Tossa de Mar, Figueras and Empuriabrava

In August 2010, my husband and I visited the Costa Brava. We stayed in Tossa de Mar and also explored Barcelona, Figueres, and Empuriabrava. Since we revisited Barcelona in 2022, I will focus on these other three fantastic places.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a lovely spot on the Costa Brava, about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona. The name Costa Brava, meaning “wild coast,” reflects its dramatic beauty. You’ll find stunning beaches, rocky coves, and lush Mediterranean vegetation throughout the area. One of the first things that catches your eye is the striking emerald color of the sea. Just a heads up, though—the water can be quite chilly, even in August.

Emerald sea color

Emerald sea color

Since we spent most of our time exploring Barcelona, Figueres, and Empuriabrava, we mainly visited the three 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 (Platja Gran), is the largest beach in Tossa de Mar, stretching about 380 meters. It is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with daily early-morning cleaning. From the beach, there are beautiful views of the castle. The town takes great pride in its cleanliness, and in the early morning, you can see the streets being carefully cleaned throughout the area.

Gran Beach, Tossa

La Mar Menuda

La Mar Menuda is just on the other side of the bay, very close to Gran Beach. It is smaller than its “big sister,” but it has its own charm. If you enjoy scuba diving, you’ll be pleased to know that this beach is a popular spot among divers.

La Mar Menuda

La Mar Menuda

Beautiful apartments close to La Mar Menuda

Es Codolar Beach 

Es Codolar Beach is located just behind the historic center, at the base of the town walls. I noticed that the water here felt slightly warmer, which may be due to the surrounding rocks that shelter this small bay. 😊

Es Codolar Beach 

The Castle of Tossa de Mar

The Castle of Tossa de Mar, built in 1187, is located in the old town of Vila Vella. This charming area is known for its narrow cobblestone streets. An interesting fact about Tossa is that actress Ava Gardner stayed in this picturesque 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 Toy Museum, but it is best known for the Salvador Dalí Museum, as it is the artist’s birthplace. The name Figueres translates to “fig tree,” reflecting the area’s historical abundance of these sweet fruit trees.

Salvador Dali Museum

The museum houses a comprehensive collection of Salvador Dalí’s works, spanning 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 Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park.

Known as the largest residential marina in the world, Empuriabrava is often referred to as the “Spanish Venice.” This purpose-built resort features beautiful homes and a network of canals stretching over 25 kilometers, allowing residents and visitors to explore the area by small boat while enjoying the scenic surroundings. During a boat ride, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky the people who live here must be.

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava

These three beautiful places are true gems of Catalonia. I would love to explore more of Spain, as I have always been drawn to this wonderful country.