Where To Stay In Tossa De Mar: Best Areas From Seafront Apartments To Hidden Coves

Tossa de Mar one of the most delightful and rewarding coastal escapes in Spain. This beautiful corner of the Costa Brava blends a characterful medieval town with family-friendly beaches, crystal-clear waters and a wild, rugged coastline, making it ideal for both relaxing and exploring.

Even better, it’s just a short drive from Barcelona, so it’s an easy (and highly recommended) addition to a city break.

But choosing where to stay in Tossa de Mar can make a huge difference to your trip. Some areas put you steps from the beach and restaurants, while others offer quieter surroundings and incredible views along the coast.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to stay in Tossa de Mar, including the best areas in town and nearby, plus the pros and cons of each, so you can book with confidence.

We spent a family holiday exploring Tossa de Mar and learned first-hand what makes each area different—from staying right by the beach to choosing a peaceful cove just outside town. Here, we’ll share the advantages of each and help you find the option that best suits your family.

👉 For ideas on what to do once you arrive, and how to get around, read our Tossa de Mar travel guide
👉 We also loved this experience: 4×4 tour in Tossa de Mar
👉 Combining with a city break? See my 3 day family Barcelona itinerary

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Best Areas to Stay in Tossa de Mar

Let’s dive in to the best areas to stay in Tossa de Mar.

Old Town (Vila Vella)

Vila Vella is the heart of Tossa de Mar. Staying in the Old Town is one of the most unique and atmospheric places to stay on the Costa Brava.

Advantages of staying in the Vila Vella

Let’s dive in to the best areas to stay in Tossa de Mar.

Vila Vella is a very short walk from the main beaches, including Platja Gran and the best selection of restaurants.

Staying in the heart of the town means you can explore in the mornings and evenings, when Tossa is at its best.

We love this 3-bedroom property in the Vila Vella, sleeping up to 6 and with the added bonus of air-conditioning.

Disadvantages of staying in the Vila Vella

It can be busy and slightly noisier in peak season.

Accommodation in Vila Vella is limited and often sells out months in advance—especially in July and August. View remaining availability in Vila Vella

Seafront & Main Beach (Platja Gran)

Staying at the seafront near Platja Gran is the best option for most families. This gives you the convenience of being right next to the sea, incredible views, and being just steps away from Vila Vella.

Advantages of staying near the seafront

In contrast to the Old Town, there is a wide range of apartments and hotels on the seafront, including properties for larger families.

Being right next to the beach is brilliant for popping back and forth, without needing to take everything with you for the day. We loved mixing beach mornings with afternoons exploring the shady old town when the temperatures rose and the beaches became busier.

Along the seafront you’ll find lots of great restaurants, ice-cream shops and access to water sports like kayaking and diving (great for older children) aswell as glass-bottomed boat trips along the coast.

If you’re visiting with very young children, the wide, flat path along the coast and is ideal for pushchairs, particularly in the early evenings when the city walls are illuminated and reflected lights dance across the water.

👉 Check beachfront apartments and hotels here

Disadvantages of staying near the seafront

It can get busy during the summer months, so if you’re not a fan of crowds you might prefer a base slightly outside the town.

Evenings tend to be relatively relaxed, and you won’t find the louder nightlife seen in some nearby Costa Brava towns.

Cala Giverola & Surrounding Coves on the Costa Brava

If you prefer a quieter setting, with stunning natural scenery, then the coves just outside Tossa de Mar are a great option.

There are both budget and luxury options available, often with incredible views. This is a side of Tossa de Mar that not everyone sees, but is well worth considering.

Advantages of staying near Cala Giverola or Cala Pola

The coves outside Tossa are a local favourite for a good reason. The scenery is incredible, with picturesque bays backed by verdant hills and clear, calm, turquoise waters.

Cala Giverola is approximately 5km from Tossa de Mar and features a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs and pine forests. Here you’ll find Zel Costa Brava, a fantastic option for active families.

Slightly closer to Tossa is Cala Pola, which is smaller but equally lovely. This is also one of the best options for camping in Tossa de Mar.

There are plenty of opportuniteis for water sports, including diving, SUP, keyaking and snorkelling.

It’s much more peaceful than the main town and ideal for a relaxed, resort-style stay, with the option of heading into Tossa de Mar on foot, by car or via shuttle bus.

Disadvantages of staying near Cala Giverola or Cala Pola

There are very limited shops and restaurants nearby.

You’ll need your own transport or rely on resort shuttle services to reach Tossa.

Best Apartments, Hotels and Camping in Tossa de Mar

Holiday Rentals in Tossa de Mar (Best for Families)

We rented an apartment by the seafront and it turned out to be one of the loveliest we have ever stayed in. The location was perfect, looking directly over the main beach and walls of the Vila Vella. We definitely had the best view in town!

Our kids loved the central location and being able to pop to the beach and back. I loved getting up early and wandering the pretty streets of the neighbouring Vila Vella before the rest of the town woke up. Tossa de Mar is a very special place in those quieter moments when the early morning light casts its golden glow across the walls of the old town.

You can check availability for this apartment here.

Owners Kristjàn and Ana met us at the property and provided all the information we needed for a brilliant stay. They were also on hand to answer questions during our visit, and everything was spotlessly clean.

Staying in an apartment gave us the convenience of kitchen facilities, extra space and flexibility—something that made a big difference travelling as a family of five. It also worked out as great value compared to booking multiple hotel rooms.

If this one is fully booked (which can happen quickly in summer), there are plenty of similar family-friendly apartments in Tossa de Mar—especially along the seafront close to Vila Vella.

👉 Browse similar family apartments in Tossa de Mar

Camping in Tossa de Mar (Budget Option in Spectacular surroundings)

Try Camping Cala Pola, around 3km from the main town and right by the beach. We walked through this site on a coastal walk between Cala Giverola and Tossa de Mar, and it looks fantastic for a family break.

There’s an outdoor pool, tennis courts, restaurants and a kids’ club. You can bring your own tent or stay in one of the air-conditioned bungalows.

Cala Pola itself is a lovely, secluded cove. It’s an easy coastal walk to Tossa de Mar in one direction and to Cala Giverola in the other.

👉 Check availability at Camping Cala Pola

Hotels in Tossa de Mar (Best for Comfort & Facilities)

If budget allows, Zel Costa Brava—associated with Rafael Nadal—is a fabulous option.

The hotel is set in Cala Giverola, with a funicular connecting the beach to the cliff-top accommodation.

There’s a huge range of facilities, including multiple pools (one right by the beach), restaurants and bars, kids’ activities, a spa and wellness centre, and tennis courts.

It’s a luxurious, resort-style stay that makes the most of its stunning setting—ideal for active families who want to combine relaxation with activities.

There is also a bus service into Tossa de Mar, so you won’t miss out on everything the town has to offer.

👉 Check current prices and room options at Zel Costa Brava