Muralles de la Vila Vella
Muralles de la Vila Vella
Muralles de la Vila Vella
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This National Monument is the only surviving walled city on the Catalan coast.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
2,491 reviews
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1,945
Very good
506
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31
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4
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5
EastYorkshireFamily
Beverley, UK379 contributions
Aug 2020
We've spent so many holidays in the south of France, in fact right across France over the years.
This year we should've been in Florida, but Covid killed that plan off.
So we set about driving south through France, and eventually into Spain.
I'd been to Spain as a child in the 70's, and memories of prison cell like hotels pretty much lead me to never ever want to visit Spain again as an adult.
Yet here in the Costa Brava, we were really surprised by all the places we visited.
Here in Tossa De Mar, we just turned up in the car, driving from our hotel in Girona, knowing nothing about the place. The old town was a really pleasant surprise. Our preconceptions of 1970's high rise hotels were soon blown away. What an ignoramus you cry, and you may well be right.
Walking through the old town to get to see the Ava Gardner statue was despite the heat, a lovely experience. The cobbled streets, the secluded bays, the views, the castellated walls... fantastic.
We still know nothing about the history of Tossa De Mar, well except that Ava Gardner made a movie there in the 50's, but I'd go back if we had the chance.
Anyway I'll leave it there, if like me you thought Tossa was just a 1970's resort, think again, there's a lot more to it.
Thanks for reading.
This year we should've been in Florida, but Covid killed that plan off.
So we set about driving south through France, and eventually into Spain.
I'd been to Spain as a child in the 70's, and memories of prison cell like hotels pretty much lead me to never ever want to visit Spain again as an adult.
Yet here in the Costa Brava, we were really surprised by all the places we visited.
Here in Tossa De Mar, we just turned up in the car, driving from our hotel in Girona, knowing nothing about the place. The old town was a really pleasant surprise. Our preconceptions of 1970's high rise hotels were soon blown away. What an ignoramus you cry, and you may well be right.
Walking through the old town to get to see the Ava Gardner statue was despite the heat, a lovely experience. The cobbled streets, the secluded bays, the views, the castellated walls... fantastic.
We still know nothing about the history of Tossa De Mar, well except that Ava Gardner made a movie there in the 50's, but I'd go back if we had the chance.
Anyway I'll leave it there, if like me you thought Tossa was just a 1970's resort, think again, there's a lot more to it.
Thanks for reading.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
santpedor
Barcelona, Spain528 contributions
Sept 2022
I have visited Tossa several times and for me the main attraction of the town is Vila Vella. It's a beautiful little area around the castle, full of ( expensive ) restaurants and nice shops. The views from the castle are magnificent. This place is what makes Tossa so special.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara R
6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
It is a most beautiful beach but prepare for a gravel base, not soft sand. Bring sun screen. The sun is no joke here. Restaurants and gelato and shopping, a great day trip. I don’t believe it is very accessible to disable or informed. Cobbled streets and steep terrain.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie Norfolk
14 contributions
Aug 2022
This used to be a favourite for us , we have been going there many years . It was a superb pizza restaurant with a superb view over the beach and town . Now only does limited tapas , very very small portions , not very good quality and extremely poor service. Very expensive for what it was !!
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilverSwimmer
Warks.England25,708 contributions
Tossa is very proud of the history and the culture of the town and there is so much to see and do in the area.
The most obvious evidence of the history is the Vila Vella (Castle) which dates from before the 12th century although the present structure was finished in the 16th and 18th century and it was named a National Monument in 1931.
It's image was made famous around the world when Ava Gardner starred in "The Flying Dutchman", filmed in Tossa with the Vila Vella in the background.
It is a 15 minute walk to the lighthouse at the top but there are bars on the way for "refreshment" and for those who need assistance with the steep walk,there is an electric tractor to take them to the top,
A full description of all of the towers and the ramparts, together with other buildings of the medieval period can be found here:-
www.infotossa.com/eng/…
The most obvious evidence of the history is the Vila Vella (Castle) which dates from before the 12th century although the present structure was finished in the 16th and 18th century and it was named a National Monument in 1931.
It's image was made famous around the world when Ava Gardner starred in "The Flying Dutchman", filmed in Tossa with the Vila Vella in the background.
It is a 15 minute walk to the lighthouse at the top but there are bars on the way for "refreshment" and for those who need assistance with the steep walk,there is an electric tractor to take them to the top,
A full description of all of the towers and the ramparts, together with other buildings of the medieval period can be found here:-
www.infotossa.com/eng/…
Written 29 May 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TnATravels
United Kingdom137 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
It's been 30 years since we were in the Costa Brava region of Spain and after visiting nearby Lloret de Mar, which is horrible and full of lager louts and people on cheap all inclusive holidays, we were not expecting much in Tossa ........but what a wonderful surprise we had, this lovely old town had actually got better the last 30 years and had retained it's character, it was lovely, fabulous restaurants, castle, medieval walled city and tonnes of character and we would definitely return, hopefully not have to wait another 30 years!
Written 24 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheribon
Barcelona, Spain40 contributions
Jul 2010
I have been traveling to Tossa for several times. It is so romantic and superb place to be. I am totally in love with Vila Vella, as well.
The place is so charming, that you never get bored. Walking there is like playing hide_and_seek on a grown up level. page of a fairytale.
Take your time, don't rush- explore every single corner and you will catch stunning views!
The place is so charming, that you never get bored. Walking there is like playing hide_and_seek on a grown up level. page of a fairytale.
Take your time, don't rush- explore every single corner and you will catch stunning views!
Written 24 March 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
koszeg
canada110 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We visited Tossa de Mar in March , way before the tourist season. It has nice beach areas but if you look for sandy beach this is not the place for you. The beach has pebbles.
Saw some beautiful, rugged beach area as well . The town has a beautiful XIV. century village area and it was just amazing to walk on these streets. We felt like we stepped back in time and it was a great feeling. It was hard for us to leave this small town behind.
Saw some beautiful, rugged beach area as well . The town has a beautiful XIV. century village area and it was just amazing to walk on these streets. We felt like we stepped back in time and it was a great feeling. It was hard for us to leave this small town behind.
Written 1 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kf59traveler
Washington DC, DC464 contributions
Totally unprepared and unexpectedly for ourselves we made a day trip by boat (Dofijet) from Calella to Tossa de Mar. As we approached Tossa de Mar the view of the walled fortress with its medieval towers in the greenery of May was mesmerizing and stimulating. We immediately rushed to the shore and took the wrong touristic tram (on the right side) that drove us around Tossa de Mar for 45 minutes without basic information and, therefore I believe, through the streets, hotels and shops you do not really want or need to see if you only have 4 hours before boat departure. Than we made another mistake and took the touristic tractor to the the light house on top of the fortress hill; tractor waited for 15 minutes for some picture taking and descended back again without information. Only when down and at the bottom of the hill we finally saw the map with English description of walls, towers, ruins of old church and Vila Vella itself. So, on our third attempt we slowly and enjoyably walked up and down along walls and towers and along all streets of old town and further into streets outside the wall. We should have done it from the very beginning; the ascending and descending slops and some stairs happened to be easy for walking even for my 74-old mother. Although old town houses were several times rebuild and restored, the street plan remains from medieval times. Unfortunately, we reached museum by its closing time for siesta (2 pm - 4 pm) and I cannot comment on its informational or artistic value. Yet, the Vila Vella is beautiful, the views of sea, cliffs and towered walls are also beautiful and romantic, the beach on other side of old town is even more beautiful and inviting for bathing (not sure where you would change into your swimsuit). Regardless our confusing start due to the lack of advance homework and/or proper on-site information in English we still have enough of opportunities to admire Tossa de Mar and its Vila Vella on our short 4-hour visit. When back home I rented movie "Pandora or Flying Dutchman" but it does not quite do the justice to the real beauty of Vila Vella.
Written 14 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KemikOjstra
Maribor, Slovenia1,716 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Although I had also visited Barcelona on my trip to Catalunya, I see visiting the city of Tossa de Mar as a highlight of my trip there. With such an amazing old town, medieval city wall and beautiful narrow streets with position near the sea (Costa Brava beach), I simply fell in love with this city at first sight. ;) It reminds me much on Dubrovnik (Croatia), but I see this town even more charming with very authentic Catalan (Spanish) charm and city pulse like in the Middle Ages. Without any payment I went up on the path within city walls and towers to have some fascinating views on the city as a whole. In many restaurants in the city can one also eat some traditional local food and simply enjoy there in many other ways as shops, beach, paths on rocks, hotels and many other things are there. Very much worth to visit.
Written 29 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hola señor soy de Costa Rica,como esta la temperatura del agua en abril,estará muy fría para meterse al mar,gracias
Written 19 December 2018
Si, suele estar bastante fría !! Hasta bien enterado el verano no está más caliente!!
Written 19 December 2018
Is the village accessible with a pushchair Please?
Thanks
Written 23 July 2016
I would say quite a lot of the area could be assessable as the streets are certainly wide enough for a wheelchair, but you might need someone with some strength to push the chair as parts of it are very hilly.
Written 24 July 2016
Hi there, we are coming from Calonge near Palamos to visit vila vella. Is there a bus we can take from somewhere around here? Thanks :)
Written 22 June 2016
Hello,
We will be staying near Perpignan for 7 days from the 27th. We've got the car with us so transport isn't a problem, would just like to know how long it would take to get there and how easy the drive is.
Many thanks :)
Written 25 May 2016
Depends...coast road fabulous but takes a lot longer....autoroute probably one hour but to be honest there is a lot of great stuff much closer , both in Spain and France.Collioure and Cadeques absolute musts for a start...
Paul.
Written 26 May 2016
Hello. We are travelling to Barcelona and want to do a day trip here. How far is this from Barcelona and what are the transport options to get to this place?
Many thanks!
Written 17 April 2016
About 90 kms or nearly 2 hours by good regular bus service from Barcelona or its airport - worthwhile and enjoy! Best, Paul
Written 18 April 2016
We are two adults with an infant (under 2 yrs). Need a good view but at the same time convenience to reach the room as our toddler might not be able to walk and will be held by one of us. Please suggest.
Written 26 July 2015
Hi
The Reymar has good views and The Diana also but both are not cheap. There is also a boutique hotel behind the restuarants on the way up to the castle but the name escapes me. Hope this helps.
Regards
Written 8 August 2015
Hi, we will be staying at Blanes. How far is this and what are the transport options to go this place ?
Many thanks.
Written 2 June 2015
There is a bus terminal in Tossa but usually to get anywhere on the Costa brava you have to go to Lloret de mar and get a bus from there.
Written 3 June 2015
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