Tossa de Mar, a charming spot on Costa Brava

Tossa de Mar is a delightful spot to visit on the Costa Brava.

The Costa Brava (Wild Coast) is the coastal region north of Blanes (60 kilometers from Barcelona).

Here the Pyrenees meet the sea, resulting in lots of wonderful coves and bays to discover and explore.

There’s a charming walled medieval town center with a beautiful castle, great restaurants and some lovely beaches.

Beaches

Platja d'es Codolar
Platja d’es Codolar – Tossa de Mar

There are three main beaches in Tossa and all are within walking distance of the Old Town:

The Platja Gran is the main beach.
Platja de la Mar Menuda is just north of the main beach.
Platja d’es Codolar is an old fisherman’s beach on the other side of the Old Town from the main beach.

There are many more wonderful beaches and coves heading north to St. Fellu de Guixols, or south to Lloret de Mar.

Follow the walking paths or mountain bike routes and go on a journey of exploration.

How to get to Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is situated on the Costa Brava, approximately 100 kms north of Barcelona and 100km south of the French border.

If flying to Spain, then Barcelona and Girona Airports are the closest options.

From Barcelona or Girona Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Tossa.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from either airport to Tossa de Mar.

Train from Barcelona to Blanes is also an alternative, and take the bus further to Tossa via Lloret de Mar.

Medieval town center

medieval tossa de mar

A definite highlight of visiting Tossa is the walled medieval town center.

The Old Town, or Vila Vella, was listed as an artistic-historic monument in 1931.

It’s like visiting an open-air museum that shows evidence of history across the ages from pre-historic times to the 20th century.

Inside the walls, you’ll find charming cobble-stoned streets, beautiful buildings, the castle tower turned lighthouse, and the four large towers on each corner of the wall.

Beyond the walls are stunning views overlooking the bay.

Fascinating facts about Tossa de Mar

The town center was walled off in the 12th century and is the only example of its kind still standing on the Catalan Coast.
Tossa was the first place in the world to declare anti-bullfighting status, which they did back in 1989.
The cork industry was big here in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The 1951 film “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” starring Ava Gardner and James Mason was filmed in Tossa de Mar.
There is a bronze statue of Ava Gardner in the town center.

Things to do in and around Tossa de Mar

The Cadiretes Massif – a nature and wildlife reserve situated on the coast.
Sa Riera Park – situated along Tossa’s river, and being flat, it’s a great place for a stroll.
Els Ametlllers – a Roman villa, which is a classic example of a Roman farm.
Roqueta – the traditional fishermen’s quarter.
Municipal Museum – Tossa was a former artists’ haven, and the museum was the first contemporary art gallery in Spain.