Tossa de Mar is a city in the La Selva region, in Costa Brava. Located halfway between Barcelona and the French border, its closest international access is through Girona Airport. The city is home to nearly 6,000 inhabitants spread through its 38,2 km2. Although tourism plays a large part in the city’s economy, the main economic activity is agriculture, especially the production of grapes and cork.
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History of Tossa del Mar
The origins of Tossa de Mar starts thousands of years ago, when humans first started developing technology. Subsequently, in the 12th century a castle was built on the highest point of Mt. Guardi; which later was transformed into a windmill, then a lighthouse that still exists today.
Besides the growth and agriculture focused economy, fishing also plays a minor part in the local economy; but is the mostly regarded as the main alternative in times of economic crisis. Tossa de Mar is known as the first city in the world to declare laws against bullfighting.
Highlights of Tossa del Mar
The beaches
Costa Brava is known all around Spain for being a tropical paradise. Who doesn’t wants to enjoy a cocktail in the coast besides your friends or family? Here we bring you the three beaches in Tossa de Mar:
# 1 Platja Gran
Platja Gran, also known as Tossa Beach, is right in front of downtown Tossa de Mar. This beautiful shore is almost 400 meters long and on average 60 meters wide. Even so this beach is one of the more touristic and crowded ones in Tossa, the people always make sure to keep it clean and perfect for kids to play around without danger. If you want to enjoy a dynamic day in a slow-current ocean, this is the pick for you.
# 2 La Mar Menuda
La Mar Menuda is actually a relative small beach is on the other side of the bay. The beach is perfect to practice scuba diving, and it overall equipped with of all facilities needed for the visit including nautical sports rentals. Almost 200 meters long and on average 20 meters wide.
# 3 El Codolar
Cala Es Codolar location is almost hidden from everything else! This beach named a historic site is a bit harder to access, but definitely worth the time it takes to get there. It is surrounded by cliffs and is famous for its deep blue waters, characteristic Mediterranean. However, if you are also interest in the ancient buildings around this Cala is placed at the foot of a castle.
Sightseeing
Tossa de Mar has several unique and amazing touristic sights. One of these is the Ancient Hospital de Sant Miquel, founded in 1773. The founder of the hospital became wealthy in America and came to built the two-floor building to serve the poor class of the city. Subsequently, the region has become quite wealthy in history and culture.
Source: www.life-globe.com
Address: Av. Pelegrí, 8, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Girona
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 & 16:00 to 19:00
Another great point of interest is the historical site of the Roman Villa of Ametllers. This rural villa dates from the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD. Most importanly, here you will find the remains of a roman spa, a heating system and mosaics; as well as items from the daily lives of the local inhabitants from the time.
Address: 13, Av. Pelegrí, 5, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Girona
Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 to 19:00
One of the main churches of the city is the Parish Church, dedicated to Vincent of Saragossa. After 20 years under construction, the sanctuary was inaugurated in 1775. The Old Town, or so-called Vila Vella enceinte, is the last fortified medieval town in the Catalan coast. Inside the old town, in the home of the former Governor, you will now find the Municipal Museum, which exhibits a collection of contemporary art from Spanish and international artists, for instance.
Address: Plaça Pintor Roig Soler, 1, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Girona
Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 to 20:00
Where to eat in Tossa de Mar
# 1 Can Sophia
This restaurant with a rustic chic ambiance is a one of a kind experience to visit and enjoy an amazing meal in Tossa. Moreover, with a glass-cover ceiling you can soak in all the natural light and great weather from Tossa during your dinner. Even if the prices are a little high, is worth it for this gourmet Catalan experience; for instance, your meal can go from a range of €40-67. Come and inmerse yourself with the attentive service and flavorful menus of Can Sophia.
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Address: Carrer Roqueta, 10, 17320 Tossa de Mar
Opening hours: Every day from 13:00 to 15:30 & 20:00 to 22:30
# 2 La Roca de Tossa
If you are looking for a more variad but still traditional place to sit down and have some lunch, La Roca de Tossa is the place for you. Certainly they count with an extensive Mediterranean menu, ranging from €7-35 a meal. From vegetarian to seafood dishes, don’t miss out the opportunity to enjoy this place!
Source: www.escapadarural.cat
Address: Calle Pola, 7, 17320 Tossa de Mar
Opening hours: Every day from 12:30 to 16:00 & 19:30 to 23:00
# 3 La Lluna
Lastly, for a more rustic and hidden place we offer you La Lluna. Serving the dishes in clay plates, in here you can enjoy a full healthy Catalan meal with some company. This place is also known as a bar, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to order some of their artesanal beer.
Source: www.tripadvisor.es
Address: Carrer de l’Abat Oliva 10, 17320 Tossa de Mar
Opening hours: Every day from 11:30 to 15:30 & 18:00 to 22:30
Where to stay in Tossa de Mar
Just an hour-long ride away from Barcelona, Tossa del Mar is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital. Relax in a beach with your family or take a walk around the ancient sites and historical buildings nearby. Don’t hesitate to contact us and we will help you find the best accommodation in the Costa Brava region!
How to get there
Address: Tossa de Mar, 17320, Girona
- By bus: Take the bus from Barcelona city center for a price range from €2-15; the ride is about an hour and 2o minutes long.
- By car: From Barcelona to Tossa de Mar is around the 85km drive, with a duration of more or less an hour.