Tossa de Mar is the jewel of the Costa Brava — a breathtakingly beautiful medieval walled town perched on a rocky headland above a crescent of golden sand. The Vila Vella (old town), with its twelfth-century walls, towers and cobbled lanes, is one of the most photogenic spots on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Marc Chagall called it the Blue Paradise, and artists and writers have been drawn to its light and landscape for over a century. For Irish visitors who want their beach holiday enhanced by genuine beauty and historical atmosphere, Tossa de Mar is an exceptional choice.
Location and Getting There
Tossa de Mar is on the Costa Brava, approximately ninety minutes from Barcelona Airport or forty minutes from Girona Airport. The flight from Dublin takes around two and a half hours. The town is twelve kilometres south of Lloret de Mar along a dramatic, winding coastal road.
Beaches
Platja Gran is the main beach — a wide crescent of coarse golden sand directly below the medieval walls. The setting is extraordinary, with the fortress towers rising above the southern end of the beach. The water is clean and the beach has Blue Flag status. Platja Mar Menuda, on the northern side of the headland, is a smaller, more sheltered beach popular with families and snorkellers. El Codolar, a small cove beneath the old town walls, offers a more intimate bathing experience. The coastal path south to Cala Pola and Cala Giverola passes through pine forest and reveals stunning hidden coves.
Spanish beaches are generally well maintained and regulated, with Blue Flag status widely held across the major resort areas. Most resort beaches have sunbed and parasol hire, lifeguard stations, shower facilities and nearby chiringuitos (beach bars) serving cold drinks and snacks. The Mediterranean sea is calm and warm from June through October, with water temperatures peaking around twenty-five degrees in August. The concept of the chiringuito — a simple beachside restaurant serving fresh fish, paella and cold beer — is central to the Spanish beach experience and represents some of the best-value eating on the coast.
Things to Do
The Vila Vella is the must-see attraction — walk the medieval walls for views that stretch along the coast, explore the narrow lanes within, and visit the municipal museum (the first in Spain to display a work by Chagall). The coastal walking paths (Cami de Ronda) in both directions from Tossa are among the most beautiful on the Costa Brava. Glass-bottom boat trips along the coast offer a different perspective on the cliffs and coves. Diving and snorkelling in the clear waters around the headland are excellent. Day trips to Barcelona, Girona and the Dali Museum add cultural depth.
One of the great advantages of a Spanish holiday is the depth of cultural experiences available within easy reach of the beach resorts. Nearly every resort has a traditional old town or nearby village where you can experience authentic Spanish life — weekly markets selling local produce, parish churches with ornate interiors, and family-run restaurants serving dishes made from recipes handed down through generations. Spain also has an excellent network of public transport, making day trips to major cities and cultural sites straightforward. Museum cards and tourist passes often offer excellent value for families planning multiple visits to attractions.
Dining and Nightlife
Tossa has excellent dining. The old town and the streets behind the main beach have tavernas, seafood restaurants and Catalan cuisine that emphasise local produce. Suquet de peix (fish stew) is the quintessential local dish. The quality of dining reflects Tossa's character — this is a town that values craftsmanship. Nightlife is refined rather than raucous — wine bars, cocktail terraces overlooking the sea, and a handful of music venues. For a bigger night out, Lloret de Mar is a short taxi ride.
The Spanish approach to eating is one of the great pleasures of a holiday. The tapas tradition encourages grazing, sharing and trying multiple small dishes — it is a social, convivial way to eat that suits groups, couples and families equally well. Each region of Spain has its own food identity and speciality dishes, so eating your way along the coast is a journey in itself. Spanish wine is extraordinary value — excellent Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Cava can be enjoyed in restaurants at prices that would be unthinkable in Ireland. For self-caterers, Spanish supermarkets offer exceptional quality and value on local wines, olive oil, cheese and cured meats.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for beach holidays. Tossa is at its most magical in June and September when the light is golden and the crowds are thinner. The coastal walks are best in spring and autumn. July and August are busy but the town handles the crowds with grace.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Spain is in the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English spoken in tourist businesses.
Spain's excellent healthcare system is accessible to Irish visitors through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though travel insurance is always recommended. Pharmacies are identified by a green cross and are well stocked — pharmacists can advise on and dispense remedies for common complaints. Spain operates on a later daily schedule than Ireland — lunch is typically from two to four in the afternoon, and dinner rarely starts before nine. Adapting to this rhythm is part of the pleasure of a Spanish holiday. Supermarkets in resort areas stock familiar brands alongside excellent-value local wines, olive oil, cheese and cured meats. Mobile phone roaming within the EU means your Irish plan works in Spain at no extra cost.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. Tossa has a more limited hotel selection than the larger resorts, so early booking through Sunholidays.ie is recommended.
Tossa de Mar is one of the most enchanting destinations on the Costa Brava, distinguished by its magnificent medieval walled town, Vila Vella, complete with towers and battlements, dramatically set on a headland overlooking the main beach. Wander its cobbled streets, enjoy stunning views, and relax on Platja Gran or the more secluded coves. Tossa offers a more relaxed and romantic atmosphere than some other Costa Brava resorts, making it perfect for Irish couples and families seeking history, beauty, and a charming coastal experience.