Far de Tossa

Far de Tossa is a lighthouse perched on the highest point of Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar, one of the most photographed spots on the Costa Brava. Standing about 60 metres above sea level on a rocky headland ringed by medieval walls, it has guided ships along the Girona coastline for more than a century.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located?

Far de Tossa sits inside the old walled town, on the headland that closes off the Tossa de Mar bay to the southeast. This is the vantage point behind one of the town's most recognisable views — Platja Gran beach, the defensive towers and the rooftops of Vila Vella all visible together from a single spot. It's a short walk of roughly ten to fifteen minutes from the town centre, through the narrow lanes of the old quarter and along the walls.

When was the lighthouse built and why?

Construction finished in 1917, and the lighthouse was officially put into service on 27 August 1919. Its purpose was to close a gap in coastal lighting between the lighthouses of Calella (de Palafrugell) and Palamós — until then, this stretch of the Costa Brava had been poorly marked for night-time shipping. Far de Tossa is twinned with the lighthouse at s'Arenella, in Port de la Selva, sharing similar construction features from the same building period.

What does the lighthouse building look like?

The structure is a modest, square building with a central tower, typical of early 20th-century Spanish maritime architecture. Its simple white form contrasts sharply with the rough stone defensive walls of Vila Vella around it, creating a distinctive architectural pairing — a centuries-old fortress standing shoulder to shoulder with a functional navigational aid from the modern era.

How far does the lighthouse's beam reach?

The focal plane of the light sits at roughly 60 metres above sea level, and the signal has a range of 21 nautical miles. That combination of height and power made the lighthouse a key landmark for sailors navigating this section of the Costa Brava long before satellite navigation existed.

Can visitors go inside the lighthouse?

Yes — the building now houses a museum dedicated to the history of lighthouses on the Costa Brava, framed around a century of maritime signalling in the region. The exhibition explains the role lighthouses played in the development of shipping along this coast, as well as the daily work of the lighthouse keepers who, for decades, watched over the safety of vessels sailing this stretch of the Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Far de Tossa located? The lighthouse stands on a headland within the walls of Vila Vella, the oldest and highest part of Tossa de Mar, just above Platja Gran beach.

When was the lighthouse built? It was completed in 1917 and officially inaugurated on 27 August 1919, closing a lighting gap between Calella and Palamós.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Yes, the building houses a museum about the history of lighthouses on the Costa Brava, open to visitors.

How far can the light be seen? The beam has a range of 21 nautical miles, with the focal plane positioned about 60 metres above sea level.