Ultimate Tossa de Mar Guide: What to See, Eat & Do
Why visit Tossa de Mar?
Situated just 90 minutes from Barcelona on the sun drenched Costa Brava, stands a medieval walled town full of surprises. Tossa de Mar is definitely not your usual coastal retreat!
Yes, there are some gorgeous beaches (choose between pretty rocky coves with perfect snorkelling water, or classic sandy beaches), but what makes Tossa really unique is the statuesque walls of its Vila Vella. Inside the old town, you’ll find charming streets which have changed little over time.
We came to Tossa for a beach escape after a busy family trip to Barcelona, but quickly fell for the charms of the Old Town. Step away from the eateries along the neighbouring beach and into its cobbled streets and you’ll find yourself in a little slice of a fairytale from bygone days.
Here you can discover a lighthouse standing on the site of a previous castle; the ruins of a church with breathtaking sea views; tiny, local restaurants serving local seafood or head out of town along coastal paths to quiet, pretty coves.
In this guide we’ll show you how to plan a memorable trip, including all the travel details and tips you need and the best things to do in Tossa de Mar (from coastal hikes and boat trips to 4×4 mountain adventures).
If you’re still deciding on the best base, you can read our full guide on where to stay in and around Tossa de Mar, including the best areas and accommodation options for different budgets.
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Quick Guide: Plan Your Tossa de Mar Trip
If you’re in the planning stage, here’s everything we found useful when putting together our own trip — especially if you’re travelling as a family or combining Tossa with Barcelona.
🏨 Where to stay in Tossa de Mar
From beachfront apartments to peaceful coves just outside town, the location you choose really shapes your trip.
👉 See the best areas & hand-picked places to stay in Tossa de Mar
🚌 Getting from Barcelona to Tossa
The easiest way to reach Tossa is usually the direct coach from Barcelona Airport or Estació del Nord.
👉 Check bus times & book tickets from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar
🚗 Want more freedom?
If you’re planning to explore hidden coves or wider Costa Brava, hiring a car makes things much easier.
👉 Compare car hire prices in Barcelona & Costa Brava
🚤 Best tours & experiences
These are the activities we personally loved or want to reuturn for. They do book up in peak summer:
- 4×4 mountain tour into the hills above Tossa
- Glass-bottom boat trips to Cala Giverola
- Locally led SUP tour through hidden coves
- Coastal walks along the Camí de Ronda
👉 Browse tours & book activities in Tossa de Mar
💡 Tip: If you’re visiting in July or August, book accommodation and popular tours early — availability in Vila Vella and the best apartments goes quickly.
Tossa de Mar Highlights
There’s plenty to choose from, however these experiences made our trip extra memorable:
- Wandering the enchanting streets of Vila Vella
- Taking a glass-bottomed boat to Cala Giverola and walking back along the coast path
- Snorkelling in Cala Bona
- Eating lobster Paella at Restaurant Santa Marta grup el xiringuito
- Lazy evenings sitting outside in the old town under wisteria draped canopies
Let’s Plan your Trip
How Many Days do you need in Tossa de Mar?
You could visit on a day trip but consider staying longer and exploring this enchanting coastal region.
We visited for a few days after a brilliant but busy family weekend in Barcelona. Visiting high energy Barcelona, followed by a gentle coastal break in Tossa de Mar made for the perfect combination of excitement and relaxation.
If you have:
One day in Tossa de Mar
Explore the old towns best sights before a lazy seafood lunch and hitting the beach.
3–5 nights in Tossa de Mar
Add hikes, boat trips, and a mountain tour to experience the other side of the region. Enjoy the town at sunset after the day trip visitors have departed.
More time? Explore wider Costa Brava, Girona, or Montserrat
Getting to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona
If flying into Barcelona, before you travel, book coach travel from either Barcelona Estacio del Nord or Barcelona airport using Moventus. These coaches can be used for a daytrip or a longer stay.
A good option is to spend a few days in Barcelona, then take the bus to Tossa de Mar for a few nights, before taking the bus directly to the airport to avoid the need for extra transport.
If you’re flying in late or want an easy start to your trip, staying near Barcelona Airport can make things much smoother before heading to the coast.
We stayed at the BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel and found it ideal for a quick overnight stop — comfortable rooms, great breakfast, and an easy airport transfer.
👉 Check prices for Barcelona Airport hotels here
Is Tossa de Mar good for families?
Tossa de Mar is a wonderfully welcoming town for children. There’s something for every type of family: a range of beaches to explore, an intriguing old town, Roman remains and plenty of water activities on offer (diving, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding are all available in peak season).
Boat trips straight from the beach are also usually a big hit with kids. Tossa de Mar hits the sweet spot with a combination of beach side activities and an interesting town to explore which should keep adults, kids and teens equally happy.
When to visit Tossa de Mar
We visited at the start of the season in April. The weather was warm and perfect for walking, but there weren’t many water activities on offer yet.
May, June, July or September would be great months to visit. In August you will benefit from everything being open, but it is likely to be busier and a little hot for hiking.
Getting around town
Once you have arrived at Tossa de Mar bus station, it is only a 10 minute walk to the centre of the old town and main beaches. Tossa is very easy to navigate on foot. To travel further up the coast you could take a bus, taxi or walk.
Best Places to stay in Tossa de Mar
Choosing where to stay in Tossa de Mar makes a huge difference to your trip — whether you want to wake up next to the beach, stay inside the medieval walls, or escape to a quiet cove just outside town.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, we’ve broken down the best areas and family-friendly options based on our own stay in Tossa.
👉 See the best places to stay in Tossa de Mar.
We’ve stayed in Tossa as a family and experienced different areas first-hand, so here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the right base.
🏖️ Seafront & Platja Gran (Best for families)
This is the most popular area to stay in Tossa de Mar, especially for families or first-time visitors.
You’ll be right next to the main beach, with easy access to cafés, ice cream shops, water sports and boat trips — and just a few steps from the entrance to Vila Vella (Old Town).
Why stay here
- Walk straight from your apartment to the beach
- Huge choice of hotels and family apartments
- Flat, easy promenade (great with pushchairs)
- Perfect mix of beach + old town access
We loved staying in a seafront apartment here — being able to pop back for lunch or a break made travelling with kids so much easier.
👉 See beachfront apartments & hotels in Tossa de Mar
Things to consider
- Busy in peak summer
- Slightly less atmospheric than the Old Town itself
🏰 Vila Vella (Old Town – Best for atmosphere)
Staying inside the medieval walls is one of the most special experiences in Tossa de Mar.
You’ll be surrounded by cobbled streets, sea views and historic charm — especially magical in the early morning and evening once day-trippers leave.
Why stay here
- Incredible atmosphere and history
- Sunset views over the sea
- Step straight into the old town streets
We love this 3-bedroom Vila Vella property sleeping up to 6 with air-conditioning — ideal for families wanting something unique.
👉 Check availability in Vila Vella
Things to consider
- Limited accommodation
- Can be busy in peak season
- Books up months in advance
🌿 Cala Giverola & Cala Pola (Best for peace & scenery)
If you prefer nature, space and quieter surroundings, the coves just outside Tossa de Mar are stunning.
This area feels more like a resort set in nature — surrounded by pine forests, cliffs and turquoise water.
Why stay here
- Beautiful, calm beaches
- Great for walking, swimming and kayaking
- Resort-style stays with pools & activities
We particularly like Cala Giverola for its dramatic setting, and Cala Pola for a more laid-back camping or family feel.
👉 Browse stays near Cala Giverola & Cala Pola
Things to consider
- You’ll likely need transport or shuttle buses
- Fewer restaurants and shops nearby
🏨 Top hotel option
For a more resort-style stay with excellent facilities, Zel Costa Brava in Cala Giverola is a standout option.
👉 Check prices at Zel Costa Brava
Best restaurants in Tossa de Mar
L’espai – This is an unusual restaurant in a stunning location for a special meal. They pride themselves on Catalan cuisine with a twist. They also hold cooking classes.
Restaurant Santa Marta grup el xiringuito – This is a gorgeous, local restaurant in the old town The service is perfect: friendly, warm and welcoming. Regional cuisine and Catalan classics are cooked fresh. If you are visiting with picky kids there are plenty of options to keep them happy too. We couldn’t recommend the lobster Paella more highly. Make sure you book in advance as this place is busy with locals and tourists alike, and for very good reason.
Restaurant Castell Vell – A picturesque outdoor terrace, draped with wisteria in spring, situated in the heart of the old town opposite the museum.
Pizzeria Anna – The best pizza spot in town. Cute indoor and outdoor tables with red and white checked table cloths. Friendly staff, decent food and a lovely atmosphere. We also like this spot for an afternoon drink.
Vila Vella Terraza Bar – Gorgeous, scenic spot for tapas and drinks with outdoor seating, amazing views across the old town and frequent live music.
BlauBlanc Gelato and Lounge – Delicious ice cream in many flavours, impossible to resist a repeat visit.
If you are self catering, there are several supermarkets in town. The best stocked option in walking distance of the old town is Esclat, which is opposite the bus station.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth booking a few of the most popular restaurants in advance in summer
The Best Things to do in Tossa de Mar
Travel Tip: Pop into the Oficina de Turismo (next to the bus station) for a local map and advice.
1. Explore Vila Vella (Muralles de Tossa de Mar)
The old town is a wonderful place to explore at any time of day, but particularly lovely at sunrise and sunset.
Vila Vella is the only remaining fortified town on the Catalan coast. Built in the 14ᵗʰ century, most of the structure is still intact, with most of the seven towers remaining.
2. Walk or take the land Train to Tossa Lighthouse
Follow the walls around the town, then head up the path towards Tossa Lighthouse. Once you arrive at the lighthouse, you will be treated to 180 degree views of the coast. Follow any of the paths back down to town and explore the cobbled streets of the old town.
3. Explore the ruins of the Church of Sant Vicenç
The ruins of the gothic church of Sant Vicenç, damaged in the 19th century by Napolean’s army, stand just above the Old Town Walls. Despite the church being ruined, the apse remains almost perfectly preserved. Peek through the window panes for stunning views over the Mediterranean.
4. Climb through the Devil’s Hole
Don’t miss climbing through the Agujero del Demonio (Devil’s hole), which you will find near the museum in town. This little hole in the city walls opens up onto a platform above Platja d’es Codolar, a tiny but breath-taking cove nestled between dramatic cliffs and the walls of Muralles de Tossa de Mar.
The hole, which was built as an access to the cove for fishermen, featured in a music video by KPop star YooA and also features in Korean series The Legend of the Blue Sea. There can be lots of young tourists taking photos here, however everyone is super respectful and it is well worth a visit.
5. See the other side of Tossa de Mar with a 4×4 Mountain tour
For a totally different and fascinating experience, we would highly recommend the excellent 4×4 ‘Tossa Tour’ — this was one of the highlights of our trip and a completely different side of the Costa Brava.
These tours, run by serving fire officers, head up into the mountains around Tossa de Mar. The views across the area are spectacular and you will discover the incredible history of the area. This is a very different side of Tossa de Mar, far away from beach front fish restaurants and bars.
Highlights include the historic hermitage of Sant Grau d’Ardenya, the highest point of the Cadiretes natural park, history of revolution and the cork industry and incomparable views over the Tossa de Mar region.
6. Try Kayaking, Snorkelling of Diving in the mediterranean
Join a tour kayaking, diving or snorkeling the crystal clear waters and quiet coves of the Mediterranean. The sea around Tossa de Mar is absolutely divine, with calm, turquoise waters ideal for leisurely days on the water.
The visibility is excellent and you’ll find dive schools in town.
7. Take a tour of Tossa de Mar’s dramatic coastline in a glass bottomed boat
The Fondo Cristal glass bottomed boat runs from Tossa de Mar to Cala Giverola, visiting sea caves, quiet coves and rock formations along the way.
Our kids were fascinated watching fish and the occasional diver swimming beneath the boat.
A great option is to take the boat one way and walk back along the Cami de Ronda. Ask when buying your ticket for a map of the route back. Don’t expect a lot of information, this is more about soaking up the scenery.
You’ll find the ticket offices in town and on Platja Gran.
8. Find the bronze statues of Ava Gardner
In 1950, Ava Gardener starred in the film ‘Pandora and The flying Dutchman’, which was filmed in Tossa de Mar. This put Tossa firmly on the tourist map with Hollywood and ignited the tourism boom.
A bronze statue by Catalan artist Ció Abellí commemorates the film and actress. She can be found in Villa Vella, looking out to sea.
Near the beach front in Platja Gran, just outside the city walls you will find another of the artist’s sculptures. The statue commemorates the fishing industry, and auction, which closed in 1994 when the last fishmonger retired.
9. Hike the Camí de Ronda
Route 1: Roundtrip to Cala Giverola from Tossa de Mar
Distance: 5km each way
Either follow the whole route, or cut out half of the walk by taking the boat to Cala Giverola (see boat trips above).
The route follows the coastline, passing through pretty Cala Bona (a rocky cove with perfectly clear water for snorkelling) and Cala Pola (small sandy beach).
The route is roughly 5km each way, and you need decent footwear for the cliff path. It passes through pine and cork forest, with gorgeous views along the entire way and plenty of places to stop for a swim.
Make sure to bring water. There is a restaurant at the Zel Hotel in Cala Giverola and food available in the campsite at Cala Pola. A picnic is a good idea for this walk.
Route 2: Castles and coves of Tossa de Mar circular route.
Distance: 8km
A gorgeous loop walk through forest paths with incredible views over Tossa de Mar. This hike visits several coves and the Torre des Moros tower as you return to Tossa de Mar. Be warned, this walk starts with a pretty strenuous climb before levelling out.
10. Spend the day on the beaches of Tossa de Mar
You are spoilt for choice with 3 beaches in town. Locals prefer the Calas (coves) to the Platjas (beaches). Try a few and decide for yourself.
- Platja Gran – The main beach at the foot of Villa Vella. This beach is a large expanse of sand and views of the old town. It is the largest beach and closest to the shops, restaurants and bars of the old town.
- Platja de la Mar Menuda – Pretty spot, small cove backed by breezy restaurants. Rocky outcrop frames the beach and the shallow water at this end is great for snorkellers and divers to access the crystal clear water.
- Platja d’es Codolar – A tiny beach tucked round the corner from the Agujero del Demonio (Devil’s hole). This is a peaceful spot in a stunning location between the cliffs leading to the Camí de Ronda and the Muralles de Tossa de Mar.
11. Try a beach along the Costa Brava
- Cala Bona (3km from centre) – Rocky cove with crystal clear water, great for paddleboarding, relaxing and kayaking.
- Cala Pola (4km from centre) – A sandy cove near to Camping Pola with pristine white sand, surrounded by cliffs covered in evergreen trees, rosemary and lavender.
- Cala Giverola (5km from centre) – An absolutely stunning white sand cover with turquoise waters beneath the cliffs. The Zel hotel is located here.
- Cala Futadera (6km) – Another gorgeous cove. We were reliably informed that this one is a local favourite.
Don’t forget to pack
- Swimwear & snorkel gear
- Decent hiking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Light layers for the evenings
- Sunscreen & hat
FAQs about Tossa de Mar
is Tossa de Mar worth visiting?
Yes! The unique medieval town, gorgeous beaches, great restaurants and coastline make Tossa de Mar a fabulous location to visit. It’s just 90 minutes from Barcelona.
Is Tossa de Mar lively?
Tossa has a relaxed vibe, however it is lively in summer evenings
What to do around Tossa de Mar?
Hike the Cami de Ronda, visit beaches, take a boat trip, visit the museum to learn about history or head into the hills on a 4×4 tour
Which is nicer, Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar?
Tossa is quieter and more historic and retains much of its charm, Lloret is busier and not as picturesque, but is closer to barcelona and has a wider variety of facilities. We recommend Tossa de Mar.
What day is market day?
Thursday
Is Tossa de Mar walkable?
Yes, entirely. Everything is with 10 minutes of each other.
How far is Tossa from the French border?
About 120km
Where is Tossa de Mar?
Tossa de Mar is in the Catalonian region of Spain. The tiny town is found on the Costa Brava between Barcelona and the French/ Spanish border.
What language is spoke in Tossa de Mar?
As a Catalonian town, Catalan is the local language. You’ll find signs and menus in Catalan, Spanish and often English. A few words of Spanish, or even better Catalan, will go a long way towards making your stay even friendlier.
Ready to Discover Tossa for Yourself?
Whether you’re wandering the medieval walls of Vila Vella, snorkelling hidden coves, or sharing lobster paella under the stars, Tossa de Mar offers something truly special for families who love to explore beyond the typical package tour. It offers a great blend of local culture, mountains, beaches and fascinating architecture which we adored.
Would you visit Tossa de Mar?
