I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights

The Sun

3 days ago

BARCELONA might boast easy flights, buzzing bars, and amazing food worth jumping on a plane for.
But after a weekend of cava and chaos, I like to bolt on a few chilled-out days somewhere a bit calmer and just over an hour's drive away from the bustling city.
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Just along the coast is the perfect escape: Tossa de Mar - a charming beach town that feels worlds away from Barcelona's busy streets.
While most tour groups might end up in the neighbouring resort of Lloret de Mar - think all-inclusive wristbands and packed beaches - Tossa de Mar is where more locals go.
What's more, it was recently named one of the country's cheapest beach resorts.
Averaging just £508 a week per person, TravelSupermarket's latest report named it one of 'the most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025'.
That's proper value considering you're not only getting relaxing beach vibes, but a picturesque town brimming with boutique shops, and lots of trendy restaurants and bars all in one.
Even with a name that might make some giggle when said out loud, Tossa really should cost more.
It has history, authentic food, stunning beaches - and after paying for your hotel, you still have enough left for dinner and drinks.
In fact, I was able to tuck into delicious Tapas with wine for two of us, costing us less than £30 altogether.
It might be small, meaning most things were within walking distance and saving us money on taxis, but Tossa de Mar packs a punch.
It has its own castle right on the beach, a pretty marina, and barely any Brits there.
The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities
This also means you won't see as many anti-tourism marches either, compared to the ongoing protests in Barcelona.
In fact, you are more likely to see Korean tourists rather than Brits, after it was made popular by both a TV series and Kpop music video being filmed there.
Top tips on what to do if visiting Tossa de Mar
You can explore cobbled lanes, shop for local crafts, grab a gelato, or head up to the castle for epic sunset views.
The old town, called Vila Vella, is like a medieval picture book boasting quaint stone streets, tiny squares, and loads of independent shops.
In just one afternoon, you can saunter through the shopping streets, climb the ramparts, peek out over the sea, then finish it off with tapas in a chiringuito (beach bar) looking across the waves.
If, like me, you're not here for tourist-trap cafes and chain restaurants, Tossa's food scene is a breath of fresh air.
All over the town, you'll find family-run restaurants where everything's homemade and the prices are reasonable.
One of those is Bar La Lluna - a tiny, family-run gem tucked behind some cobbled backstreets.
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With a gorgeous terrace that spills out onto the street, you'll find lovely homemade food, from creamy artichokes to crispy patatas bravas, with a vibe that's chilled but full of charm.
What's more, a table of tapas for two and a few glasses of wine each cost just €30 (£26).
Then there's Restaurante Portal, which does tapas with a twist. It's got a trendy, modern interior and a menu that's more creative than your usual.
I went for the soft-shell crab brioche, and a tortilla de bacalao (cod) - both of which were unreal.
The entire meal, consisting of three tapas plates to share and two main dishes, with drinks, costing just over €50 (£45) for two.
Wash it down with a cocktail and you're set for the night. You can grab an Aperol Spritz here for just €6.80 (£5.90).
After dinner, you can wander through the town and grab dessert from one of the many gelato shops in the square. A cone piled high with different flavours will only set you back a few euros. Try the turrón flavour for something more local.
Just wanting drinks? Canela en Rama is worth a visit. This slick cocktail bar right by the castle with sea views has a real grown-up feel.
The cocktails are expertly made here, with lots of attention to detail. They start at around €12 (£10.50), which is pretty good for such an upmarket place.
I had one of the best cocktails of my trip here, and the staff made me feel like a regular. You can also get a glass of cava for €4 (£3.50) if cocktails aren't your bag.
Generally, evenings in Tossa are mellow - think ice-cold cava, candlelit tables, and the sound of conversation in Spanish or Catalan - not karaoke, kebab stalls or people stilling out of clubs.
Of course, if you really want the cheap beers, head to the local Bar Josep, running since 1966, where you can find pints for under €4.
Bar Savoy is just as cheap with tapas from €1.50 and similarly priced pints.
When to visit the town
As always, July and August are the busiest months to visit Tossa, but even then, the resort stays relatively chilled.
June or September is the sweet spot - warm weather and sunny skies but less hustle.
If you go off-peak (May or October), you'll still get heatwave moments - great for dipping in the Med, roaming the ramparts, and dining outdoors.
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodation, I always stay at Gran Hotel Reymar, which is practically on the beach.
It's a four-star but really affordable. Rooms are fresh, clean and modern, and it's located right in the middle of everything. There's also a big pool and spa area.
Room prices start at around €126 (£110) per night, though that jumps to about €180 (£160) in high season.
If you want something with a bit more character, Hotel Diana is a good pick.
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Nestled in a historic Modernist building right on the beach with its own terrace and two bars, it feels stylish, boutique, but still very relaxed.
Double rooms start from around €113 (£99) per night. It's right in the heart of town, super comfy, and ideal for anyone who likes something a bit less cookie-cutter.
Both hotels are within walking distance of the beach, castle and bars - so whether you're into spa days or historic vibes, you're sorted.
How to get there
Getting to Tossa is fuss-free, and you won't need a car.
If you want to fly there directly from the UK, you can get there in just half an hour after landing at Girona airport.
Or, if you're heading there from Barcelona, you can hop on a bus from the city's coach station, Estació del Nord, in roughly one hour and it only costs €12 (£10.20).
It might be more expensive, but if you opt to hire a car, it'll be even easier to explore Tossa's neighbouring towns and resorts, like Platja de Canyelles, or even pop inland to explore the medieval town of Girona.
Flights to Barcelona or Girona from most major UK airports can be picked up from as little as £45 return.
Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.