Tossa de Mar

A picturesque walled old town perched above a golden beach on the Costa Brava. Its medieval Vila Vella ramparts overlooking the sea make it one of the coast's most photogenic spots.

Things to do

• Walk the Vila Vella ramparts — Stroll the 12th-century sea walls and towers of Catalonia's only fortified old town still standing on the coast.
• Relax on Platja Gran — Spend time on the crescent-shaped main beach right beneath the medieval walls.
• Visit the Far de Tossa lighthouse — Climb to the old lighthouse at the tip of the headland for sweeping views over the bay and old town.
• See Chagall's viewpoint — Find the spot Marc Chagall called a 'blue paradise' and painted, marked with a small monument overlooking the beach.
• Explore the Museu Municipal — Housed in the old governor's palace inside the walls, it displays Roman mosaics and modernist paintings, including a Chagall work.
• Take a boat trip along the Costa Brava — Board a glass-bottom or excursion boat from the harbor to admire the coastline's coves and cliffs from the water.
• Hike to Cala Pola or Cala Giverola — Follow the coastal path north from town to secluded pine-backed coves perfect for swimming away from the crowds.

Food to try

• Cim i tomba — A traditional Tossa fish and potato stew flavored with garlic, tomato, and almonds, said to have been a fishermen's staple.
• Suquet de peix — A Costa Brava fisherman's stew of local catch simmered in a saffron and garlic broth.
• Fideuà — A noodle-based cousin of paella, typically topped with seafood and served in beachfront restaurants along the promenade.
• Arròs a la marinera — Catalan-style seafood rice cooked in a rich fish stock, a common lunch dish in the old town's tavernas.
• Crema catalana — The region's answer to crème brûlée, a custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust, worth trying after any seaside meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Expect a midday lull — Many shops and smaller restaurants close for a few hours in the early afternoon in keeping with siesta tradition.
• Catalan pride runs deep — Locals often speak Catalan first and appreciate visitors who acknowledge the region's distinct language and identity, separate from the rest of Spain.
• Dinner starts late — Restaurants typically don't get busy until 9pm or later, so plan meals accordingly.
• Respect the old town's residential life — Vila Vella is still lived in, so keep noise down in the evenings and be mindful when photographing private homes.