Engulfing the well known Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada, with their stretches of sandy beaches and high-rise hotels, the region of Catalonia receives about 12 million visitors a year. Known as one of Europe's playgrounds, with a wide array of beaches for the holiday-maker and a mass of places to visit, Catalonia has something to offer every visitor. Tossa de Mar has long been a respectable seaside resort. The region benefits from a mild climate and a unique culture, all of its own. The cuisine of Catalonia is very much based upon fish. Rice also features high on the menu. The rice has an international reputation for quality.