Attractions and places to visit in Tossa de Mar

Es Codolar Beach is a small beach below the southern side of Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar. Before tourism reshaped the local economy, this sheltered spot was used as a fishing harbor. Today it gives visitors a quieter-looking counterpoint to Platja Gran and one of the clearest views back toward the old walls.

Why Visit Es Codolar?

Es Codolar makes the most sense as part of a Vila Vella walk rather than as an isolated destination. Its setting below the ramparts helps explain Tossa’s relationship with the sea, and the beach marks the end of the southern coastal-path section described by the local tourist office.

Es Codolar vs. Platja Gran

Choose Platja Gran if you want the town’s main beach, easier access to the central waterfront, and the classic view of Vila Vella from the bay. Choose Es Codolar if you prefer a smaller setting and want to see the fortifications from the opposite side of the headland.

How to Fit It Into a Tossa Visit

Walk through Vila Vella first, descend toward Es Codolar, and then continue back toward the town center. On a short day trip, this gives you more geographic context than visiting several beaches without exploring the old town between them.

Continue Planning Tossa de Mar

• Tossa de Mar guide — Decide how long to stay and understand the town’s transport limitations.
• Vila Vella — The fortified historic quarter above the beach.
• Platja Gran — Tossa’s central beach on the other side of the headland.

Source check: Historical use and coastal-path context were reviewed against the official Tossa de Mar Tourist Office. Sea conditions and seasonal services vary, so assess conditions locally before swimming.

Traditional market in the Roman city, featuring Mediterranean products and Catalan gastronomy.

Type

Traditional Market

Opening Hours

Mon-Sat 9:00-14:00

Specialties

Mediterranean seafood, local wines, Catalan bread, regional olive oil

Located within the Vila Vella, this museum houses archaeological artifacts, contemporary art, and a collection of works by Marc Chagall who called Tossa "Blue Paradise". Features pieces from various periods of the town's history.

Category

Museum

Website Url

Official website

Latitude

41.722

Longitude

2.9326

Vila Vella is the fortified old town of Tossa de Mar, occupying the headland between Platja Gran and Es Codolar on the Costa Brava. The walls, towers, narrow lanes, and sea views make it the town’s most important historic sight and the clearest reason to explore Tossa beyond the beach.

What You See Inside Vila Vella

The walled enclosure is not a single castle building. It is a historic quarter protected by medieval fortifications, with paths climbing toward the highest point of the headland. The best-known towers include the Joanàs Tower, Clock Tower, and Codolar Tower.

• Ramparts and towers: Walk the fortified perimeter for views over Platja Gran, the town, and the rocky coastline.
• Old-town lanes: The interior is a lived-in historic space with steep stone streets rather than a museum complex.
• Lighthouse: The lighthouse occupies the upper end of the headland, where an earlier defensive tower once stood.
• Es Codolar side: Descend toward the smaller beach on the south side to see the walls from a different angle.

How Long to Allow

Allow about 60–90 minutes for an unhurried walk through the enclosure and viewpoints. Add more time if you want the museum, lighthouse area, a meal, or beach time on either side of the headland.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

Vila Vella includes slopes, steps, cobbled surfaces, and uneven historic paving. Travelers with limited mobility should expect some parts of the enclosure to be difficult. The lower waterfront still provides strong views of the walls if the climb is not suitable.

Pair Vila Vella With Nearby Stops

• Tossa de Mar guide — Plan the old town, transport, beaches, and how long to stay.
• Platja Gran — The main beach directly below the north side of the walls.
• Es Codolar Beach — A smaller beach below the opposite side of the headland.

Source check: Historic details were reviewed against the official Tossa de Mar Tourist Office. Opening arrangements for individual museums or facilities can change, so verify them close to your visit.

A seaside tower of Tossa de Mar's medieval walls overlooks the turquoise waters of Costa Brava. For a change of pace, our final pick isn't a single castle building, but an entire fortified medieval village by the sea. The Castle of Tossa de Mar refers to the 12th-century fortress walls and towers encircling Vila Vella (the old town) of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava. It is the only fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast that still stands today, making it a true rarity.

Category

Castle

Latitude

41.722

Longitude

2.9326