You need to see the secret Spanish fortress village built into the sea
- Our Hidden Earth
- Nov 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Standing guard over a magnificent, sheltered bay on the Costa Brava, lies an astonishing coastal town distinguished by a perfectly preserved medieval fortress that plunges directly into the sea.
The atmosphere is one of profound, centuries-old protection, where massive defensive towers and ramparts meet the sparkling turquoise water in a truly breathtaking clash of architecture and nature.
This untouched, ancient wall separates the quiet historic quarter from the busier modern beach below.
The spectacular destination we have discovered for your Spanish holiday is Tossa de Mar, a unique and historically vital resort in the Catalonia region, known for its iconic fortified old town.
This ancient core, known as Vila Vella, is the only extant example of a fully walled medieval town on the entire Catalan coast.
It offers a fascinating experience for keen walkers and historians who want to explore a genuine piece of secret European heritage.
Tossa de Mar's great secret is that it was once a quiet fishing village that unexpectedly became a haven for European artists and creatives in the 1930s, earning it the nickname "The Blue Paradise."
The incredible light and dramatic scenery, particularly of the castle ramparts, drew figures like Marc Chagall, who famously named the town's stunning beauty.
This artistic legacy gives the fortified town a wonderfully bohemian and cultured edge beneath its stone surface.
When planning your visit, be prepared for steep, uneven stone steps within the Vila Vella fortress, making sturdy boots a definite necessity for navigating the ancient paths.
Finding a convenient car park during the high summer season can be difficult, so it is often easier to use paid parking facilities located further inland from the beach area.
Ensure you keep your camera ready in your boot, as the views from the castle walls are simply spectacular.
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