This coastal town on Spain's Costa Brava has a well-preserved medieval fortress and sandy beaches. Its narrow streets lead to Roman ruins and a lighthouse with sea views.
Tossa de Mar, a coastal town on Spain's Costa Brava, sits 100 kilometers north of Barcelona. Here, you can climb 12th-century fortifications, swim at Platja Gran beach, and taste fresh seafood at beachfront chiringuitos. Walk through the narrow streets of Vila Vella, the old town enclosed by medieval walls, or go snorkeling in the clear waters off La Mar Menuda beach.
Vila Vella: Tossa's Medieval Heart
Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar's old town, dates back to the 12th century and is the only remaining medieval enclosure on the Catalan coast. You can walk along 300 meters of stone walls with seven watchtowers. Inside, you'll find narrow, winding streets lined with houses, artisan shops, and small squares. Visit the Gothic church of Sant Vicenç, built in the 15th century on the foundations of an older Romanesque structure.
Sun and Sea: Tossa's Beaches
Tossa de Mar has three main beaches. Platja Gran, the largest, stretches for 380 meters in front of the town center, with a view of the medieval walls. La Mar Menuda, a smaller beach on the other side of the bay, has facilities for water sports. For a quieter experience, visit El Codolar, a cove behind the walls of Vila Vella. The clear waters around Tossa make it a good spot for snorkeling and diving on the Costa Brava.
Coastal Trails and Views
The coastline around Tossa de Mar has several hiking trails. A popular path starts from Vila Vella and follows the coast southward, passing by coves and viewpoints. For a shorter walk, climb up to the lighthouse at the highest point of the old town walls for a wide view of the bay and surrounding area.
Local Flavors
Tossa de Mar's restaurants serve dishes that reflect its coastal location and Catalan heritage. You'll find many places offering fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Try traditional dishes like "suquet de peix" (fish stew) or "arròs negre" (black rice cooked in squid ink). For a casual meal, visit one of the beachfront "chiringuitos" (small beach bars) where you can eat simple dishes while looking at the sea.
Uncovering Roman History
At the Vila Romana dels Ametllers, you can see the remains of a Roman villa dating from the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD. The site includes living quarters, baths, and agricultural facilities. To learn more about the town's past, visit the Municipal Museum in the Governor's House within Vila Vella. The museum displays archaeological finds and a collection of modern art, including works by Marc Chagall.
Getting to Tossa de Mar
You can reach Tossa de Mar by bus from Barcelona's Estació del Nord, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Girona Airport, regular bus services take around an hour. During summer, boat services connect Tossa to nearby coastal towns.
When to Visit
Tossa de Mar has mild winters and warm summers. The busiest period is from June to August when the weather is hottest and most activities are available. May and September offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. In winter, the town is quiet and some tourist facilities may be closed, but you can still explore cultural sites.
