Vila Vella Tossa de Mar
A perfectly preserved medieval walled town on the Catalan coast, offering stunning sea views and a journey back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Vila Vella Tossa de Mar
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A perfectly preserved medieval walled town on the Catalan coast, offering stunning sea views and a journey back in time.
"This ancient town makes you feel like you have been transported back in time."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Capture Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos of the walls and sea. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Medieval Walls
Perimeter of Vila Vella
Walk along the ancient stone walls for breathtaking sea views and a glimpse into history.
Narrow Cobblestone Streets
Inside Vila Vella
Get lost in charming alleys, discover hidden shops, and soak in the timeless atmosphere.
Church of Sant Vicenç
Highest point of Vila Vella
Explore the historic church offering panoramic vistas and a sense of peace.
Cala d'Es Codolar
Base of Vila Vella
A picturesque cove perfect for a refreshing dip, nestled right below the ancient walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Capture Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos of the walls and sea. :camerawithflash: +1
Take the Little Train
A charming way to reach the top of Vila Vella, then walk down. :train2:
Explore the Beach Below
Cala d'Es Codolar offers a beautiful spot for a swim after exploring the old town. :beachwithumbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Capture Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos of the walls and sea. :camerawithflash: +1
Take the Little Train
A charming way to reach the top of Vila Vella, then walk down. :train2:
Explore the Beach Below
Cala d'Es Codolar offers a beautiful spot for a swim after exploring the old town. :beachwithumbrella:
Book Boat Trips
Consider a boat tour for coastal views and access to nearby coves. :ferry:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vila Vella is lauded as a beautifully preserved medieval gem offering a captivating journey back in time with stunning sea views. Visitors praise its authentic atmosphere, charming streets, and the impressive fortifications. Some note that it can get crowded, and dining options within the walls can be pricier.
"Murallas de la Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar are an iconic and beautifully preserved medieval fortification, dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. These impressive stone walls, complete with watchtowers and battlements, once served to protect the old town from pirates and invaders. Today, they stand as one of the most remarkable historical landmarks on the Costa Brava.
Walking along the cobbled paths, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the golden sandy beaches, and the charming old town’s narrow streets. The towers—such as Torre des Codolar and Torre de Joanás—are especially picturesque, often framed by the vibrant blue sky and sea.
Inside the walls, the old quarter offers a step back in time, with its quaint stone houses, small artisan shops, and inviting restaurants. It’s a place where history and beauty blend perfectly, creating a unique atmosphere.
Visiting at sunrise or sunset makes the experience even more magical, as the soft light casts golden hues over the ancient stones. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking one of Tossa de Mar’s most beautiful spots, Murallas de la Vila Vella is an unmissable highlight."
Bart
"What an amazing place. Charming little town with old medial castle. There are many shops/restaurants/bars on the way to road to the Castle. Once inside the old castle walls, it almost feels like you have travel back in time. There are also a few shops and restaurants within the walls. The views from walls and from a church at the top of the hill are amazing."
Victor Manuel Mendez
"Tossa de Mar is the only remaining example of a fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast.
Its present appearance dates back to the 14th century. It still has the entire original perimeter with battlemented stone walls, four turrets, and three cylindrical towers with parapets."
Kent Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus from Barcelona's Nord Bus Station to Tossa de Mar. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From the Tossa de Mar bus station, Vila Vella is a short walk uphill.
Parking in Tossa de Mar can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are paid parking lots available near the town center, but walking from the bus station is often recommended.
Yes, ferries operate from some coastal towns, offering scenic sea views. It's a great alternative to the bus if available.
While you can drive to Tossa de Mar, access directly into Vila Vella is restricted. Parking is available outside the old town walls.
You can walk up the charming streets, or take the small tourist train that runs from the town center to the lighthouse at the top.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Vila Vella itself is an open medieval town, so there's no general admission ticket required to walk through its streets and along the walls.
While the town is free to explore, the small museum located in the lighthouse may have a small entry fee.
Vila Vella is accessible at all times, as it's a living part of the town. However, shops and restaurants within the walls will have their own operating hours.
Yes, Vila Vella is a historic town and is always accessible. Tourist services within it will vary by season.
Absolutely! Vila Vella is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, magical atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, explore artisan shops, enjoy local cuisine at restaurants, visit the Church of Sant Vicenç, and take in panoramic sea views from the walls and lighthouse.
The top of the walls, the lighthouse area, and the Church of Sant Vicenç offer spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline.
Yes, Vila Vella has charming shops selling souvenirs and local crafts, as well as several restaurants and cafes.
Yes, but be mindful of the cobblestone streets and inclines. The train can help with the ascent.
It's the only surviving fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, built between the 12th and 14th centuries to defend against pirates.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the walls, the narrow alleys, the Church of Sant Vicenç, and Cala d'Es Codolar at the base are all highly photogenic. +1
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the medieval architecture and sea views. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic and populated areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views and narrow streets. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots.
Yes, but always be respectful and ask for permission if you are focusing on individuals or their businesses.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven. Consider bringing snacks and water, as options within the old town can be pricier. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy with stunning sea views, rather than dining at the more expensive restaurants within the walls. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Experiment with different angles in the narrow streets for unique compositions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Vila Vella
The entire original perimeter of the walls, complete with battlements, turrets, and cylindrical towers, has been remarkably preserved, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. The strategic location of Vila Vella, perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, provided excellent vantage points for spotting approaching ships. Today, walking along these ancient ramparts allows you to retrace the steps of sentinels and imagine life centuries ago. The preservation efforts have ensured that the town retains its authentic medieval character, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Inside the walls, the town is a labyrinth of narrow, winding cobblestone streets, flanked by charming stone houses. This intimate layout was typical of medieval settlements, designed for defense and community living. Discovering hidden corners, small artisan shops, and the historic Church of Sant Vicenç adds to the immersive experience.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips for Vila Vella
Don't limit yourself to wide-angle shots of the walls. Explore the narrow cobblestone alleys within Vila Vella; they offer intimate perspectives and opportunities to capture the essence of the old town. Look for charming details like flower-adorned balconies, quaint doorways, and the resident cats that often lounge in sunny spots.
The Church of Sant Vicenç, located at the highest point, offers panoramic views that are perfect for sweeping landscape photography. For a unique perspective, consider visiting Cala d'Es Codolar at the base of the walls. The juxtaposition of the ancient fortress above and the serene beach below makes for a compelling photograph.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Beyond the Walls: Exploring Tossa de Mar's Coastal Charm
Its proximity makes it an ideal spot to combine historical exploration with a beach experience. For a broader perspective of the coastline and to discover more hidden gems, consider a boat trip. These excursions often take you to secluded coves and sea caves that are inaccessible by land, offering stunning views of the rugged Costa Brava landscape from the water.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar boasts other beautiful beaches like Playa Grande and offers opportunities for coastal walks. The Tossa de Mar lighthouse, located within Vila Vella, also provides exceptional viewpoints and is a great spot to appreciate the town's dramatic setting.
Exploring these complementary attractions enhances the overall Tossa de Mar experience, blending history with natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit