Tossa de Mar Tour

Tossa de Mar is the postcard of the Costa Brava. A sweep of golden beach is overlooked by the Vila Vella, a walled medieval old town on a headland, with round towers, cobbled lanes and a lighthouse at the tip. Painters and writers discovered it in the early twentieth century, and Marc Chagall called it a blue paradise. Today it combines history, scenery and a busy resort life, with clear water, rocky coves and a coastal path. This small-group tour introduces the town with a local guide, who explains the walls, the history of the fishing community and the legends that cling to the headland. It is a low-cost, easy way to see the best of Tossa.

The Vila Vella is the highlight. A stone gate leads you into a village within walls, where narrow streets climb past houses, small squares and the ruins of a medieval church. The towers offer views over the bay, and the lighthouse at the top marks the cape.

The guide explains how the walls protected the town from pirates and why the fishermen's quarter developed below. Inside the walls, small museums and galleries add context, and the lanes are lined with cafes and shops. A statue of Ava Gardner, who filmed here in 1951, reminds visitors of the town's glamorous past.

Below the walls, the Platja Gran is a wide beach of fine sand, ideal for a swim after the tour. A path leads to smaller coves around the headland, some reachable only on foot, with clear water for snorkelling. Tossa also has a Roman villa site on the edge of town, and a coastal walk to nearby Cala Giverola and Sant Feliu is popular with hikers. The tour usually focuses on the old town and the seafront, leaving time for lunch and a swim.

Summer brings crowds, so go early or choose a shoulder-season date. The cobbles and stairs are steep, so wear sturdy shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a bathing suit if you plan to swim. If you want a more active experience, adventure operators run coasteering, kayaking and diving from the beach.

Many visitors use Tossa as a base for the southern Costa Brava, taking trips to Lloret de Mar or Sant Feliu de Guixols. Check the details of your tour to confirm the language and whether transport from Girona is included, as the town is about an hour away by road.

Tossa pairs naturally with a night on the coast. Evening brings quieter streets, restaurants serving grilled fish and rice dishes, and a sunset over the headland. The old town is lit up after dark, and the walls look dramatic against the sky. If you are short on time, an afternoon in Tossa is a pleasant contrast to a morning of museums in Girona.

If you have more time, walk the coastal path toward Cala Giverola or take a boat trip along the cliffs, where sea caves and hidden coves are easier to see from the water. The town's market, held on certain days, sells fresh produce and crafts, and the evening promenade is a pleasant way to end the day. Visit out of season for a quieter experience, as winter days can be mild, sunny and almost deserted, with many cafes still open and prices lower.