Travelers Best

Tossa De Mar is actually called the flower of Costa Brava owing to its rugged beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is located on the Northeast coast of Spain just 100km from the French border. Tossa de Mar is a quintessential part of the autonomous community of Catalonia.

Although it is not as popular or crowded than it’s equally charming counterpart Loret de Mar, it manages to hold its own in terms of scenic beauty, history and entertainment.

Only three of the five towers that once protected this city remain along the walls built in the 12th century.  Most of the fortifications were destroyed during the construction of a necessary light house in the 20th century.

The Entrance Tower, the Homage Tower and the Jonas Tower are the only ones that remain and have been retained for tourist interest within the city. The part of town that actually exists within the confines of these walls is aptly called the “Vila Vella” or old town in simple terms.

The Villa Vella area of Tossa de Mar was inhabited during the Neolithic period until the end of the 20th century. Although the origins are untraceable it is believed to be founded by the Romans. Most tourists visit in June, July and August as the climate is suitable day or night and less windy compared to that in September.

The town was established in the 12th century and that is when the castle was built. Later, it was replaced by a windmill and at the end, replaced by the lighthouse. The old town typically boasts of medieval narrow cobbled streets and houses made of stone within a labyrinth of flowers on balconies, Plazas and architecturally rich old historic buildings.

The newer part or the Villa Novae is modernized beyond comprehension with some of the best restaurants that serve an array of delectable Catalonian cuisines along with regular western dishes. Here you will find plenty of shops, cafes and great nightlife. Hotels on the contrary are found in the older part of town due to a restriction on high rise buildings in the area.

There are three popular beaches in Tossa de Mar. The most frequented beach called the Tossa Beach lies closest to the city centre across the walls. The beach is about 380 meters long and has a significantly rocky coastline and deep blue waters that are perfect for scuba diving. The El Codolar a smaller beach is still used by fishermen for fishing and harboring their boats. May Menuda the third beach is about 200m wide and is located on the other side of the bay.

Tossa de Mar has no really significant activities for children or lively adults but the restaurants, night clubs and bars do offer some scope in that respect. Alternatively it’s the best locale for a quiet and peaceful holiday on the coast.

M.A.H.

Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava despite being situated near some of the best costal resorts on the Spanish Coast is one of the best destinations for a sunny break, a beach holiday or for its famous stag and hen parties.

It lies in close proximity to Gerona and just 90kms from Barcelona by road. The main beach locations near Lloret de Mar are Blanes, Calella, Malgrat, Roses, Pineda, Tossa de Mar, and Santa Susana. The city has immense opportunities for a wild night or two out due to its many pubs, clubs and restaurants that serve the best cuisines from around the world.

Must see and do

The beaches are clean and perfect for sun bathers and sport aficionados alike. They offer the best in water sports and have special packages that begin from the Water Sport Centre itself. Some of the attractions are the Ski Bus which is a banana boat, the Fly Fish, a half raft half kite, and the unusual Ski raft. For more water fun a visit to the Water World is another must. Water World is Europe’s biggest water park that boasts of a plethora of amazing rides, restaurants and other activities that cannot be missed once you are in there.

The history of Lloret is resplendent in its one thousand year old 11th century Saint Joan Castle that overlooks the beach and affords a spectacular view of the coastline from its vantage point. There are a few museums that are also extremely rich with the heritage and history of the local Catalan culture. Some of the buildings also hold architectural interest points of view.

Lloret also offers traditional and more adventurous bungee jumping activities the wildest jump being 80 meters high. Then there is the exhaustive yet entertaining Pitch and Putt Papalus that has 18 holes to set off the glorious coastline to provide hours of merriment while on holiday.

While the star attraction for most singles would be the stag and hen parties Lloret offers a world of pole and salsa dancing lessons and entertainment for those seeking quieter fun.

Shopping

Lloret has a comparatively better shopping quarter than other resorts on this part of the coast. Designer shops and boutiques sit side by side with other more affordable shopping centers which mean there is something for everyone. Similarly the weekly market also has a lot to offer in terms of fresh produce and souvenirs.

M.A.H.

The Costa Brava has something to offer everyone whether you’re a beach loving family, a couple with a passion for Spanish cities or friends in search of nightlife and entertainment. The Costa’s main resorts are Lloret de Mar, Santa Susanna and Tossa de Mar which all offer the kind of watersports, international cuisine and bars that British visitors have enjoyed for over fifty years. Away from the bustle you can venture to hidden inlets and along rural routes for peace, isolation and local colour, or head to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting cities.

Benidorm leaves very little to be desired when it comes to beach life, activities, entertainment, food, drink and nightlife. The Costa Blanca’s premier resort comes alive in the summer as high-rise hotels welcome their visitors, the range of bars and restaurants provide international and local food and drink, and sun seekers pick their spot on the sweeping bay of sand. Renowned for its long golden sands, Benidorm boasts the Levante and the Poniente beaches - both offering watersports galore and pleasant promenades where you can stroll well into the evening. These two beaches sandwich a tiny old quarter where friendly cafés and shop-lined streets allow a glimpse of the more traditional Benidorm.
Transfer from Alicante airport: 45mins

Stretching from Denia to Alicante the sun-kissed coastline as lapped by the Mediterranean Sea, where beaches range from palm-fringe sandy bays to hidden coves backed by rocky outcrops. This summer playground offers you the chance to play golf or tennis, try watersports, take boat trips and scream your way around thrilling rides at Terra Miticia theme park. That’s not to mention the English-style pubs, theme bars and nightclubs that will jostle for your attention. If you prise yourself away from the attractions and delve a little deeper into the region you can discover Moorish gems such as the town of Guadalest, pretty whitewashed villages and citrus groves where the scent of orange blossom wafts through the air.

Golden Sands enjoys the stunning scenery of its National Park - a luscious forest area of incredible natural beauty, and its fine, golden sand beach, which stretches beyond the resort and is fringed by sand dunes. The shelving sands and shallow sea are great for children, and healing mineral springs and watersports are available. Following much development over recent years, Golden Sands is now rich in new hotels and apartments, alongside improved local amenities. An ideal choice for many, the resort offers cultural shows, festivals and nightlife.
Transfer from Varna airport: 45mins

Puerto de la Cruz is the Canaries’ earliest tourist centre offering relaxation from as far back as the nineteenth century. Three small beaches of black sand and an eight-acre lido with seawater pools and fountains can be counted amongst the resort’s features, attracting families with older choldren and couples that want to unwind. Puerto de la Cruz has retained many of its oldest buildings and tree-lined squares. There’s also the famous Lor Parque and a rich selection of entertainment on offer after the sun has set. Please note: Sea currents here are strong therefore bathing in the sea is only recommended for strong swimmers.
Transfer from the airport: 1hr 40mins

The resort of choice for pleasure and sun seekers, Playa de las Américas is Tenerife’s holiday and partying capital. There are eight main beaches in total, all of which are backed by a string of bars and restaurants. Just add welcoming holiday apartments and hotels plus watersports and a waterpark, and there you have this lively holiday hotspot.
Transfer from the airport: 45mins

Tenerife is the largest Canary Island and because it is the most developed you’ll find facilities, activities and sights to suit everyone, whatever your age and lifestyle. There are soft beaches, warm seas, and family focused attractions such as Loro Parque, watersports, trips to the cliffs of Los Gigantes and fresh fish dinners add up to a good time for all. If your kind of holiday comes to life as night falls you can pary your way around the bars and clubs of Playa de las Americas, or enjoy laid back evenings in the tapas bars and restaurants of the more sedate resorts.

This resort nestles around a horseshoe bay with a shelving golden sand beach at its heart. The calm waters and watersports appeal to families and couples that want to relax whilst the dramatic coastline is perfect for walking. With bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, this resort is a great choice.
Transfer from airport: 45mins