Tossa del Mar

Located about 90km north of Barcelona, and in the province of Catalonia, is this lovely 'white town' with it's old 12th century walls, fascinating 'old quarter' and excellent beaches. It it often considered the perfect base for a Costa Brava holiday.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Tossa was a thriving port, dealing mainly in cork from the local tress. This slowly declined and tourism took over. Tossa has become a beautiful place to stay, a place that has somehow managed to retain its charm and character.

The two beaches here are Mar Grand and La Bauma, both providing wonderful surroundings and crystal clear water. In the summer, Tossa is a hive of activity with holiday makers, and booking a holiday well in advance is a necessity. Tourists come from all over the world to sample the beauty and unspoiled character. There are many quality hotels and restaurants in Tossa and the nightlife is good but not 'over the top'.

Tossa is very much a place for those who yearn for a beach holiday and beautiful clear waters lapping on the sands.

While in Tossa you might drag yourself away from the beach and take a while to view the medieval castle at the end of the beach, visit the local museum, where you can see the finds from a roman villa or just stroll through the cobbled narrow streets of the old-town.

For those, still energetic after a day at the beach, a visit to Lloret de Mar, just 12 km south along the coast. Here you will find all the bars and nightlife any tourist could possibly yearn for.

Hollywood arrived in Tossa in the early 1950s, before mass tourism took over, and produced Pandora & the Flying Dutchman starring screen idols Ava Gardner and James Mason. A statue of the actress was erected in the old town in honour of her stay here.

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