Tossa de Mar, Figueras and Empuriabrava

In August 2010, my husband and I visited Costa Brava. We stayed in Tossa de Mar and toured Barcelona, Figueras, and Empuriabrava. Since we revisited Barcelona in 2022, I will write about these other three fantastic places.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a lovely spot on the Costa Brava, just about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona. The name "Costa Brava," which means "wild coast," emphasizes its stunning beauty. You’ll find gorgeous beaches lined with rocky coves and beautiful Mediterranean plants all around. One of the first things that will catch your eye is the stunning emerald color of the sea! Just a heads up, though—the water can be a bit chilly, even in August.

Emerald sea color

Emerald sea color

We haven't visited many beaches because we spent our time in Barcelona, Figueras, and Empuriabrava. Instead, we always went to one of the three beautiful beaches listed below. Overall, all three are lovely, but if you're sensitive to cold water like I am, you need to prepare yourself mentally before going in! 😊 Also, be aware that the sea gets deep very quickly…

Gran Beach /Tossa beach PLATJA GRAN (PLAYA GRANDE)

Gran Beach, also known as Tossa Beach, is the biggest beach in Tossa de Mar (about 380 m). Gran Beach is a very clean beach (it is cleaned every day - early morning). There are great views of the castle! Generally, the locals invested a lot in Tossa's cleanliness. Early in the morning, you can see how they clean every corner of the streets.

Gran Beach, Tossa

La Mar Menuda

La Mar Menuda is just on the other side of the bay and super close to Gran Beach! It's smaller than its "big sister," but it has its own charm. If you're into scuba diving, you’ll be happy to know that this beach is a favorite spot for many divers! 😊

La Mar Menuda

La Mar Menuda

Beautiful apartments close to La Mar Menuda

Es Codolar Beach 

Es Codolar Beach is situated just behind the historic center, at the base of the town walls. I noticed a difference in the water temperature at this beach; it felt slightly warmer. This could be due to the surrounding rocks that protect this small bay. 😊

Es Codolar Beach 

The Castle of Tossa de Mar

The Castle of Tossa de Mar, built in 1187, is situated in the old town of Vila Vella. This charming area features narrow, cobblestone streets. An interesting fact about Tossa is that actress Ava Gardner stayed in this lovely fishing village while filming "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" in April and May 1950.

The Castle of Tossa de Mar

The Castle of Tossa de Mar

 Old Town

View from Old Town

Figueras

Figueres is home to the Museum of Naive Art and the Museum of Toys, but it is best known for the Salvador Dalí Museum, as it is his birthplace. The name Figueres translates to "Fig Tree," reflecting the town's past abundance of these sweet fruit trees.

Salvador Dali Museum

The museum houses a comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali's works, representing his entire career. It is privately owned by the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation.

Salvador Dali Museum

Salvador Dali Museum

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava is located in the Gulf of Roses, a northeastern bay on the Catalan coast of Spain, surrounded by the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà.

Known as the largest residential marina in the world, Empuriabrava is often referred to as the "Spanish Venice." This purpose-built resort features many beautiful houses and consists of 25 kilometers of channels, allowing for travel in small boats while enjoying the scenic views. During a boat ride, I couldn't help but think how fortunate the people who live here are.

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

These three beautiful places are the genuine pearls of Catalonia. I would like to visit more places in Spain because I have always been attracted to this wonderful country.