Marine villages are coastal towns that keep sea-related culture and activities alive, and that have also been able to find the most enticing proposals to allow visitors to experience their marine character for themselves.

The seafaring heritage lives on in Tossa through architectural elements such as: the Lighthouse and its museum; the Vila Vella Walls and the Moors’ Tower, built to protect the town from pirate attacks; the ancient fish market, where fish was auctioned and sold; the Socors Chapel, commissioned by a sailor as a votive offering to Our Lady of Bon Secours; or Can Ganga, an ancient fortified seafront farmhouse, which has recently become the Women’s Museum, and has a section dedicated to all the jobs related with the sea that were realized by women.

This heritage also lives on through intangible heritage such as festivals and local legends: the Festival of Saint Peter, patron saint of the fishermen, or some legends linked to life at sea and the local seafaring tradition.

As a municipality inhabited by seafarers where fishing has been at the core of its economic activity, fish and seafood have a very relevant place in the local gastronomy. Some particularities of Tossa’s cuisine are that dark chocolate is used in the “picada” sauces in several recipes, and that our most traditional local dish, the “cim i tomba”, is an ancient boat dish.

Without a doubt, the common denominator of Catalonia’s marine villages is a beautiful landscape to enjoy all year round. In Tossa, we recommend you to follow the coastal path or to look back at the coast from the water whilst enjoying one of the many activities on offer.

Tossa de Mar belongs to the Catalan Tourist Board’s brand Marine Districts and Villages since March 2019.