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What to do in Tossa de Mar

From the old town’s labyrinth of laneways and museums filled with historic artefacts, to beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery, there’s plenty to pack into a Tossa de Mar holiday.

Vila Vella

The last fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, Tossa de Mar’s old town is an enchanting warren of cobbled streets shielded by stone walls. Wander through the alleys past bars, restaurants and shops and keep an eye out for the Ava Gardner statue – the Hollywood superstar gained quite the reputation during her stay here.

Most walks lead to Tossa de Mar castle, on the edge of the old town. Looking out over the sand and sea, the 12th-century fortress has several watchtowers and a courtyard.

Beaches

With 13km (8 miles) of coastline, you could easily spend your holiday to Tossa de Mar hopping between its small sheltered coves and long sandy beaches.

You’ll find the postcard shot at the 380m-long Platja Gran (Big Beach), the town’s main stretch of sand. There are a couple of beach bars nearby, and you can book glass-bottomed boat tours from here. On the other side of the bay is the smaller Mar Menuda. Its shallow waters tend to draw families, while the area off the rocky headland is popular with snorkelers and divers.

Municipal Museum

Tossa de Mar was a painter’s paradise in the 1930s, and this small museum, housed in a historic mansion, displays many works produced in the town during the decade. One of the most famous pieces is Celestial Violinist by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall.

The museum also features archaeological artefacts, including mosaics and other pieces found at the nearby Els Ametllers Roman villa, which dates back to the first century BC.

Tossa de Mar Lighthouse

Tossa de Mar’s lighthouse has been enjoying the best views in town for more than 100 years. Walk or take the tourist train to the highest point of Tossa de Mar’s cape to take in the panorama of the town, beach and the Costa Brava coastline.

Inside the ten-metre-high lighthouse, you’ll find an audio-visual exhibition about the history of lighthouses – as well as the fascinating technology behind them.

Parks and nature reserves

Travelling with the little ones? The Sa Riera park, about 500m from the town centre, makes a great outdoor alternative to the beach. Stroll alongside the river, picnic under the shade of evergreen oaks and pine trees or let loose on the small playground.

The Cadiretes Massif, meanwhile, is a vast natural reserve, on the edge of Tossa de Mar. Get out and explore the riverbeds and lush valleys with a coastal drive or via hiking or mountain bike trails.