage, adding a layer of solemnity to the whimsy. Book tickets online to avoid long queues, and allow at least half a day to fully absorb the labyrinthine galleries, optical illusions, and the sheer audacity of Dalí’s vision.

Saint-André is Bordeaux’s main cathedral — parts of it date back to the 11th century, though most of what you see now is from the 13th to 15th centuries. It’s a classic Gothic structure and has seen a fair bit of history, including the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Just next to it is the Tour Pey Berland, a separate bell tower you can climb for panoramic views over the city and the cathedral roof.

South of Kihei, Wailea is an immensely popular beach for its exclusive setting, and the perfect place in the wintertime to spot whales — and celebrities, for that matter, given the proximity of Wailea Resort and Four Seasons.