Tossa de Mar Travel Guide

Once a haven for writers and artists, Tossa de Mar is now a favourite holiday destination for families and couples. People from all walks of life are drawn to this attractive town on the Costa Brava to eat, drink, and relax. Tossa de Mar's picturesque cobbled old town, the medieval Vila Vella, is highly atmospheric, enabling this resort to retain its historic atmosphere and authentic feel. An ancient Roman fortress overlooks the bay, providing gorgeous views. The sandy beaches are beautiful and the town's position allows for easy access to other coastal resorts and the scenic hinterland. Although well supplied with shops, bars, and restaurants, Tossa de Mar is not ideal for all-night partying and there is no nightclub scene. However, Barcelona is only 56 miles (90km) away and an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the energetic Spanish nightlife.

Shopping

Shopping in Tossa de Mar offers a selection of Spanish souvenirs, including ceramics, leather goods, and clothing. Most shops are open from 10am to 8pm, closing briefly for siesta in the afternoons. For true bargain hunters, the duty-free shopping of Andorra is only an hour away by car, and the wonders of Barcelona are also easily reached.

Restaurants

The prices at restaurants tend to go up the closer visitors get to the beach. With over 300 places to eat in Tossa de Mar, there are a range of cuisines to choose from, including tapas, traditional Spanish cuisine, and various international offerings. Tursia, Restaurant Pizzeria Bar Lluis, and L'Ajustada all come highly recommended in Tossa de Mar for good food.

Nightlife

Tossa de Mar doesn't have a wild nightlife culture for young singles; however, there are plenty of bars and restaurants for a more relaxed night out. Many restaurants host live music and stay open past midnight during the summer tourist season. Bars such as Tahiti are good venues to find Spanish music such as rumba or flamenco, and Trinquet is the place to go for acid jazz. Other places such as Chaplin's and The Mediterraneo are popular with British tourists.

Holiday activities

Boat trips, snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips are some of the most popular activities in Tossa de Mar. There are three beautiful beaches: Platje Gran, Mar Menuda, and Cadolar; the nearby Lloret de Mar resort offers more active pursuits such as waterskiing, jet skiing and parasailing. The winding cobbled streets of Tossa de Mar are also worth exploring if visitors can drag themselves away from the ocean, and there are a few historical buildings and ruins around the city. Culture lovers will enjoy a museum that has some paintings by revered 20th century artist, Chagall, who spent time in Tossa de Mar. About 18 miles (30km) from Tossa de Mar is Marineland, which has animal shows, waterslides and a children's zoo.

Any negatives?

Tossa de Mar's popularity in summer means it can be extremely hard to find accommodation unless booked well in advance. During low season it can be very quiet, with not much of a nightlife.