Costa Brava: Calçotada and grilled meat

Experience an Authentic Catalan Calçotada!

Hotel Don Juan Tossa has everything ready for you to discover and enjoy a true calçotada, one of Catalonia’s most iconic and delicious traditions.

So, what exactly is a calçotada? It’s much more than a meal, it’s a celebration. The star of the show is the calçot, a tender, sweet spring onion grilled over an open flame until perfectly charred on the outside and soft inside. They’re peeled by hand, dipped generously in rich romesco sauce and eaten standing up, often with a bib on and laughter all around. It’s messy, it’s fun and it’s all about sharing great food in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

The perfect weekend to switch off, share unforgettable moments and eat exceptionally well!

Everything is set so you can simply enjoy:

• The calçotada takes place on Saturday at lunchtime.
• Savor unlimited flame-grilled calçots followed by a full meat show cooking, featuring churrasco, butifarra sausage, pork belly and other freshly prepared specialties.
• Complete your feast with fideuá, mountain-style rice and roasted potatoes for a hearty and satisfying experience.
  • Important: drinks are not included during meals.
• On Friday and Saturday, keep the energy high with DJ parties and activities designed so everyone can join the fun.

Flavour, tradition and a fantastic atmosphere come together for a truly different and memorable weekend at Hotel Don Juan Tossa.

Two places to stay, one perfect offer!

When you book this offer, you can choose between two places to stay. More options, more flexibility and a holiday tailored to you!

• Hotel Don Juan Tossa 4 estrellas: choose comfort with refurbished superior rooms and modern suites.
• Hotel - Bungalow Don Juan Tossa: enjoy a more affordable option, with simple, unrefurbished rooms and separate bungalows (without a kitchen, but with access to the hotel's restaurant).

What else should you know?

• The properties share their communal areas, including the restaurant, swimming pool and services.
• They are next to each other, so you can enjoy all the facilities whichever option you choose.

You choose how to enjoy your holiday

• Looking to save money and enjoy more independence? Choose Hotel - Bungalow Don Juan Tossa.
• Fancy extra comfort and style? The superior rooms and suites are for you.

Choose your level of comfort and start enjoying your holiday right away.

• These completely renovated rooms have two rooms and a huge terrace of about 23m2 with hammocks. So, they are ideal for a family holiday and a short walk to the main beach in Tossa de Mar.

• The hotel is also gradually upgrading the standard rooms to superior rooms. There are currently 195.

Tossa de Mar: The medieval jewel that captivated Hollywood

The only fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast, located in Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava), combines turquoise coves, a Roman past and the glamour of classic cinema on the shores of the Mediterranean.

• A love triangle in 1950: During the filming of Pandora, Ava Gardner's romance with bullfighter Mario Cabré prompted a jealous Frank Sinatra to fly urgently to the town with an emerald necklace to win her back. A statue of the actress on the town walls commemorates the episode.

• Chagall's "Blue Paradise": In the 1930s, the town became a refuge for avant-garde artists fleeing Nazism. The painter Marc Chagall gave it this name after being captivated by its light and coastline.

• Walls built against pirates: The imposing Vila Vella, dating from the 12th century, was built not to withstand land armies, but to protect fishermen from raids by Barbary pirates.

• Spain's first contemporary art museum: The Museo Municipal, founded in 1935, began with works donated by European intellectuals who spent their summers in the town.

• Roman wine for export: In the heart of town, the Villa Romana dels Ametllers, dating from the 1st century BC, shows how wine was produced on a large scale for export throughout the Roman Empire.

Our recommendations:

• El Faro at sunset: Walk up the cobbled streets of Vila Vella to the lighthouse for the best views of the Costa Brava cliffs.

• Camí de Ronda to Cala Pola: Walk north among pine trees and reddish rocks, and in less than an hour you'll reach spectacular unspoilt coves.

• Try Cim i Tomba: Savour this traditional fishermen's stew made with rockfish, potatoes and aioli in the fishing neighbourhood of Sa Roqueta.

The Costa Brava feels wonderfully different in autumn and winter. Clear days, calmer seas and quieter villages make it easier to enjoy the coves, medieval streets and long, unhurried meals without the summer crowds. It’s a lovely choice for couples, nature lovers and anyone who wants culture and good food alongside coastal scenery.

The cooler months are especially rewarding for walking and cycling, while the changing seasons bring their own flavours to the table. Pack layers for breezy days by the water, and leave room in your plans for a spontaneous stop in a stone village or a family-run restaurant.

Make sure you visit:

Begin inland, where Peratallada and Pals invite you to wander among cobbled lanes, old walls and honey-coloured stone. In the quieter months, you can take your time over the little details, from archways to peaceful squares, before heading back towards the sea.

Along the coast, Calella de Palafrugell charms with white houses and fishing boats on the sand, while Begur’s castle looks out over the coastline. In Tossa de Mar, explore the Vila Vella, whose medieval walls rise above the sea. For a different kind of history, visit the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, an imaginative retreat Dalí created for Gala. On a clear day, the climb to Montgrí Castle is more comfortable in the cool weather, with sweeping views across the Empordà and the Medes Islands.

In Blanes, stroll through Marimurtra Botanical Garden and pause at the Templet de Linné, perched above the Mediterranean. Its outlook is a memorable reward for a relaxed visit.

Beaches we think you'll like:

The coast is just as appealing when swimming gives way to walking and sea watching. Calella de Palafrugell is ideal for a gentle waterfront stroll, with its whitewashed houses and boats making a lovely backdrop, while the coves around Begur offer a wilder feel and clear views across the water.

For a walk that combines several coastal moods, follow the Camí de Ronda from la Fosca to Platja de Castell near Palamós. The route passes cala s'Alguer, where fishermen’s cottages add a distinctive touch to the shoreline. Go in the morning for a peaceful ramble, or later in the day when the light softens over the sea.

Family-friendly activities:

A family day can start with an easy stretch of the Camí de Ronda, keeping the walk short and stopping often to watch the waves or explore a small cove. Near L’Estartit, the wetlands of Basses d'en Coll are a gentler outing: follow the paths on foot or by bike and look for waterbirds, especially towards sunset.

For a more active adventure, cycle a section of the roughly 100-kilometre Greenway between Olot and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, following the old railway route through changing landscapes from mountain country towards the coast. Older children and adventurous adults might also enjoy the wind tunnel at Empuriabrava, while a balloon flight over the Empordà offers an unforgettable early start.

Local delicacies you have to try:

The table changes with the season. From January to March, the Garoinada de Palafrugell celebrates sea urchins in Palafrugell, Calella, Llafranc and Tamariu. Along the coast, look out for suquet de peix and Palamós prawns; inland, try Pals rice or mar i muntanya, a characterful pairing of seafood and meat.

Autumn brings wild mushrooms, while colder days are made for comforting dishes such as goose with turnips. In Peratallada, family-run Can Bonay has served Empordà cooking since 1936 and is known for its goose and game dishes. In Palamós, La Salinera, recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, makes the day’s fish and seafood the focus. Finish with crema catalana and a glass of Empordà wine.

Make the most of your visit:

The Costa Brava makes a rewarding base for days out, whether you’re drawn to city streets, Dalí’s world or ancient history. Approximate driving times below are from Palamós and can vary with traffic and your exact starting point.

• Girona (around 45 minutes): explore the Jewish Quarter, the cathedral and the colourful houses along the Onyar.
• Figueres (around 1 hour): visit the Teatre-Museu Dalí, part of the Dalí triangle with Púbol and Portlligat.
• Sant Pere de Rodes (around 1 hour 20 minutes): discover a Romanesque monastery with views towards Cap de Creus.
• Empúries (around 50 minutes): wander through Greek and Roman ruins beside the sea.