Why go
The walls give a beach visit a clear second focus. Walk into the Vila Vella for its old streets and hilltop setting, then decide whether to add the Roman villa of Ametllers or extend towards the coastal cliffs. The pine-covered hills offer a different direction inland.
The full story
The old fortifications rise beside Tossa’s main beach, so the town’s two strongest experiences sit close together: the shore and the walled hill above it. Streets within the Vila Vella lead through the older settlement towards the lighthouse. The climb changes the perspective from the bay to the coast beyond the walls. Approach the fortifications on foot. The road uphill is narrow and winding, making it a poor choice for driving. For a visit centred on history, add the Roman villa of Ametllers rather than filling the day with beach activities alone. Its remains introduce a much earlier period of settlement. For more time outdoors, the cliffs south of the old town and the pine-covered hills to the west offer different surroundings. Ask the tourist information office for walking maps before extending beyond the town. Boat trips and diving are another way to experience the coast; check the arrangements directly before making them the centre of the day.