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Tossa de Mar

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City
PlizioGo—°6114
Tossa de Mar (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Tossa de Mar

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Vila Vella (Old Town) at sunrise to photograph the medieval walls without the daytime crowds.
  • Order the 'Cim i Tomba' fish stew, especially during the official gastronomic festival in September.
  • Hike along the Camí de Ronda coastal path to the north to find hidden gems like Cala Pola beach.
  • Take the small tourist bus to the lighthouse at the top if the steep walk is too demanding.
  • Book parking in advance or arrive very early, as spots near the old town walls disappear quickly.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cim i Tomba

A traditional fisherman's stew made with monkfish, potatoes, and a layer of allioli.

🍽
Arroz a banda

Flavorful rice cooked in fish stock, best enjoyed at the waterfront restaurants.

🍽
Tossa Prawns

Locally caught fresh prawns, typically served grilled with garlic and parsley.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Catalan Ceramics

Hand-painted plates and pottery found in the boutique shops of the old town.

🛍
Vila Vella Boutiques

Unique local jewelry and artisanal crafts tucked away inside the castle walls.

🧘
Platja d'es Codolar

A small, hidden beach tucked behind the castle walls, usually quieter than the main beach.

🧘
Tossa Lighthouse Cliffs

The area around the lighthouse gives secluded spots with panoramic sea views.

Highlights of 2026

6

Tossa de Mar uniquely combines ancient history with Mediterranean splendor. The Vila Vella, built in the 12th century to defend against pirate raids, sits majestically on a rocky headland overlooking the sea. Within its fortified walls, narrow cobblestone streets wind up to the town lighthouse and pleasant local eateries. The town gained international fame in the 1950s when Hollywood star Ava Gardner filmed 'Pandora and the Flying Dutchman' here; a bronze statue now commemorates her stay. Beyond its medieval charm, Tossa has significant Roman heritage, such as the Els Ametllers villa dating back to the 1st century BC. The surrounding rocky coves, or 'calas', feature crystal-clear waters, making them a haven for snorkeling and sunbathing.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C121113141721242422191613
Rain mm5345657869403947731057143

Live webcam – Tossa de Mar

See what it looks like near Tossa de Mar right now.

Tossa de Mar · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
5,001
Coordinates
41.71970, 2.93190

Facts

  • The Vila Vella was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
  • The municipal museum was the first modern art museum in Spain (opened 1935).
  • The 'Far de Tossa' lighthouse began its operations in 1917.
  • The Roman villa of Els Ametllers featured early underfloor heating systems.
  • Artists like Marc Chagall dubbed the town 'Blue Paradise' in the 1930s.
  • The fortification walls feature three prominent cylindrical defensive towers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Tossa de Mar (11)

Vila Vella

The only surviving fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, featuring well-preserved walls and seven towers.

Far de Tossa

This modern lighthouse stands at the highest point of Vila Vella and houses a museum about maritime history.

🆓

Estàtua d'Ava Gardner

This monument commemorates the American actress who filmed 'Pandora and the Flying Dutchman' here in 1951.

Platja Gran

The town's main beach gives a spectacular view of the medieval fortress Vila Vella right on the shoreline.

Vil·la romana dels Ametllers

The ruins of an agricultural villa from the 1st century BC, showing mosaics and ancient bathing systems.

Museu Municipal de Tossa

Housed in a medieval palace, it displays contemporary art and archaeological finds from the local area.

Torre de Can Magí

A 16th-century watchtower that was part of the coastal defense system against pirate raids.

Diposite Giverola alt🌿 nature

An elevated water basin in Tossa De Mar with views of the surroundings.

Platja de Portopí🎡 recreation

A photogenic small beach in Tossa de Mar, located in a quiet cove on the Costa Brava.

Platja de sa Carbonera🎡 recreation

A natural beach section in Tossa de Mar, convenient for relaxing on the Mediterranean coast.

Cala Bona🎡 recreation

A welcoming cove in Tossa de Mar, known for its clear waters and surrounding pine forests.

Frequently asked questions

What is Vila Vella?
It is the medieval walled old town with towers, situated directly above the main beach.
Can you walk on the city walls?
Yes, a path runs along the walls, offering spectacular views of the sea and the bay.
Which artist called Tossa the 'Blue Paradise'?
Marc Chagall was fascinated by the town in the 1930s; one of his works is in the municipal museum.
Are there hiking trails along the coast?
Yes, the 'Camí de Ronda' gives dreamlike paths to hidden coves both north and south.
Is the beach pebbly or sandy?
Platja Gran has coarse golden sand, and the water drops off quickly into deep, crystal-clear depths.
Tossa de Mar: where is it located?
Tossa de Mar is located in Spain.
Tossa de Mar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vila Vella, Far de Tossa, Estàtua d'Ava Gardner.
Tossa de Mar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Tossa de Mar: why is it worth visiting?
Tossa de Mar uniquely combines ancient history with Mediterranean splendor.
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