This Medieval Spanish Beach Town Is Straight Out of a Storybook
Imagine a beautiful beach town with medieval stone walls, cobblestone streets, and turquoise coves overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
That’s exactly what you’ll find in Tossa de Mar, one of my favorite towns on the Costa Brava, just over an hour from Barcelona.
With its impressive medieval fortress overlooking the beach, colorful waterfront buildings, and hidden swimming spots, it’s easy to see why this little town feels like something from a storybook.
Here’s what makes Tossa de Mar so special and why I think it’s one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Spain.
A Medieval Castle Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
One of the most incredible things about Tossa de Mar is its medieval fortress, which rises above the beach with ancient stone walls and watchtowers overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Dating back to the 12th century, Tossa de Mar Castle is one of the best castles near Barcelona and one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
You can walk along the old fortress walls, climb up to the watchtowers, and enjoy some amazing views of the coastline and colorful buildings below.
And at the very top, you’ll find Mare Meva, an outdoor bar where you can enjoy a drink while looking out over the turquoise water.
An Old Town That Feels Frozen in Time
Stepping inside the medieval walls of Vila Vella (Tossa de Mar’s Old Town), almost feels like traveling back hundreds of years.
The narrow cobblestone streets wind between old stone houses decorated with colorful flowers, with little restaurants and shops hidden around the corners.
It’s one of the few remaining fortified medieval towns along the Catalan coast, and so much of its original character has been preserved.
You can spend hours wandering through the little passageways, admiring the architecture, and discovering beautiful views of the Mediterranean between the buildings.
Beautiful Beaches with a Medieval Backdrop
What really sets Tossa de Mar apart from other coastal towns in Spain is that you can actually swim in the Mediterranean with a medieval castle towering above you!
The main beach, Platja Gran, is a beautiful stretch of sand right below the fortress walls, with clear turquoise water and incredible views of the Old Town.
But my favorite is Platja del Codolar, a small cove hidden on the opposite side of the castle.
You can reach it by slipping through a small opening in the medieval walls, which almost feels like discovering a secret passageway!
Surrounded by rocky cliffs and historic stone buildings, it’s one of the most beautiful little beaches on the Costa Brava.
Restaurants Hidden Inside the Castle Walls
Another thing I love about Tossa de Mar is that you can actually have lunch or dinner inside the medieval Old Town!
The narrow streets are filled with small restaurants, outdoor terraces, and traditional Catalan eateries surrounded by centuries-old stone buildings.
One of my personal favorites is Restaurant La Placeta, a lovely restaurant inside the fortress walls with outdoor seating in a beautiful little square.
I’d recommend trying paella or fideuà, a traditional dish that’s similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Cute Shops and Local Boutiques
Just below the medieval fortress, Tossa de Mar has a cute little town center filled with shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores.
You’ll find everything from beachwear and handmade jewelry to colorful artwork and locally inspired gifts.
One of my favorite shops is Lamare Shop, which sells beautiful posters, jewelry, and accessories inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle.
It’s a fun area to wander around after exploring the Old Town, especially if you want to pick up something to remember your trip.
Secret Coves and Scenic Coastal Trails
Beyond the medieval town, Tossa de Mar is surrounded by some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the Costa Brava.
The coastline is filled with rugged cliffs, pine-covered hills, and little turquoise coves that are often hidden from the main beaches.
One of the best ways to explore is along the Camí de Ronda, a network of coastal walking trails that follows the Mediterranean shoreline.
Along the way, you’ll discover incredible viewpoints, rocky swimming spots, and secluded beaches that feel miles away from the town center.
It’s definitely worth exploring beyond the main beach to see just how beautiful this part of the Costa Brava really is!
Why Tossa de Mar Is Worth the Visit
Tossa de Mar is definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Costa Brava, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful beach towns in all of Spain.
Where else can you explore a medieval fortress, swim in turquoise coves, and enjoy a traditional Catalan meal inside centuries-old castle walls, all in the same day?
It’s also one of the best day trips from Barcelona, although I’d recommend staying overnight if you have the time.
If you’re looking for a Spanish beach town with a little more history and character, Tossa de Mar is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
