Best Beaches in Tossa de Mar: From Family-Friendly Bays to Hidden Coves
The best beaches in Tossa de Mar range from wide sandy bays beneath medieval walls to secluded coves with crystal-clear water and excellent snorkelling. With three beaches right in town and many more hidden along the coastline, Tossa is one of the best beach destinations on the Costa Brava.
We visited Tossa de Mar as part of a family trip that combined Barcelona with a few relaxing days on the coast, and spent our time exploring as many beaches and coves as possible. What surprised us most was not only their beauty, but the sheer variety on offer.
Whether you’re looking for calm water for children, a scenic cove for snorkelling, or a beach with restaurants and facilities close by, this guide to the best beaches in Tossa de Mar will help you choose the perfect spot.
👉We also have a complete family travel guide to Tossa de Mar covering things to do, where to stay and how to plan your trip.
Before we Begin
If you’re planning on visiting Tossa de Mar in the summer months, we’d recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible. We’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Tossa de Mar for every type of traveller.
If you’re in a hurry, our top picks are
Best Beaches in Tossa de Mar at a Glance
Not sure which beach to choose? Here’s a quick comparison of the best beaches in Tossa de Mar, from family-friendly sandy bays to secluded coves perfect for snorkelling.
Platjas are beaches which are generally larger and may have facilities. Calas are coves or smaller bays, which do not usually have any ameneties.
| Beach | Best For | What to expect |
| Platja Gran | Families, facilities & convenience | Tossa’s main beach, with a large sandy shoreline, views of Vila Vella, and easy access to restaurants, shops and boat trips. |
| Platja de la Mar Menuda | Swimming & snorkelling | Smaller and quieter than Platja Gran, with crystal-clear water, a rocky backdrop and excellent access for snorkellers and divers. Accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. |
| Platja d’es Codolar | Scenery & a peaceful atmosphere | A beautiful cove tucked beneath the old town walls, reached via the famous Devil’s Hole or by following the steps down from Villa Vella. One of the most picturesque beaches in Tossa. |
| Cala Bona | Kayaking, paddleboarding & snorkelling | A rocky cove with exceptionally clear water, popular with those looking for a more natural and active beach experience. |
| Cala Pola | Coastal walks & nature lovers | A sheltered sandy cove surrounded by pine-covered cliffs, reached via the Camí de Ronda or by road. |
| Cala Giverola | Best overall beach day | A stunning turquoise bay with soft sand, dramatic scenery and watersports. Ideal if you’re looking for a classic Costa Brava beach. |
| Cala Futadera | Hidden gems & escaping the crowds | A beautiful secluded cove known for its clear water and peaceful setting. Often recommended as a local favourite. |
Best Beaches in Tossa de Mar at a Glance
1. Platja Gran: Best Beach for Families and Facilities
Platja Gran is a large, coarse sand beach close to both the Vila Vella and a selection of restaurants and shops. This beach is great for families, with easy access to facilities and a wide path at the top of the beach making it easy to access.
Platja Gran enjoys fabulous views of the crenelated walls and turrets of the Vila Vella. The water here is fairly clear, but not as clear as some of the surrounding beaches. It’s also the departure point for The Fondo Cristal glass -bottomed boat, which tours the beaches between Tossa and Cala Giverola.
The sand is quite coarse and not great for building sandcastles, although my children loved digging holes and burying each other. There are several great spots for ice cream on the short strip of shops just behind the beach.
I’d choose Platja Gran if I was travelling with toddlers or for a traditional beach day. It’s also a great spot in the evening for a stroll along the water when the Vila Vella is illuminated.
Although some of the smaller coves have clearer water, we found ourselves returning to Platja Gran most often simply because it was so convenient and the views of Vila Vella are hard to beat.
2. Platja de la Mar Menuda: Best Beach for Snorkelling and Swimming
Adjoining Platja Gran, the slightly quieter Platja de la Mar Menuda is a pretty little beach with two standout features. For younger children, the gently sloping shore and crystal-clear water make it ideal for paddling and swimming.
For those in search of nature and adventure, Platja de la Mar Menuda is one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving in Tossa de Mar. Several dive schools operate from here, taking advantage of the shallow beach entry and calm, clear water. Keep an eye out beneath the surface – octopus, cuttlefish and other marine life can be spotted in the waters around Tossa
The beach is backed by a small park and several restaurants, making it a convenient choice for both families and divers. We also enjoyed visiting Mar Menuda in the evening, and playing cricket with the backdrop of the sea and illuminated old town.
3. Platja d’es Codolar: Most Scenic Beach in Tossa de Mar
Tiny Platja d’es Codolar is perhaps the most scenic beach in Tossa de Mar. Nestled at the foot of Vila Vella’s medieval walls, it feels distinctly calmer than the busier beaches on the other side of town.
Steep steps lead down from the old town to the beach, which is the very cove you’ll glimpse through the famous Devil’s Hole in the city walls. The turquoise water is framed by dramatic cliffs topped with Mediterranean pines, creating one of the most photogenic spots on the Costa Brava.
Smaller and quieter than Tossa’s other beaches, Platja d’es Codolar is a lovely place to escape the crowds and watch the town slowly come to life in the morning. Our kids enjoyed playing games here in the evening, when the sun moved behind the cliffs, making this a shady place to escape the heat.
4. Cala Bona: Best Hidden Cove for Snorkelling and Paddleboarding
Follow the coastal path between Tossa de Mar and Cala Giverola for around 3km and you’ll reach Cala Bona, a beautiful rocky cove with some of the clearest water we found anywhere along the coast.
The cove forms a long inlet from the sea, creating calm conditions that are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. If you don’t have your own paddleboard, this excellent SUP tour from Tossa is well worth considering.
Cala Bona is rocky, so water shoes make getting in and out of the sea much easier. After a swim, relax on the warm rocks and admire the views while you dry off. Our kids aren’t big fans of sandy beaches, so this was their idea of seaside perfection.
There isn’t a beach to speak of here, but if you enjoy sitting by the sea in a beautiful setting, this is for you. The walk back to Tossa took us around 45 minutes.
5. Cala Pola: Best Beach for Coastal Walks and Nature Lovers
A little further along the coast path you’ll find Cala Pola, a small but beautiful sandy cove with soft golden sand and turquoise water tucked between pine-covered cliffs.
This beach can become fairly busy in summer thanks to the popular Cala Pola camping and glamping site. You’ll also find a restaurant and other facilities here, along with a range of family-friendly accommodation options.
We took the glass-bottomed boat from Tossa de Mar to Cala Giverola before walking back along the coastal path via Cala Pola. This was one of our favourite beaches near Tossa de Mar and well worth an afternoon excursion, whether you arrive on foot, by boat or by car.
6. Cala Giverola: Best Beach Near Tossa de Mar for a Full Day Out
Saving one of the very best until last, Cala Giverola is an absolute gem. This classic Costa Brava beach features a crescent of pale-gold sand, intensely turquoise water and spectacular views along the rugged coastline.
We took the glass-bottomed boat from Tossa de Mar to reach Cala Giverola before hiking back along the Camí de Ronda. Either bring a picnic – our recommendation – or enjoy lunch at the restaurant at the stylish Zel Costa Brava hotel, which sits right beside the beach.
Make sure to leave plenty of time to relax here. Between the scenery, swimming and coast path, it’s easy to spend an entire day at Cala Giverola.
The return walk to Tossa is around 5km along a rugged coastal path with some ascent and descent. Regular walkers will find this relatively easy, but good shoes are a must on the rough gravel surfaces.
Cala Giverola is also mentioned in our family guide to Tossa de Mar as one of the best day trips for swimming and kayaking, and it’s worth considering when choosing where to stay near Tossa de Mar.
Of all the beaches we visited around Tossa de Mar, Cala Giverola was the one we most wanted to return to. The combination of turquoise water, dramatic scenery and the walk back along the coast made it feel like the complete Costa Brava experience.
7. Cala Futadera: Best Secluded Beach and Local Favourite
Whilst we haven’t visited Cala Futadera ourselves yet, it came highly recommended by our guide Antonio during the excellent 4×4 mountain tour we took around Tossa de Mar.
According to Antonio, Cala Futadera remains a local favourite thanks to its crystal-clear water and more secluded setting. Reaching the beach involves a steep descent via a long staircase, which helps keep visitor numbers lower than at some of the better-known coves nearby.
Because of the access, Cala Futadera is better suited to confident walkers and older children than families with toddlers or pushchairs.
👉If you’re considering booking, we have an in depth review of the 4×4 ‘Tossa Tour‘
Which Beach in Tossa de Mar Should You Choose?
The best beach in Tossa de Mar really depends on the type of day you’re looking for.
If you’re visiting with young children, I’d head straight for Platja Gran. It has the easiest access, plenty of nearby facilities and enough space for traditional beach games and paddling. We spent several evenings here and loved the views of Vila Vella illuminated above the shoreline.
For swimming, snorkelling and crystal-clear water, Platja de la Mar Menuda was our favourite beach in town. The water here felt noticeably clearer than at Platja Gran, and it’s a great spot to introduce older children to snorkelling.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful setting, Platja d’es Codolar is hard to beat. Nestled beneath the medieval walls and surrounded by cliffs, it feels surprisingly peaceful considering its location right beside the old town.
Our favourite beach excursion was undoubtedly Cala Giverola. Taking the glass-bottomed boat from Tossa and walking back along the Camí de Ronda made for one of the highlights of our trip. If you only have time to visit one cove outside town, this would be our pick.
For adventurous families, Cala Bona is worth the walk. The water here was among the clearest we found anywhere on the Costa Brava, and our children loved exploring the rocks and shoreline.
In short, choose Platja Gran for convenience, Mar Menuda for snorkelling, Codolar for atmosphere and Cala Giverola for the ultimate Costa Brava beach day.
Whilst you’re planning your trip to Tossa de Mar, you might also find these guides helpful:
For a full breakdown of how Tossa works for families, see our Tossa de Mar family guide.
If you’re deciding where to stay, our guide to the best areas and hotels in Tossa de Mar can help you choose the right base.
For a unique experience beyond the beaches, the Tossa 4×4 mountain tour is one of the most memorable activities in the area.
Tips for Visiting the Beaches in Tossa de Mar
Frequently Asked Questions About Tossa de Mar Beaches
Where can I find a map of the best beaches in Tossa de Mar?
The main beaches in Tossa de Mar are all easy to locate on Google Maps. Platja Gran, Platja de la Mar Menuda and Platja d’es Codolar are all within walking distance of the old town. The more secluded coves, including Cala Bona, Cala Pola, Cala Giverola and Cala Futadera, are located along the coastline to the north of town and can be reached on foot, by car or, in some cases, by boat.
Which is nicer, Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar?
While both resorts sit on the Costa Brava, they offer very different experiences. Lloret de Mar is larger, busier and better known for its nightlife, while Tossa de Mar has a more relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful medieval old town and easier access to scenic coves and coastal walks. For families and travellers looking for charm and character, we would choose Tossa de Mar.
What is the most beautiful beach in Tossa de Mar?
Everyone will have their own favourite, but Cala Giverola is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches near Tossa de Mar thanks to its turquoise water, golden sand and dramatic setting beneath pine-covered cliffs.
Is Tossa de Mar beach sandy?
Yes. The main beaches in Tossa de Mar, including Platja Gran and Platja de la Mar Menuda, are sandy beaches with plenty of space for swimming and relaxing. Some of the smaller coves nearby, such as Cala Bona, are rockier and better suited to snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Is Tossa de Mar very touristy?
Tossa de Mar is popular, particularly during the summer months, but it feels much less developed than some other Costa Brava resorts. The medieval walls of Vila Vella, coastal walking trails and hidden coves help the town retain its character. We visited outside peak season and found it busy enough to feel lively, but never overcrowded.
Which beach in Tossa de Mar is best for families?
Platja Gran or Mar Menuda are usually the best choices for families thanks to sandy shorelines, shallow water and convenient location beside the old town. Cala Giverola makes a fantastic family day trip for older children who enjoy swimming, kayaking or exploring.
