Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is roughly 30-40 minutes by car from Girona and though I find it to be crowded and horrible in the summer months, I adore visiting the rest of the year. 

This beach town is the best preserved medieval coastal town in Catalunya and though many think of it as a fishing village, for most of its history the local economy was dependent on the production and exportation of cork. The tourism boom began in the 1950’s and now there are lots of small hotels, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, etc. All of these are shuttered at this time of year, so it is extremely quiet and pleasant.

Parts of Tossa were built as early as 881, but the walls surrounding the old town (called Vila Vella Enceinte) were built in the 12th century and they still stand today. You can climb the short path to the old lighthouse and enjoy a most beautiful view of the coastline and the walls surrounding Vila Vella Enceinte. The original turrets and towers are still standing as well and young children always enjoy exploring here!

 The old town is so much fun to wander through. The area is quite small and is the perfect place to let children explore and there are a couple of cozy cafes in little corners.

 Residents still live in these houses and apartments and it is such fun to see their small gardens and brightly painted doors.

My mom and I walked up to the lighthouse and then took a separate path down to the small little houses and apartments in Vila Vella Enceinte. Each place is unique and I could take photos all day of all of the small details!

Tossa is the perfect half-day trip and we were back in Girona in time to pick Aurelia up at nursery school. It was still dreary and drizzling in Girona when we returned, so I was glad we escaped the weather for a few hours.

Now I am debating which monument and village we should visit next...