Torre des Moros

Torre des Moros is a stone watchtower crowning Can Magí hill in Tossa de Mar, one of the most recognisable viewpoints on the Costa Brava. This round, two-storey structure sits above the cliffs that frame the town's bay and has kept watch over the coastline for centuries.

What will you see there?

The tower itself is modest in scale: a cylindrical stone structure of two levels, roofless and free of decoration. Its real draw isn't the architecture but the setting — perched on the highest cliffs of Can Magí, it offers one of the finest panoramas over the bay of Tossa de Mar, its beaches, and the rugged Costa Brava shoreline. Photographers and travellers looking for a quieter vantage point away from the town centre come here specifically for the view.

What's the history behind it?

The tower was built in the 16th century as part of a coastal defence network. At the time, the Costa Brava faced repeated raids from pirates, including Saracen corsairs who used the area's hidden coves to land unnoticed. From its position on Can Magí, lookouts had a clear line of sight over the bay and the paths leading up from the beaches, allowing them to spot approaching danger and warn the residents of Tossa in time.

The tower stayed in use until the end of the 18th century, when the threat of piracy along the coast subsided and its military role became obsolete. Left without maintenance, the structure began to deteriorate, and toward the end of the 19th century a lightning strike badly damaged its western side, leaving it in ruins for decades. It wasn't until 1997 that a restoration project brought the tower back to the condition visitors see today.

How do you get to Torre des Moros?

The tower stands on Can Magí hill, within the natural area surrounding Tossa de Mar, and is reached on foot via the coastal paths that trace the shoreline. The route crosses rocky terrain with sea views, so comfortable footwear is worth packing. Many visitors combine the walk with a visit to the walls of the old town (Vila Vella) and the nearby beaches, turning it into a longer walking tour of Tossa's landmarks.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures and noticeably fewer visitors on the trails than in peak summer. Early morning or late afternoon light works best for photographs of the bay and the cliffside coast. In summer, an early start is worth the effort — it beats both the heat and the midday crowds along the path.

Frequently asked questions

What was Torre des Moros used for? It was a 16th-century stone watchtower built to monitor the coastline and warn the residents of Tossa de Mar of approaching pirate raids.

Why is it called "des Moros"? The name refers to the threat of Saracen corsairs — locally called "Moros" — against whom the tower was meant to defend the surrounding coast.

Can you go inside the tower? The structure is small and functions mainly as a viewpoint; its main appeal is the panorama over the bay rather than the interior of the tower itself.

How long does it take to walk there? It depends on the trail you choose, but reaching the tower from the coastal paths around Tossa de Mar typically takes anywhere from a short walk to around half an hour, depending on your starting point.