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ULTIMATE Tossa de Mar Tourist Information: Things to Do and See

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Tossa de Mar is a charming and picturesque beach resort on the Costa Brava coast of Spain.

Not as big or busy as neighbouring Lloret de Mar, there is however much to see and do and below we guide you to the best spots in the town in our tourist information guide.

One of the key attractions (apart from the beaches) is that this is a historic town with well-preserved ruins and castle as you can see on the video below:

Getting To Tossa de Mar

Nearest airport.

The nearest airport to Tossa de Mar is at Girona (Gerona, airport code GRO) which is 41km away and used by many charter and budget airlines as well as schedules airlines. The transfer time by car or bus is about 43 minutes.

The next closest airport to Tossa de Mar is Barcelona international airport (airport code BCN) which is 103km away with a transfer time of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

A last resort option is perhaps Reus airport where low-cost airlines like Ryanair fly to. This is however 200km and a 2 hour 12 minute drive away.

Shuttle Transfer

If you fly into Girona then you can always get a shared shuttle bus transfer with ShuttleDirect for just £8 per person one-way or pay £22 for a private shuttle transfer per person one way with a personal driver and door-to-door service.

Bus Service

Alternatively there is a public bus service operated by the Sagales company from the airport to towns and resorts up and down the Costa Brava.

Getting around Tossa de Mar by bus is cheap and easy – this is the address for the main bus station:

Estación de Autobuses – Avenida de la Vila de Lloret, s/n, 17320, Tossa de Mar (Girona) – Tel: +34 972340903

Hiring a car makes a lot of sense if you plan on taking excursions and day trips around the Costa Brava. A weeks car hire is £80 for a mini-sized car. It probably makes sense to hire a economy-sized car for just a little more (£85) or even a compact for £95. You will get more leg room and the ability to definitely get all your luggage in if there are four of you.

The co-ordines for satellite navigation are 41°43′14″N 2°55′56″E. Tossa de Mar is located in the Spanish community of Catalonia, the province of Girona and comarca of La Selva.

History and Tourist Sights

Of course most people visit Tossa de Mar for the beaches but what if you want to explore the town and understand it’s history – what is there to see and do?

Head for the ancient medieval walled town quarter of Vila Vela on the headland overlooking the town and main beach.

This landmark cannot be missed and provides some great photo opportunities.

Indeed this area was location for the film Pandora and the Flying Dutchman starring James Mason and Ava Gardner in 1959. A statue of Ava Gardner can be found in the town.

The fortified battlements and towers were built during the 12th century to defend the town from pirates. Now the narrow cobbled streets house souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

The former governor’s house dates back to the 14th century and is now a museum with relics dating back to prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. You can also see the famous painting by Marc Chagall entitled  ‘The Celestial Violinist’.

There are 14km of wonderful sandy beaches and coves. The main horseshoe shaped beach of Playa Gran has golden sand that slopes gently into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

There are plenty of facilities and amenities such as toilets, showers and lifeguards on hand for any medical emergencies.

Tossa de Mar has plenty of water sports based activities to cater for the active.

You can sail, water-ski, windsurf or jet-ski. Alternatively take a boat trip on a glass-bottom boat.

The coast is particularly popular for scuba-diving.

Notably because of the small Medes islands which have clear visibility waters teeming with fish and other marine species.

The beaches have plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants although it is worth noting that this isn’t the best resort if nightlife is important to you (nearby Lloret de Mar is best for that).

Other beaches include La Mar Menuda on the other side of the bay or El Codolar around the headland from the castle.

If you fancy a bit of naturalism i.e. a nudist beach then the Playa de Vallpresona is the beach for you – take the main road from  Tossa de Mar towards Sant Feliú de Guixols and turn off when you see the road marker for km 34.5.

What To See and Do

The Sa Riera Park is a nature reserve which protects the forest, river and lake. Tosse de Mar itself is set on a four mile protected stretch of coastline known as the Massif de Cadiretes full of varied terrain.

Take a walk to the landmark lighthouse and go inside and take a tour. The views are amazing!

Address: Camí de Sant Pere del Bosch, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Spain Telephone: +34 972 36 54 16

You should be aware that the climate on the Costa Brava is much different to the Costa del Sol and Canary Islands of Spain. It does rain a lot in this region. Remember that the French border is only 100km to the north.

In summer you won’t have a problem but if you are considering moving to Tossa de Mar and living here as an expat on a permanent basis, then you should factor this into your decision. You do however have the closeness of Barcelona and the mountains for skiing as advantages.

Excursions and Things To Do

If you are staying in Tossa de Mar or going on holiday to Tossa de Mar then do consider taking a break from the beach and these ideas for excursions so you make the most of your trip to Tossa de Mar:

1. Trip to the scenic and historic city of Girona. 2. The small beach resort of Sitges is very artistic and bohemian with great festivals. 3. For another big beach resorts consider a day trip to bigger resort Lloret de Mar. 4. Go into the Pyrenees mountains and go skiing in Andorra. 5. A day trip to Barcelona (95km) is a must. 6. France is only 100km to the north.

Tossa de Mar Tourist Information Office

Tossa de Mar Tourist Office (Oficina de Turismo) Address: Av. del Pelegri, 25 – Edifici La Nau – 17320 – Tossa de Mar (Girona) Phone: + 00 34 972 340 108 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://visittossa.com/en/

More info and map here on our tourist office page .

Map of Tossa de Mar

We have a map below which will can be used in a variety of ways. Obviously it can be used as a road and street map – handy if you are trying to find your accommodation or how to get there from the airport – you can print off driving directions too.

You can also zoom in and out or move in all directions so if you want to see what towns, resorts and attractions are near to Tossa de Mar, you can do that too – ideal for planning some excursions and days out.

The alternative satellite/Google Earth view is also useful for seeing the resort from the air and seeing if your accommodation is built up or not as you can see exactly what surrounds it!

Page Summary – This page contains unique content about the large beach resort of Tossa de Mar, a popular tourist destination on the Costa Brava coast of Spain.

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Search > Visita Costa Brava

Tossa de mar.

Tossa de Mar is one of the most emblematic and photographed towns on the Costa Brava . One of the main reasons for the town's interest is its spectacular fortified mediaeval centre, declared as National Historic-Artistic Monument.

The village is practically isolated from the neighbouring towns due to its rugged location. Thus, its landscape is determined by cliffs, small coves and countless corners of great natural beauty.

This setting is an ideal place to enjoy cultural tourism with a visit to the medieval centre and the Ametllers Roman Village , or active and sports tourism with its routes on foot or by mountain bike. You can also enjoy water activities such as diving, which will allow you to discover the marine life of its crystal-clear waters, full of life and colors.

Additionally, Tossa de Mar offers exquisite local cuisine that blends the flavors of the sea and the mountains, with traditional dishes like "cim i tomba," a fish stew that is a true delight. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, you will find numerous restaurants and taverns where you can taste this and other specialties of Catalan cuisine.

Tossa de Mar is a complete destination that combines culture, nature, sports, and gastronomy in a setting of great beauty.

Weekly market

Every Thursday.

Time: from 08:00 to 13:30h.

Location: Pau Casals avenue.

Our Adventure Journal

The 13 Best Things to Do in Tossa de Mar, Spain

Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Kelly

One of the most enchanting cities along Spain’s Costa Brava is Tossa de Mar . This medieval town has everything you can think of for a dreamy Spanish getaway: a historic castle overlooking the sea and clear turquoise water.

I used to live in Spain , and Tossa de Mar is one of my favorite cities in the country. When my parents were in Spain for the first time, this was one of their highlights. I vividly remember my dad floating in the water and saying it was one of the most relaxing days of his life.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Tossa de Mar , hotel recommendations, restaurant recommendations, and more!

Best Things to Do in Tossa de Mar

We created this map to help you find the best things to do in Tossa de Mar:

TIP: Also be sure to check out our post on Vilassar de Mar , another beautiful beach town along the Spanish coast!

1. Vila Vella

What really sets Tossa de Mar apart from other coastal towns along the Costa Brava is the Vila Vella. It’s not every day that you get to see a medieval enclosure on one of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen! The Vila Vella is also known as the Old Part of Tossa de Mar. It’s a walled fortress that has 7 towers . It’s the only fortified, medieval structure that still stands along the Costa Brava.

You can enter the Vila Vella for free and walk the narrow cobblestone paths. Within the Vila Vella you can find Sant Vicenç , which is a Gothic-style church that was built in the 15th century. You can also find the  Tossa de Mar Lighthouse, which was built over the previous castle. The original castle, Castillo de Tossa, was destroyed. Inside the Vila Vella you can also find a statue honoring Hollywood actress Ava Gardner . She starred in the 1951 film The Flying Dutchman which featured Tossa de Mar. Today, Vila Vella is a National Historic and Artistic Monument . 

If you visit Tossa de Mar, make sure that you walk through the Vila Vella!

2. Platja Gran

The Platja Gran (or Playa Grande) is the most popular beach in Tossa de Mar. The beach sits right at the feet of the Vila Vella. One of my favorite travel memories in Tossa de Mar was swimming in the turquoise waters of Platja Gran with the Vila Vella as a backdrop.

The beach is about 350 meters long and is sandy. Because of its urban location, you can find all sorts of services. These include restrooms, showers, boat rental, kayak rental, etc. Within walking distance, you can easily arrive at restaurants and shops.

When we visited Tossa de Mar, we spent the majority of the day at Platja Gran enjoying the view!

3. Cami de Ronda Trail

If you have at least a couple of days in Tossa de Mar, we recommend that you hike the Cami de Ronda Trail . The full trail is 4.7 mile loop that will take you about half of a day to complete. The trail will take you along the Costa Brava with beautiful views of coves and sandy beaches. 

4. Chapel of Our Lady of Socorro

As you walk through the beautiful streets of Tossa de Mar, you’ll find the Chapel of Our Lady of Socorro. The church is just steps away from the Platja Gran. We thought that it was a beautiful church that really added to the charm of the shopping avenue.

5. Explore the Many Coves

Tossa de Mar contains numerous coves with sandy beaches. While the main beaches can be quite busy, if you’re willing to go a little out of the way, you can find a much more quiet cove to spend the day swimming. The downside is that many of the smaller coves do not have services such as restrooms, bars, or restaurants. But if you pack everything you need, you can explore a pristine beach in relative solitude! We recommend that you ask the concierge at a hotel or a local resident for their recommendations.

6. Platja d’es Codolar 

If you walk through Vila Vella, you’ll find a small path that leads to a beach on the other side of the castle walls: the Platja d’es Codolar. The beach is smaller than Platja Gran, but definitely feels more private. The waves are a bit bigger here, and the water gets deep pretty quickly. Be sure to explore this beach before you leave Tossa de Mar!

7. Platja Mar Menuda

Another beautiful beach in Tossa de Mar is Platja Mar Menuda. Platja Mar Menuda is located just a bit north of Platja Gran, but still within the urban setting of Tossa de Mar. It’s also close to restaurant and hotels.

8. Cala Llevadó

Just a few kilometers south of Tossa de Mar, you can find Cala Llevadó. This small beach is a little less busy because it’s only accessible by foot. There are camping spots nearby this beach.

9. Roman Ruins

The Villa Romana dels Ametllers is a Roman archaeological site that is located near the bus station in Tossa de Mar. At this site, you’ll find the remains of a Roman villa. The villa was discovered in 1914, and it’s an open-air archaeological site. Some of the floors of the villa even have remnants of intricate mosaics. The villa is a great reminder of Tossa de Mar’s rich history.

10. Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar

You can find the Municipal Museum in Tossa de Mar’s Old Town within the Palau del Batlle de Sac. The museum was found in 1935 to showcase artwork from the many painters who have visited Tossa de Mar to paint its coastline. The museum also contains Roman artifacts found from the Villa Romana dels Ametllers site.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

11. Take a Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

If you’re staying in Barcelona and would like to spend the day in Tossa de Mar, there are plenty of tours that make reaching the city very easy. 

• Kayak and Snorkel Tour : In this tour, you’ll receive transportation from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. You’ll get to kayak and snorkel in many beautiful places, and lunch is included.

12. Eat Tapas

One of the things that we liked best about Tossa de Mar was eating excellent tapas with a view of the sea. There are a couple of good options close to Platja Gran, including Bar Corisco and Bar Don Juan. 

13. Grab an Ice Cream

Summer is an ideal time to visit Tossa de Mar. We recommend that you grab an ice cream or gelato. There are numerous options that are just steps away from the beach! Bar Corisco is just steps away from Platja Gran.

Recommended Hotels

There are several great hotels located in Tossa de Mar that have excellent accommodations and even views of the sea.

Hotel Diana : This hotel is located right across the street from the Platja Gran. You can’t beat its location. You’ll be able to easily access the Vila Vella, downtown Tossa de Mar, and the Platja Gran. This 4-star boutique hotel has a rooftop pool, dining options, and a historic building.

Gran Hotel Reymar: Located near Platja Mar Menuda, this 4-star hotel also offers impressive views. The hotel has a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and a playground for children.

Hotel Corisco: This 2-star hotel is a bit more affordable in comparison to the previous hotels, but it still has an excellent location right by the beach.

We visited Tossa de Mar as a day trip from the nearby town of Vilassar de Mar. I have family that lives in Vilassar de Mar, and they were eager to take us to Tossa de Mar for a beach day. 

Getting to Tossa de Mar was very easy. We just hopped on a bus that took us right to the city center. (If you’re traveling to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona, we recommend either renting a car or taking the bus. There are no trains that easily reach Tossa de Mar.)

I hadn’t done any previous research on Tossa de Mar when I first visited, so when I caught my first glimpse of the Vila Vella and the sea, I was absolutely floored. It was one of the most beautiful sights that I had seen in Spain. 

We spent a relaxing day at the Platja Gran. The turquoise waters were clean and we spent hours floating in the water and enjoying the view. We had lunch at a restaurant across the street from the Platja Gran, where we enjoyed fried seafood and lots of tapas. We capped off our meal with ice cream!

After lunch, we walked around Tossa de Mar before heading back to the bus.

Our visit to Tossa de Mar left me wanting more. I could have easily spent several days in Tossa de Mar. My parents still talk about Tossa de Mar as one of their favorite parts of our 3-week trip through Europe. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay along the Costa Brava, we highly recommend Tossa de Mar!

Disclaimer :  We always strive for content accuracy.   Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

Discovering Tossa de Mar: A historic medieval town in the Costa Brava

Standing proudly on the north coast of Catalonia (in Spain), the historic city of Tossa de Mar is a treasure. The town offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its sandy beaches, lighthouse and, of course, historic fortified medieval village.

But Tossa de Mar is much more than just a medieval city. It’s home to beautiful coves with endless snorkelling possibilities and hiking trails that wander through green pine forests. 

Also, as a cool fact, Tossa de Mar was the first place in the world to declare itself an  Anti-Bullfighting City  in 1989.

So get ready, all you adventurous travellers out there; in this post, we’ll share awesome things to do in this charming village and its surroundings.

* Post written for the first time in September 2017 and updated in April 2024.

Things to do in Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava

Hike the camí de ronda and snorkel at the coves.

Follow  Camí de Ronda  (Ronda’s footpath) north and south from Tossa de Mar and walk through impressive pinewoods to reach beautiful hidden crystal-clear coves.

The Northern part of the Camí de Ronda

Walking north from Tossa de Mar, follow the  red and white  signs that will guide you through this path. The footpath presents some steep hills, but the fragrance of pine trees, rosemary and thyme will make you not think about them.

After 3 km,  Cala Bona  (Good Cove) appears. When we got there, we first jumped directly into the sea to fight the intense summer heat. If you like snorkelling, you’ll love to explore the seabed of this cove and swim with all kinds of Mediterranean fishes. 

It’s a good place for a break and eating something before continuing to search for new coves.

The next treasure is not far from Cala Bona. Only after a 1-km walk  Cala Pola  appears. This one is a  sandy cove  with crystal blue water, bigger than Cala Bona. It’s usually quite crowded (especially in summer) because there’s a campsite nearby. 

Anyway, it’s a great place to lay on the sand, get a bit tanned (sun cream highly recommended!) and play a beach tennis match.

Camí de Ronda to Cala Giverola

The last cove we visited on our hike was  Cala Giverola.  It’s 5 km from Tossa de Mar (only 1 km after the previous cove). It’s the biggest one, and the boats anchored in the bay make it the best in terms of views. Also, the bigger the cove, the larger the seabed to explore!

You make your way back to Tossa through the same path. When we arrived in the city, we stopped to enjoy ice cream. It wouldn’t be a real recommendation from us without an ice cream suggestion! We loved the selection at  BlauBlanc Gelato&Lounge , just in front of the main beach.

🧭 Wikiloc track

In our Wikiloc profile, you can find the Wikiloc track of this hike to use it as a guide.

The Southern part of the Camí de Ronda

Starting from Tossa de Mar again, head south instead of north. The first part of the walk offers impressive views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.

Walk for 3.5 km until you get to  Llorell beaches , two beaches (Llevant and Garbí) configured as only one long beach. This natural area begs to be explored, and the region is a magnet for water sports addicts. You can practise a wide variety of sports there such as  scuba diving ,  kayaking ,  waterskiing  or  windsurfing.

There are two more coves on the way to Llorell beaches (Cala es Codolar and Cala Llevadó), but we didn’t stop at any of them.

However, on our way back, 3 km before arriving at Tossa de Mar, we discovered the cove  Cala Figuera . The abundant vegetation surrounding this cove makes it very special. Also, it’s usually not as crowded as the other coves in this area. Be aware that nudism is a common practice there.

Here you have the Wikiloc track for this hike.

Experience sunrise over one of Tossa de Mar’s coves

If you want to start your day with an absolute blast, wake up early and  watch the sunrise  from the sea.

We know that waking up early can be hard, but we can assure you that you won’t regret it. It’s a show of nature not to be missed!

Wander through the streets of the Old Town

If you’re in Tossa de Mar, don’t forget to visit the Old Town. This majestic medieval part of the city is full of history and is the only example of a fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast .

With its narrow cobblestoned streets and seven towers , it seems time has stopped in the Old Town. It’s like having travelled back in time to middle age.

If you’re going to spend just one day in Tossa de Mar, we recommend you to walk the Southern path of the Camí de Ronda and visit the Old Town.

Soak up the views from the lighthouse

We can’t recommend enough walking to the lighthouse at the highest point of the Old Town for excellent views!

In the 12th century, Tossa de Mar was a  medieval town  walled off with a castle on the city’s highest point. Years later, this castle was replaced by a windmill, which was replaced by a lighthouse. The lighthouse is still operational, and has been declared a  national historical monument .

One of the places we like the most is a restaurant called   La Lluna , which means “The Moon”. They specialise in  tapas , a variety of dishes typical of Spain. When you eat tapas, you always order a variety of them and share them with your friends, family, or partner. Then you don’t get to eat only one dish, but you try as many as possible!

If you go there, we recommend you try:

• Seitons en vinagre : a kind of anchovies in vinegar sauce
• Empedrat : a salad made with cold cod and white beans
• Gaspatxo : a sort of tomato soup that you eat cold
• Patates braves : fried potatoes served with a spicy sauce
• Croquetes : chicken croquettes
• Pebrots del piquillo : sweet peppers stuffed with brandade (a mixture of salt cod and olive oil)

Another place we love in Tossa is Santa Marta . It’s a lovely place in a narrow street in the historic centre. The food is off-the-scale excellent , and the terrace is picture-perfect !

We recommend sharing some tapas as a starter and then eating a main dish. Their fideuà (similar to paella but with pasta instead of rice) is to die for!

Desserts are also homemade and top-notch. Go for the crema catalana if you want to try something typical from Catalonia.

Other restaurant recommendations to eat in Tossa de Mar are  Capri  (Mediterranean creative cuisine), Tursia (family-run restaurant serving delicious paellas and seafood) and  La Cuina de Can Simón  (excellent for fish dishes and seafood).

If you want a break from Spanish food, head to  Pizzeria & Brasa Tatarà . It’s an authentic Italian serving delicious pizzas and puccias .

Paddle to unexplored coves

Up for discovering Tossa de Mar and its surroundings while doing some exercise? We’ve got the perfect activity for you!  Join a  SUP guided tour  and paddle along the coast to discover hidden sea coves, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches.

This tour lasts  2.5 hours  and includes the material and the guide. During the experience, you’ll also have time to swim and refresh on your way back to Tossa de Mar’s main beach.

Scuba dive and discover underwater life

Tossa de Mar is a well-known spot by locals for diving as the waters are crystal-clear, and you can easily spot marine fauna, such as moray eels, lobsters, and colourful opisthobranchs.

If you’d like to  try scuba diving , we recommend joining this  3-hour guided adventure . You’ll learn the basics of scuba diving, get comfortable with the equipment, and then go for a 50-minute dive at a maximum depth of 12 m!

If you already hold a diving certification, you can contact one of the many diving centres in town and sign up for a dive. The most famous dive spot around Tossa de Mar is  Roca Muladera . It is home to  two seamounts with a channel running between them , where you can spot a  great variety of underwater life .

Where to sleep in Tossa de Mar

As we wanted to be close to a cove to watch the sunrise over the sea, we spent the night at  Camping Pola , just next to Cala Pola. The campsite has 2 bars, 2 restaurants, a supermarket, and a swimming pool. We brought our tent and rented the pitch, but you can also get a bungalow or a cool glamping tent.

If you’re looking for a hotel, there are plenty of options in Tossa de Mar.  Mamma Mia ,  Casa Granados , and  Hotel Diana  are three wonderful  boutique hotels  with perfect locations.

If you’re looking for  excellent value for money , the family-run  Tarull  is a wonderful option.

Travelling with your family or friends, and you’d rather stay in an  apartment ? You can’t go wrong by choosing  El Mirador de Tossa de Mar  (up to 4 people),  Can Senio 2  (up to 6 people),  Villa Reymar  (up to 6 people), or this  apartment at the seafront   (up to 8 people).

When is the best time to go to Tossa

During the summer months, Tossa de Mar comes alive. People swim at the beach, eat and drink on the restaurant terraces, and walk around the city centre. That’s why May to September   is an excellent time to come here. 

If possible, avoid August, as it’s the most crowded month, and it might even be too hot during the day to take a walk.  May, June, and September are the best months  for us, as they’re a bit quieter and not that hot.

How to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Tossa de Mar is not far from Barcelona, making it ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.

In fact, if you’re in Barcelona and want to escape to Costa Brava for one day only, Tossa de Mar is your best bet, as it is one of Costa Brava’s beaches closest to Barcelona.

So, how can you get there?

The easiest way is by car . From Barcelona, you need to drive 1 h 30 min to be in Tossa de Mar. Once there, you can park at the large car park next to the main beach (Platja Gran).

If you don’t have a car, no worries! Public transport runs from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar .

There is a direct bus from Estació del Nord (Barcelona) that takes 1 h 20 mins. In summer, this bus departs more or less every hour and costs around 13 € one way. In winter, the frequency drops to 2 or 3 buses per day.

Another option, although we don’t recommend it, is to go by train.

The train doesn’t reach Tossa de Mar , so you’ll have to stop in Blanes . The Renfe R1 train line follows the coast and takes 1 h and 30 min to get to Blanes from Barcelona. Once there, you can take a bus from the train station to Tossa de Mar , which takes approximately 40 min.

If you choose this option, you can purchase a combined ticket at the train stations in Barcelona, which is slightly cheaper than buying tickets separately.

How to get to Tossa de Mar from Girona

Tossa de Mar is not far from Girona either. So if you’re staying in Girona and plan a day trip, Tossa de Mar can be a great candidate to discover Costa Brava.

The easiest way is by car . You only need to drive 50 minutes from Girona to Tossa de Mar. Once there, you can park at the large car park next to the main beach (Platja Gran).

Public transport runs from Girona to Tossa de Mar. The bus is not the most straightforward way to reach Tossa de Mar, but it’s duable.

There is no direct bus , so you must take a bus to Lloret de Mar and then change to another one that goes to Tossa de Mar. It will take about 1 h and 20 min in total.

We hope that this guide has encouraged you to discover Tossa de Mar. If you do, tell us: were you enchanted by its mix of history and nature?

More things to do in Costa Brava

We’ve written several posts with adventures to do in the area. Here are some suggestions:

• Seven beaches in the province of Girona that aren’t packed during summer : Get away from the summer crowds by hiking to one of these secluded beaches in the Costa Brava.
• A beautiful hike from Palamós to Calella : The hike between Palamós and Calella de Palafrugell is one of our favourites. Expect turquoise waters, pine forests, and picturesque fishing villages.
• Herbocaiac, a foraging and kayaking adventure in the Costa Brava : A kayaking, snorkelling, and foraging experience in Palamós. You’ll learn about the region’s plants and algae and get immersed in a beautiful landscape while doing some exercise.

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Enjoyed reading this article and got a few tips ..thank you

We’re glad it was useful. Hope you have a wonderful time in Tossa!

Love your blog, thanks for all infos😊

Holidayed in Tossa,1963 (first overseas holiday,aged22)and 1968. It’s now on my bucket to trace my steps and visit the bars and walks I did all those years ago. Tossa is a gem and am looking forward to my visit. Thank you for an excellent update as it’s obviously been redeveloped with regard to the castle area. Otherwise it seems there is little change structurally. Looking forward to September.

Exciting to come back to Tossa after so many years! I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Thanks for the tip on hiking the Cami de Ronda. My family and I loved the excursion!

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Where to eat, tossa de mar.

Tossa de Mar is recognized worldwide as one of the icons of the Costa Brava . But despite this popularity, few know all the treasures it hides.

The postcard of Cape Tossa, with its walls, is one of the most repeated photographs of the Catalan coast. The pictorial beauty of the landscape, a source of inspiration for artists and the setting for Hollywood films, has made other attractions go unnoticed, both cultural and historical as well as those of its natural environment.

Tossa de Mar... and mountains

Tossa is one of the many municipalities on the Costa Brava that has sea and mountains at the same time. The town is protected within a valley that ends with its bay, but behind it we find the protected natural space of the Cadiretes or Ardenya Massif that reaches 520m in altitude. The municipal area offers numerous hiking routes both along the sea and through inland forests. At the same time, it is an ideal destination for mountain biking and also for cycle tourism .

The GR92 - Mediterranean Trail - crosses the municipality, offering a diversity of alpine landscape and Mediterranean forest that ends up merging with the coastal path that borders the coast.

Source of artistic and cultural inspiration

Tossa still preserves the charms of when it became the temporary residence of the most representative figures of the European avant-garde of the 1930s. Intellectuals and artists of the stature of Marc Chagall, Jean Metzinger, Georges Bataille, Francis Picabia and André Masson were seduced by Tossa. Here they found refuge and also inspiration.

Baptized by Chagall as " the blue paradise" , Tossa was key in the introduction of the avant-garde in Catalonia. The museum, opened more than 85 years ago, was the first in the state to exhibit works by contemporary foreign artists. Today Tossa and its museum continue to preserve the cultural legacy that so many creators have left behind.

A Hollywood movie set

The definitive leap of Tossa de Mar as a global icon of the Costa Brava landscape is undoubtedly from the passage through the town, in 1950, of Ava Gardner, James Mason, Marius Cabré and Frank Sinatra during the filming of the film “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” directed by Albert Lewin. The walls, the fishermen, the beach and the town of Tossa were part of the natural setting of the film and served as the set for several scenes already immortalized on celluloid.

In 2021, the 70th anniversary of the premiere of “ Pandora and the Flying Dutchman ” was celebrated and Tossa still has a thousand anecdotes from those moments. In Vila Vella, on a viewpoint with beautiful views of the beach, a bronze sculpture by Ava Gardner looking at the Mediterranean Sea reminds us of her stay.

Seaside town, history and gastronomy

La Vila Vella , with the walls next to the sea, the neighborhood of Sa Roqueta , with fortified houses on the bedrock and the rest of the town, with witnesses from the time of the Indians, make up a complex of special interest.

Tossa has the “ Villa Marinera ” distinction awarded by the Catalan Tourism Agency. The streets hide corners full of Mediterraneanism, with old facades, hanging clothes and flowers in the windows. Walking through it is a pleasure for the senses and an experience full of authenticity. The different guided routes allow you to learn about their stories, legends and traditions, as well as the glorious overseas past.

To top off your stay in Tossa you also have to know how to enjoy its gastronomy. You can find a good variety of high-end restaurants, specializing in seafood cuisine, Catalan cuisine, creative cuisine and traditional Tossenca cuisine. The campaign “ La Cocina de la Cumbre y Tumba ” stands out, the typical Tossian dish, and excellent fish cuisine.

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Tossa’s essentials

Tossa de Mar offers you a whole host of things to see and do. These are the ones you can’t miss

Walk on top of a wall with over eight centuries of history

Declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1931, the walled enclosure of the Vila Vella is the emblem of the municipality. It is currently the only remaining fortified mediaeval village on the Catalan coast.

Built in the early 13th century to protect the town from pirate attacks, the original enclosed area, with its battlements, has remained almost entirely intact.

Wandering leisurely through the Vila Vella (‘Old Town’) of Tossa de Mar invariably delights the senses. It is an unforgettable experience packed with unexpected discoveries.

Discover the old smugglers’ paths of the Mediterranean

The coastal paths (Camins de Ronda) are beside the sea and run along the coastline of the Costa Brava from Portbou to Blanes. Their name comes from the expression “fer la ronda” (doing the rounds), as these steep paths were used for coastal surveillance. Its proximity to France made this coastline perfect for smuggling, which was why these paths were used by the carabiners (police) to control smuggling, which was mainly of tobacco.

Try “cim i tomba”, Tossa’s most popular seafood dish

Tossa’s seafaring origins have left us the legacy of boat cuisine, prepared on board the trawlers and the teranyines (local night fishing vessels) when fishers had to spend long hours at sea.

One of the boat dishes with the strongest ties to the fishers of Tossa is “cim i tomba”, which, having been prepared by generations of seafarers, can now be found on the Vila’s restaurant menus as a local speciality.

Take a stroll through the old fisher’s neighbourhood

The traditional fisher’s quarter Sa Roqueta , with its humble houses and flowery corners, emerged with the village’s expansion beyond its walls in the 16th century. Built beside Es Codolar beach, a natural harbour where many of the fishers kept their boats, and one of the Vila’s walls, which served as the back wall for some of the houses, a number of unique buildings are still standing to this day.

To round off your trip to Tossa…

Make sure you never forget this special day by taking the perfect photo against the backdrop of one of the most emblematic spots of the Costa Brava from the Mirador de Sant Jaume.

Start discovering Tossa today, and make it your dream holiday destination tomorrow.

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THE ESSENTIALS

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Tossa de Mar Holidays & Travel Guide – Top Things to Do & See

Tossa de Mar  is also one the most popular tourist destinations in  Costa Brava , in the  municipality of La Selva , located on the north eastern coast of Spain, about 100 km. from Barcelona Airport and 40 km. from Girona Airport. Tossa de Mar is a lively resort that comes after Lloret de Mar on the south coast of Costa Brava.

Table of Contents

What to Expect?

Tossa de Mar boasts a unique charm with its historic castle and charming streets. The town is situated on a beautiful bay, surrounded by lush green hills and crystal clear waters. The first thing that surprises the holidaymakers is the outstanding postcard view of  Vila Vella , the  old walled town of Tossa de Mar  that stands over one side of the bay.

As you walk through the old town, you’ll see charming, narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and traditional shops. The town is small but offers a great range of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Tossa de Mar is well-known for its historic castle, Vila Vella, which dates back to the 12th century. The castle walls stretch around the old town and offer stunning views of the sea and coastline. You can also visit the lighthouse of the town, which is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

If you’re looking for some sun, sea, and sand, Tossa de Mar has two main beaches: Tossa Beach and Mar Menuda Beach. Both beaches are stunning, with crystal clear waters and fine golden sand. Tossa Beach is the larger of the two and is ideal for families and sunbathers, while Mar Menuda is perfect for snorkeling and water sports.

In addition to the beaches, Tossa de Mar is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers excellent hiking opportunities. The coastal path, Cami de Ronda, stretches from Tossa de Mar to nearby towns and provides some of the most beautiful views of the coastline.

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Things to do & see in tossa de mar….

Things to do and see in Tossa de Mar are endless. Popular attractions and sights in Tossa de Mar include;

• A great day out at the Tossa de Mar old town and Vila Vella,
• beaches and do water sports,
• Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar,
• outstanding bay views,
• cycling, hiking,
• strolling around the Tossa de Mar centre .

Top Attractions & Sights for you…

Platja gran beach.

Platja Gran is a beautiful beach located in the town. The stunning beach is the main beach of Tossa de Mar and is known for its soft golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is situated right in the heart of the town, making it a convenient location for tourists to visit.

The beach is very spacious and provides a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is also backed by a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks. The promenade offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Platja Gran is a family-friendly beach with plenty of amenities for all ages. It has designated areas for beach volleyball, playgrounds for children, and plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. The lifeguard station ensures that the beach is safe for swimming, and there are showers and public toilets available for visitors.

The beach is also wheelchair accessible, with ramps leading down to the water’s edge and beach wheelchairs available for rent. It is a great place for families, couples, and solo travelers to relax and enjoy the sun and sea.

La Mar Menuda beach

La Mar Menuda is one of the most beautiful beaches in the town, located just a short walk away from the town’s castle. This crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere. The clear turquoise waters of La Mar Menuda are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the soft golden sand provides a comfortable spot for sunbathing and relaxing.

One of the unique features of La Mar Menuda is its shallow depth, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. The beach also offers various amenities such as showers, changing rooms, and beach bars serving refreshing drinks and snacks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak from one of the nearby rental shops and explore the beautiful coastline. La Mar Menuda is also a popular spot for scuba diving, with various diving centers offering courses and guided tours to explore the rich marine life of the Mediterranean Sea.

Vila Vella is a fortified medieval old town of Tossa de Mar. It is one of the few remaining fortified towns on the Catalan coast and is a popular tourist attraction. The walls of Vila Vella were built during the 14th century to protect the town from pirate attacks.

You can explore the narrow streets and alleys that wind through the town, which is perched on a rocky headland overlooking the sea. The town’s walls offer stunning views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. The walls are also home to several towers and lookout points that were used to spot approaching ships.

Within the walls of Vila Vella, visitors will find several historic buildings, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Socorro, which dates back to the 18th century. The town also has several museums, including the Municipal Museum, which features exhibits on local history and culture.

One of the most popular attractions in Vila Vella is the lighthouse, which dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Tossa de Mar and the surrounding coastline.

Water Sports

Tossa de Mar offers a variety of water sports activities for visitors to enjoy. From kayaking to snorkeling, there is something for everyone to explore the beautiful coastline and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Kayaking is a popular activity for those who want to explore the coastline at their own pace. There are several rental companies that offer kayaks for rent by the hour or day, and guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the area.

Snorkeling is another great way to discover the underwater world of the town. The waters are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, starfish, and even octopuses. Snorkeling gear can be rented from local shops, or visitors can bring their own.

For those who want to try their hand at scuba diving, there are several diving centers in the area that offer beginner courses as well as advanced dives for experienced divers. The waters off the coast of Tossa de Mar are known for their clear visibility, making it an ideal location for diving.

In addition to these water sports, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing.

Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar

The Municipal Museum is a cultural center located in the heart of the old town. The museum is housed in an old stately home dating back to the 18th century and is dedicated to the history and art of the town.

Here you can explore a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage. There are sections dedicated to local art, including works by famous Catalan artists such as Joaquim Vayreda and Hermenegild Anglada Camarasa. There are also displays of traditional crafts, archaeological finds, and historic objects that tell the story of Tossa de Mar through the ages.

One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the collection of Roman artifacts, which includes a range of everyday objects such as pottery, tools, and jewelry. There are also some interesting examples of Roman engineering, including a large stone cistern and an aqueduct that was used to bring water to the town.

Water World Water Park   – in Lloret de Mar

Water World Water Park is one of the most popular attractions in Lloret de Mar . It is a large water park that offers plenty of exciting rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The park features a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. One of the most popular rides is the Kamikaze, a thrilling slide that drops riders from a height of over 30 meters at high speed. The park also has a large children’s area with smaller slides and pools, as well as a pirate-themed area with water cannons and slides.

In addition to the water attractions, Water World also has several restaurants and snack bars throughout the park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, from fast food to more upscale dining.

Water World is open from late May to mid-September, and offers a variety of ticket options including day passes, season passes, and group rates.

Cycling &  Hiking

Tossa de Mar is not only known for its beautiful beaches and historical landmarks, but it is also a popular destination for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. With its scenic routes and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike.

One popular hiking trail in Tossa de Mar is the Camí de Ronda, a coastal path that spans the length of the Costa Brava. This trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and takes hikers through rocky coves and secluded beaches. There are also many trails that wind through the surrounding hills and forests, offering a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region.

For cycling enthusiasts, the town offers a variety of routes that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the countryside or a challenging mountain climb, there’s a route for you. The roads around Tossa de Mar are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding hills.

If you’re looking for a more guided experience, there are also many cycling and hiking tours available. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can help you discover hidden gems and share the history and culture of the region.

Daily Tours & Excursions

Food & drink.

Tossa de Mar is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Catalan cuisine, and local wines. Some of the best places to eat in Tossa de Mar include El Raco de Fenals, La Cuina de Can Simon, and La Lluna. For a casual meal or a quick snack, head to one of the many beachside cafes or tapas bars in town. Don’t forget to try some of the local dishes, such as suquet de peix (fish stew) and paella.

Tossa de Mar has a variety of shops and boutiques selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothing. The main shopping street in town is Carrer Portal, where you can find a mix of local and international brands. For unique gifts and artisanal products, head to the weekly market held on Thursdays in the town square.

Tossa de Mar has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some of the best places to enjoy a night out in town include Bar Tomás, La Havana, and El Tunel. For a more relaxed evening, head to one of the beach bars or enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town.

Tossa de Mar offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in town include Hotel Windsor, Hotel Mar Bella, and Hotel Diana. For a more authentic experience, consider renting a villa or apartment in the town center or near the beach.

Getting There

The nearest airport to Tossa de Mar is Girona-Costa Brava Airport , which is located approximately 40 km away from the town. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tossa de Mar. The taxi ride will take around 40 minutes, while the bus ride will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Another option is to fly into Barcelona Airport , which is approximately 85 km away from Tossa de Mar. From there, you can take a bus or a train to Tossa de Mar.

If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest train station to Tossa de Mar is Blanes, which is approximately 15 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the town. The train journey from Barcelona to Blanes takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

There are several bus companies that operate services to Tossa de Mar from various locations. The most popular bus companies are Sarfa and Moventis. If you are traveling from Barcelona, you can take a bus from Estació del Nord bus station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you prefer to drive, Tossa de Mar can be easily reached by car. From Barcelona, take the C-32 motorway towards Girona and then take the GI-682 road towards the town. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar curves around a boat-speckled bay, guarded by a headland crowned with impressive defensive medieval walls and towers. Tourism has bolted a larger, modern extension onto this picturesque village of crooked, narrow streets, though its old town and clifftop views retain their beauty.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Far de Tossa

Mont Guardí is crowned by this 1917 lighthouse, which contains walk-through displays on the history of lighthouses. At the time of writing, it was closed…

Museu Municipal

Set within a 14th-century mansion in the lower part of Tossa's Vila Vella, this small museum displays mosaics and other finds from a local Roman villa …

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Guide to Tossa de Mar

AD Find accommodation in Tossa de Mar HOTELS | HOLIDAY RENTALS | CAMPSITES With a castle towering above, Tossa de Mar provides the Costa Brava with one of its most iconic images.

Tossa Castle. Photo by David Leigh.

Tossa de Mar is a charming coastal town located in the heart of the Costa Brava , just an hour’s drive from Barcelona. With its picturesque old town, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife, Tossa de Mar is the perfect destination for holidaymakers seeking a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure.

Before the arrival of mass tourism in the 1950s the primary industries of Tossa de Mar were grapes and cork. Much of the surrounding area consists of forest with cork oak. This was shipped to the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. It also had a small fishing fleet on which the population relied when times got hard.

Restaurants

In 1950s the town was famous for the arrival of Ava Gardner to film “The Flying Dutchman” with James Mason. In 1998 a bronze statue was erected within the castle walls to honour her.

Statue of Ava Gardner in Tossa de Mar. Photo by David Leigh.

Today Tossa remains a popular tourist destination, with a sandy beach and castle overlooking the modern town. Within the castle walls lies the original medieval town, and the area just outside the castle walls are distinctly old world. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants next to the beach, although it is slightly spoiled by the stream that runs in the sand parallel with to the sea in this area.

Tossa de Mar’s beach from the castle. Photo by David Leigh.

The northern end of the beach is less authentically Catalan with a number of three or four story apartment buildings and hotels . Although not really in character of the true Costa Brava, they at least don’t dominate the seafront like in some other towns.

One of the reasons to choose Tossa de Mar over other areas of the Costa Brava is the town’s atmosphere. Unlike some of the more touristy resorts along the coast, Tossa de Mar has managed to retain much of its traditional charm, with narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone walls, and a fortified castle that offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Accommodation options in Tossa de Mar cater to all budgets and preferences and many properties are situated in the old town, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, shops, and restaurants.

Speaking of restaurants, Tossa de Mar is known for its delicious seafood dishes and traditional Catalan cuisine. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood, paella, tapas, and local wines at the numerous restaurants and bars in the town.

There are plenty of activities to keep holidaymakers busy in Tossa de Mar, from water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding to hiking and cycling in the nearby hills. Cultural events also take place throughout the year, including music, parades and culinary events.

For history buffs, Tossa de Mar has a fascinating past that dates back to Neolithic period. The town’s medieval walls and castle offer a glimpse into its rich history, while the Municipal Museum showcases artefacts from the area’s prehistoric and Roman eras.

Overall, Tossa de Mar offers a wonderful blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal holiday destination for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Costa Brava lifestyle .

Tossa de Mar is known for its stunning beaches, each with its own unique character and facilities. The main beach, Platja Gran, is the largest and most popular beach in the town, located right in the heart of the old town. This crescent-shaped beach is made up of golden sand and has clear, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. The beach has plenty of facilities, including sun loungers and parasols for hire, showers, and there are bars and restaurants on the promenade. During the summer months, the beach can get quite busy, but there is plenty of space for everyone.

Mar Menuda Beach is a smaller sheltered cove located to the north of the town. It is quieter than Tossa Beach and has fewer facilities, but there are still sun loungers and parasols available for hire.

Cala es Codolar Beach is a secluded beach located to the south of the town, near the lighthouse and overlooked by the castle. The beach is made up of coarse sand and is surrounded by rocky cliffs. Codolar Beach is a quiet, peaceful spot with few facilities, but it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

As well as the main town beach and the couple of others nearby you might also like to explore further afield. Drive along the winding coastal road toward Sant Feliu de Guíxols or southbound towards Lloret de Mar and explore some more secluded beaches and coves along the way. Read about the beaches near Tossa de Mar here .

Where to stay

Like most seaside towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar has plenty of accommodation available in the summer months. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. If you’re traveling with a group or prefer more privacy, a rental apartment or villa might be a good option. Tossa de Mar has plenty of choice in this area.

Unlike some other towns though there are plenty of hotels. While the accommodation in many resorts consists mainly of holiday rental properties, Tossa has numerous hotels. These provide visitors with a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Many hotels offer a range of amenities and services to enhance guests’ stays. These may include on-site restaurants, pools, fitness centres, spas, and children’s play areas. Some offer stunning sea views and many are located within an easy walk of the town’s top attractions.

The 3-star Hotel Diana is a family run boutique hotel in a building designed in the  modernista style by one of Antoni Gaudí’s disciples. It is near the beach and has a bar and restaurant. 2-star Hostal de Mar is more basic but the rooms are very nicely done and you get view of the castle. At the far end of the beach you’ll find the 4-star Gran Hotel Reymar . It has great facilities down to an on-site dive school and valet parking and is right next to Mar Menuda beach. For more hotels see our page on the 10 best Tossa de Mar hotels .

There are also a number of campsites in and around Tossa. The nearest to the town is Camping Can Martí, around half a kilometre from the beach. Camping Cala Llevado and Camping Pola are near the beach but a few kilometres from the actual town. Depending on your requirements they may be good choices or not. See more on our page about camping in Tossa de Mar .

Eating in & eating out

Tossa de Mar is home to a range of restaurants serving both traditional Catalan and international cuisine. In many restaurants in Tossa you’ll see a local speciality called cim i tomba . It’s a stew of fish, potatoes and onions with a few other ingredients and originally cooked by local fishermen while away at sea.

As you’d expect many restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood dishes, but you’ll also find plenty of meat too. Restaurant Castell Vell (Carrer Abat Oliba, 1) is located within the walls of the castle and specialises in traditional Catalan dishes including cim i tomba. They also serve paella, fideuà and fresh fish done in a variety of ways as well as meat dishes.

Restaurant Marina (Carrer del Tarull, 6) offers a fixed price menu with fish and rice dishes including wine and bread. And Sa Muralla (Carrer del Portal, 16) was originally a fisherman’s tavern right by the gate to the old town. For more suggestions visit out our page on Tossa de Mar’s restaurants .

In terms of self-catering, Tossa de Mar has several supermarkets where you can purchase groceries, including Esclat supermarket and Caprabo. There are also several smaller locally owned supermarkets and shops, as well as a weekly street market every Thursday morning. However, if you’re looking for a wider variety of options, you may want to consider visiting a larger nearby town.

What to see and do

Tossa de Mar is well known for the image of the castle above the beach. You can explore the vila vella (old town) inside the castle walls as well as the newer part of town outside. Take a stroll through the winding streets and enjoy the views from the castle’s walls. The views from up there are spectacular as you get a great view out to sea as well as up and down the rocky coast.

But as well as taking in the history Tossa also has a variety of other activities. Water sports are a given, including paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving. You can rent equipment or take lessons from local providers. Several companies offer boat tours along the Costa Brava, allowing you to see the coastline from a different perspective. Some tours even include stops for swimming and snorkelling.

The Municipal Museum is located in the old town and showcases the history and culture of Tossa de Mar. The museum features a collection of artwork, archaeological artefacts, and traditional crafts. And the Camí de Ronda is a scenic coastal path that runs along the Costa Brava, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. The section between Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar is particularly picturesque.

Overall, Tossa de Mar offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities that can cater to a range of interests. From exploring the historic old town to hiking along the coast, there is plenty to see and do in this charming Costa Brava town. For more on what Tossa has to offer click here .

How to get to Tossa

From the French border Tossa de Mar is approximately an hour and 20 minutes drive from the French border. Take the AP-7 road south towards Girona and then take the C-35 at junction 9 in the direction of Lloret de Mar and Blanes and finally the winding GI-681 at junction 94 to arrive in Tossa de Mar. This last section of road after you leave the C-35 near Llagostera is rather mountainous but spectacular.

You can get to Tossa de Mar by road from Girona-Costa Brava airport in around 40 minutes. From Barcelona airport it takes around 90 minutes on the AP-7 and joining the C-35 at junction 9A. An alternative is the C-32 via Blanes and Lloret de Mar. Once again though, the last stretch of road is mountainous.

You can also reach Tossa from Girona by bus in the summer months. The journey is about an hour. From Barcelona airport the trip is about two hours. The service operates year round but more frequent in the summer.

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Tossa de Mar

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 3 Get around

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Tossa_de_Mar\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Tossa de Mar is a town of 5,600 people (2018) in the Costa Brava region of Catalonia in Northeastern Spain . Its old town is the only example of a fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast.

In medieval times and until the arrival of tourism, the local economy was mostly based on agricultural production, principally grapes and cork. There was a thriving export market of the latter (in the form of cork taps shipped to the Americas) during the 18th century and early 19th century.

Fishing has traditionally been a relatively minor contributor to the village's economy, although it has consistently provided an alternative source of income in times of economic crisis. A small fishing industry is still active as of 2005 and occupies a few members of local fishing families. Most of their catches are sold to local restaurants and in the fish markets in neighbouring Blanes and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Tossa de Mar is about 103   km north of Barcelona, 100   km south of the French border and 40   km (25   mi) southeast of Girona.

If not on a package deal, usually a Ryanair flight to Girona airport. From there a shuttle bus booked on the internet for €12-16 each way to the resort. Best to book a return trip and you have to phone them to confirm the day before leaving.A few shuttle buses will do all the more distant resorts first before ending up in Tossa de Mar. There is a wall phone for taxis at the Tourist Office next door to the bus station. Other telephones take cash or card.

The nearest airports are Barcelona El Prat Airport BCN   IATA 120   km (75   mi) and Girona Costa Brava GRO   IATA 40   km (25   mi)

The   GI-681   goes north and connects to   C-35   , to access   AP-7   the Mediterranean motorway to France in the north and Barcelona and the rest of Spain in the south.

The town is very easy to walk around and has a small village feel unlike its larger neighbours. Most of the town is flat and wheelchair friendly (but many hotels are not). There is a bus station with regular buses to Lloret de Mar (€1.30 and 15 minutes away) and Barcelona. From Lloret bus station you can get a bus to Blanes (which has a market on Monday). Always buy return tickets as queues can be very long. Lots of free car parking if you hire a car (2 places in town). The town has free parking within easy reach of the centre and does has some car ramps but they are moderate in size.

Parts of the town date from the 12th century. There are extensive walls of an old fort next to the beach and more remains with a small section of old houses nearby (the Vila Vella), some towers (which you cannot go inside of) and a working lighthouse on top of a hill. Do not drive up to the fort as the road is very narrow, has many bad turns and there is no parking at the top. A small history museum at the sea front and on top of the hill a light house museum (€3 each). There is the ruins of some old Roman villas a few minutes walk from the bus station (turn right) and a few old churches in town. There are two information bureaus in town (shut 2pm in off season), one next to the bus station and the other by the main beach where you can pick up free maps of the town with full information in a number of languages on the back. There are also a number of information boards about with important information and hotel locations on them. Thursday (morning) is market day.

Some nice beaches. Sand is gravelly which is fine to walk and sit on and won't sand blast you if there is some wind. Public toilets at either end of the main beach as well as near a further beach. A blue and white tourist train (a motor vehicle disguised as a train pulling 3 carriages) does tours of the town. Another (green) train will take you up to the top of the fort if you don't feel like walking. A glass bottom boat which enables you to see fish and such and explores local grottoes. SCUBA and PADI diving: A number of shops around town to buy or hire cylinders and gear from as well as "diving schools" where you can dive with others.

Well worth checking out Splash Ocean Adventures on the main beach, it's a great little boat trip that also includes trying snorkeling. Some cyber cafes ranging from €2 to €3 an hour. Trips to nearby towns by bus or by boat as well as Barcelona. Local radio is 107.8 FM. There is a small bowling alley as well as a few slot machines on the Avda Costa Brava. Also a small crazy golf place nearby (Avda de la Palma). There are travel agents in town. This is more a family resort than Lloret, so quieter. The town is about as safe as they come and unusual for Mainland Europe, cars stop at crossings to let people cross. You can walk South out of the old town along the cliffs for lovely views. Also West up into the pine covered hills. Excellent bus services to North and South to gain access to further wonderful walking. The tourist information office is a very helpful source of walking information and maps.

Try the “cami de ronda” which follows the coast.

The GR 92 long-distance walking route crosses the city.

All the things you can usually buy in Spain, souvenirs and such. Nothing cheap in the way of quality goods or tourist souvenirs but there are some €1 and up shops to buy small things you forgot or find you need. Out of school holidays, many shops shut from 13:30 till 16:30 then are open till around 20:00. Most shops that sell postcards also sell stamps with them. There is a post office on Ava de Ferran Agullo, just past Caprabo across the road, open till 14:30. English and other newspapers are available.

Good quality indeed is the silver shop of Tim and Kat handmade and not made in China, Made in Tossa de mar. Its a bit hidden but you will find it.

You can acquire money from the main Spanish banks as well as ATMs and exchange bureaus.

Authentic local food, burger and chips, pizza, Chinese, curry, cakes is available in the many restaurants. Generally the closer to the sea you get, the more the prices go up. If you do it yourself, the Maxi Dia and Caprabo supermarkets five minutes walk from the centre of town main street roundabout (Ava de la Catalunya and Ava de Ferran Agullo which both lead off of the roundabout) are the cheapest. Many tourists use Magatzems Palau which is by the centre of town roundabout but this shop is expensive.

You are spoilt for choice of drinking places with all the normal drinks. Try the La Luna bar in the old town (Vila Vella), just sit down relax and absorb the peace or do some people watching on the terraces on the Paseo del Mar, along the beach, with places like El Celler.

Many hotels and hostels (most are small, often four floors high) dotted around town which can be booked on the internet. As the town is fairly compact, almost all are within easy walking distance of anywhere. The resort has the benefit of no noisy night clubs so you can get a good night's sleep. Check if you book an apartment that it is not in the surrounding hills and so you have a fair walk down and up between there and town. Hotel TVs usually have CNN, Eurosport and some foreign channels. Many will also have air-conditioning which is important in the hottest months. Local agencies do long apartment lets for a month or more.

• Hotel Diana , Plaça Espanya 6 , ☏ +349721886 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Emblematic modernist boutique hotel located on the beachfront in the historical centre. from €60 .  
• Hotel Delfín , Avda. Costa Brava 2 , ☏ +34972340250 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A 4-star hotel in the centre of town. from €60 .  
• Hotel Windsor , C. Nou 28 , ☏ +34972340186 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A low-cost hotel in the centre of town, 2 minutes from the beach. The hotel has private terrace and swimming pool. from €30 .  
• Hotel Marina Tossa , Avda. Catalunya 27-29 , ☏ +34972340221 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . The Hotel Marina Tossa is a low-cost hotel in a very quiet area, 15 minutes from the centre of town and 800 metres from the beach. It has two swimming pools, one for children, and a garden area with tennis courts, pool and ping pong tables. from €30 .  
• 41.43184 2.555499 1 Hotel Tossa Beach ( Tossa Beach Center ), Adva. La Palma, 20 , ☏ +34972342882 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 10:00 . A 4-star hotel 150 metres from the beach and 200 meters from the town centre. Only all inclusive basis.  
• 41.431803 2.555519 2 Hotel Tossa Center ( Hotel Tossa Beach Center ), Avda. La Palma, 9 , ☏ +34972342920 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 10:00 . A 4-star hotel 150 metres from the beach and 200 meters from the town centre. 76 rooms and runs only all inclusive basis.  
• 41.432059 2.55511 3 Hotel Mar Bella* ( (Marbellatossa) ), Avda. Costa Brava, 21 , ☏ +34972341363 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 10:00 . 100 meters from the Playa Gran de Tossa beach. The hotel has 33 comfortable rooms, 24 hour reception, internet corner, wi-fi connection and safe. Rooms from €50 .  

The one main annoyance is that many young men and women have motorbikes and believe they have to rev them as much as possible for maximum acceleration (fairly slow) and maximum noise (a loud whine) when driving around town. There is one automated speed camera about a mile out of Tossa near the start of the long descent into town. The small streets in the centre of town can get very crowded in high season with people coming in by bus, coach and boat from other towns as well as constant tours of this historic town and even Spanish people going to the coast for a short break or a weekend away.

As of Jan 2024, Tossa de Mar has 5G from all Spanish carriers, with 4G on its approach highways.

Lloret de Mar and Blanes are easily reachable by coach or ferry. Barcelona is a good day-trip idea if you are staying in Tossa for a while, with coaches departing regularly from the town's coach station.

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The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Tossa De Mar, Spain

Last Modified: June 30, 2023 //  by  Anda //   31 Comments

On the southernmost part of Costa Brava , in the region of Catalonia, lies one of Spain’s most beautiful seaside resorts: Tossa de Mar. This pretty little village with narrow cobbled lanes, quirky boutiques, and rustic restaurants stole our hearts right from the start.

Surrounded by green mountains, lush vegetation, gorges and beautiful coves, Tossa de Mar enjoys one of the most spectacular locations on the Costa Brava. This beautiful region with rocky coves, serene beaches , and tranquil villages deserves a top spot on any Europe bucket list . Because of its proximity to the capital, Tossa De Mar makes an easy day trip from Barcelona .

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Tossa de Mar

Hike the cala llevadors path, stroll around the old town, don’t miss the tossa de mar lighthouse, relax on the beach, stop by the chapel of our lady of socorro, sample the local seafood, getting to tossa de mar from barcelona.

Tossa de Mar may be small, but it has a very interesting history. Although there is evidence of settlements in this area since the Neolithic period, the first mention of Tossa appeared only centuries later.

During the 12th century a small town called Vila Vella began developing around the Tossa Castle. When the town’s population started to grow, they began building battlements and towers to protect themselves from pirates and other invaders.

During the 15th and 16th centuries the town’s population increased even more and began extending outside the fortified village. At the time the inhabitants were mainly fishermen and farmers. 

Over the years, as local industries started to expand, the town’s population began moving out looking for work in other parts of Catalonia. In the 19th and 20th centuries, as the villagers were moving out, artists and intellectuals began moving in, inspired by the charm of Tossa de Mar.

The town remained largely unchanged until the 1950s, when the movie Pandora and the Flying Dutchman starring made it famous.

Things to Do in Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava

There are many beautiful places in Costa Brava , so we discovered the beautiful path of Cala Llevadors totally by accident. We were coming to Tessa De Mar by car from Barcelona and decided to stop before reaching the town to take a break. After parking the car, we hiked up the hill on a dirt road, in order to get a better view of the coast.

The trail is absolutely spectacular, following the shore line all the way to Castillo de Tossa (the old fortress).

The path runs close to the cliffs offering some fantastic panoramic views of the deep blue sea from the sheer drops. The hike goes over the rugged hills, so there are constant climbs and descents which are at times difficult, but it pays off to do it.

The path starts at the cove of Llevador and passes by the the Island of Sa Muladera, the coves of Moltó, En Jeroni, Point of Cards and it finally ends at the beach of Codolar.

The main centre of tourist activity in Tossa de Mar is of course down at the seafront. This is where the old town of Vila Vella was and this where you’ll see the remains of the walls of medieval castle that once stood here.

Tossa is very proud of its fortified castle and walls which meander around the small village inside. You can walk up the castle right from the beach. You’ll walk past small houses with hanging geranium baskets, old ladies sewing in the sun by their front door, or villages chatting with their neighbors.

There are lovely cafes and fantastic seafood restaurants on the castle grounds you. Some of the walls of the castle are in ruins and there are gaps through which you can spot the tiny, secluded beaches around the castle.

At the highest point of the wall in the Old Town you’ll find the Far de Tossa or the Tossa de Mar lighthouse. The Far de Tossa was built in 1917 and still stands at the top of Tossa’s Cape.

The building also houses a small museum featuring information about the lighthouse and its history.

Tossa de Mar encompasses 14 kilometers (8 miles) of the Costa Brava beaches. The beaches in Tossa de Mar are among the most beautiful in the world: clean, with clear waters and fine golden sand. Also, if you have time for diving or snorkeling, the clear water and fantastic sea floor are a paradise for fish.

The main beach in town is Platja Gran or Big Beach. This is a great place for sunbathing, as you are surrounded by the stunning walls of the Old Town. Although it’s very crowded, it’s still nice to spend some time here.

Besides the main beach, there are many other small beaches and secluded coves worth checking out. One of the most beautiful ones is the Cola Pola, but it requires a little walk through the forest.

While walking through the narrow cobblestone streets in the old town, we came came across the Chapel of Our Lady of Socorro. It’s a very small but well preserved old church right in the middle of the popular shopping area. But despite that, it was peaceful and relaxing place.

Except for the lovely golden alter, there is not much else to see inside. The church is not a monument that you should make a special trip to see, but if you are visiting the old town it’s worth stopping by.

I think the best view of the old fortress is from the sea. If you have more time in Tossa it’s worth renting a boat that can take you along the coast. I can only imagine how charming this place may look from the sea, especially at night when the lights are on. 

As you may expect, Tossa de Mar is not short of excellent seafood restaurants. One of the best things to do in town is sample some of the local specialties, like Paella.

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish made with shell fish and rice. The dish has different variations, but probably the best place to try it is on the coast of Costa Brava.

Many tourists visit Tossa de Mar as a day trip from Barcelona , since it’s only 103 km away. Unfortunately, unless you have a car, there is no easy way to getting to Tossa De Mar from Barcelona.

The best way to reach the town is to take the metro line from Plaça Catalunya, in Barcelona. From there you can take the red metro line to the to the Arc de Triomph station and the bus station is right next door to it. You will find several buses there to take you to Tossa de Mar.  

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Dee Huckins

April 24, 2024 at 4:00 pm

I found Tossa de Mar while doing my DNA and much to my surprise and at the age of 60, i found out my biological father was born and raised in Tossa. I have family still there, Last fall I took a trip there from the USA. I met 2 Aunts and many 1st cousins, one of which took me to the home of my grandparents within the walls of the Castle. My family history is so strong there. Walking in the footsteps of my ancestors is an amazing blessing. I will return.

April 25, 2024 at 10:09 am

We loved Tessa de Mar also. A true hidden gem!

November 21, 2021 at 4:48 am

I spent summer vacations in Tossa when I was 13 and 14, about 65 years ago. We stayed at the Miramar hotel, room was about $5 a day. I am sad to see so many hotels on the beach now. Back then, you knew just about everybody in town, especially the night club with the flamenco music and handsome dancer from Segovia that I fell in love with, of course!

November 21, 2021 at 11:12 am

Sweet memories, Jean! I still remember the gold old times when hotels were just a few dollars a night, as opposed to several hundreds a night that we pay today. I imagine Tossa Del Mar may have looked very different back then. Thanks for dropping by.

November 15, 2015 at 11:50 pm

Gorgeous town and your photos are stunning. I had a holiday in Lloret de Mar when I was 12.

Anda Galffy

November 16, 2015 at 1:11 am

I was very pleasantly surprised by Llore de Mar. This was my first time in Costa Brava.

May 26, 2015 at 6:48 am

Medieval towns always have a charm I believe, no matter if its old, stone walls bath in sun for hundreds of years, or are windswept by north winds (like in hanseatic towns) it’s always something magical about them 🙂

Sarah Ebner

May 25, 2015 at 1:28 pm

I know this is a place my brother has often holidayed in and really enjoyed. The photos are gorgeous too – I know we’d like it as well!

May 24, 2015 at 12:51 am

I have lived in Spain for a while and traveled a lot there. This particular part of Spain never really appealed to me, but I must say: your pictures look stunning!!

May 24, 2015 at 11:14 am

Thanks for linking up this week, Esther.

Lyn @thetravellinglindfields

May 23, 2015 at 2:54 pm

We spent several weeks circumnavigating Spain about 20 years ago. Your photos look familiar. I’m pretty sure we saw the castle but now I’m off to dig through old photos and find out for sure.

Looks like you had a great day.

May 24, 2015 at 11:31 am

You probably did, Lyn, although Spain has tens of medieval villages like this.

GiselleandCody

May 23, 2015 at 1:26 pm

What a beautiful little place. So serene 🙂

May 23, 2015 at 11:15 am

Beautiful photos!

May 23, 2015 at 12:15 pm

Thanks, Tami.

Sand In My Suitcase

May 23, 2015 at 11:05 am

Tossa de Mar looks very appealing! The Costa Brava area is one we’d like to visit in Spain – checking out the rocky coves and smaller villages and following in the footsteps of Dali (near Cadaques)… Hope you get back to explore the area in more depth too :-).

May 23, 2015 at 12:16 pm

Costa Brava surprised me in a pleasant way. I didn’t realize it was this beautiful.

May 23, 2015 at 12:04 am

Costa Brava looks so gorgeous, I’ve always wanted to go! I was planning once to rent a car from Barcelona and drive up there, seeing your photos made me want to go there even more!

May 23, 2015 at 12:44 pm

I hope you will, Vlad.

Rhonda Albom

May 22, 2015 at 11:18 pm

I love Costa Brava. We did a long term home exchange which had us living in Palamos in 2012, and it stayed with me. Your photos were wonderful memories, even though I never made it to Tossa De Mar. Three days is enough to give you a taste.

May 23, 2015 at 12:43 pm

I agree, Rhonda. 3 days are enough to form an opinion about a beautiful place.

Victoria @celebratetheweekend

May 22, 2015 at 8:56 pm

Anda, your photos are absolutely stunning. The post brings up memories from 14 years ago when I we visited Tossa with our then 2-year old son. We loved Costa Brava and travelled to a new village every day (stayed in Plaja d”Aro)

May 24, 2015 at 11:30 am

I’m sure you had a lot of fun back then, Victoria.

Constance - Foreign Sanctuary

May 22, 2015 at 6:49 pm

The place looks and sounds amazing. It is also great to go somewhere in the off season as it has a different feel and an unique experience. The main beach in Tossa de Mar looks absolutely spectacular.

May 24, 2015 at 11:29 am

It’s good to travel to places like this off season, Constance. You can have them just for yourself sometimes.

May 22, 2015 at 4:33 pm

We have heard a lot about Spain and Costa Brava recently – such a gorgeous place. Your landscape images are beautiful.

May 24, 2015 at 11:28 am

It is beautiful indeed. Hope you’ll visit it someday.

Suze the Luxury Columnist

May 22, 2015 at 4:00 pm

I love the crenellated castle walls, and how nice that you managed to get there for a few hours from TBEX. I did think about attending but timing didn’t work well, sounds like you had an amazing time

May 23, 2015 at 12:49 pm

Hope to meet you at one of these meetings, Suze.

May 26, 2015 at 3:22 pm

Would be great to meet up sometime Anda! I’ll let you know if I’m coming to one

May 27, 2015 at 9:08 am

Looking forward to meeting you in person, Suze.

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Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona: Complete Guide

A re you looking for the perfect day trip from Barcelona that combines beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and a stunning medieval castle by the sea? Look no further than Tossa de Mar!

As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve personally been to Tossa de Mar, and it’s one of my favorite nearby escapes along the Costa Brava.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona, including how to get there, the best things to do, and how to make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re after scenic walks, a taste of the local cuisine, or simply a break from the city’s pace, you’ll find all the practical tips you need right here. Let’s get into it!

Is Tossa de Mar Worth Visiting?

Tossa de Mar is definitely worth visiting not just for its breathtaking views, but for the unique blend of history and culture it offers.

You can stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, where every corner reveals charming shops, delightful cafes, and stunning medieval architecture that feels like stepping back in time.

But the real highlight is the iconic Tossa de Mar Castle, one of the  best castles in Spain  that overlooks the glistening Mediterranean Sea. It’s the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Plus, Tossa de Mar has some of the best beaches and secluded coves on the Costa Brava, where you can relax, take a dip, or participate in a variety of water sports.

Trust me, this beautiful coastal town is one of the  best day trips from Barcelona  and is a really cute and picturesque place to visit!

How to Get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Tossa de Mar is located about 63 miles (102 km) northeast of Barcelona. Here are the best ways to get there:

If you have a  rental car , the easiest way to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona is by driving. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there and is a fairly easy drive.

There are some winding roads but it’s not too difficult to navigate. Once you arrive, parking is available in the downtown area.

If you don’t have a car, the best way to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona is by taking the Moventis bus from the  Barcelona Estació del Nord station .

This is personally what I did–it’s a very comfortable bus and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes each way.

Tickets can be purchased on the  Moventis website , on  Omio , or directly from the train station. The Moventis website is only in Spanish and Catalan so if you don’t speak those languages, I’d recommend purchasing your bus tickets on Omio.

The departing station is  Barcelona, Estació d’Autobusos Nord  and the arrival station is  Tossa de Mar, Estación de Autobuses . Make sure to select the one leaving from “Barcelona, Estació d’Autobusos Nord” as there are some buses leaving from Barcelona airport.

If you buy tickets at the train station, you’ll need to go up to the second level to the Moventis counter to purchase your tickets.

Tickets cost around 13-14€ each way and it’s a direct bus to Tossa de Mar. I’d recommend purchasing a round-trip ticket because the return buses fill up quickly.

Once you arrive to Tossa de Mar, it’s only about a 10 minute walk from the bus station to the beach and town center.

➞ Check schedules and book bus tickets on Omio here

Another option to get to Tossa de Mar is by taking the R1 train to Blanes, but I really wouldn’t recommend this because you still have to take a bus from Blanes to Tossa de Mar.

Book a Tour

If you’d rather not deal with transportation logistics, there are also several Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar that you can book.

These tours typically include transportation and a guided tour of the town, making it a convenient option if you prefer a more organized experience.

Here are some of the top-rated Tossa de Mar tours from Barcelona:

• Costa Brava Day Trip with Boat Trip from Barcelona
• Tossa de Mar: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Paella from Barcelona
• Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar Private Tour, Hotel Pick-Up & Boat Ride

Things to Do in Tossa de Mar

Here are some of the best things to do in Tossa de Mar:

Explore the Tossa de Mar Castle

By far, the highlight of visiting Tossa de Mar is exploring the iconic Tossa de Mar Castle.

This medieval fortress is one of the  best castles near Barcelona , perched on a hilltop overlooking the town and sea, making for some spectacular views.

And what’s cool is that the Old Town is enclosed within the castle walls so you’ll be strolling through charming restaurants, bars, and shops while exploring the castle grounds.

There’s even a bar at the top of the castle called Mare Meva where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in a panoramic view of the area.

Stroll Through the Streets of the Old Town

As mentioned earlier, the charming streets of Tossa de Mar’s Old Town (Vila Vella) are a must-see. It’s kind of an uphill climb but it’s worth it for the picturesque views!

Take your time strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture from the middle ages, alongside quaint shops and restaurants.

You can stop for a coffee, drink, or a delicious meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the Old Town.

Relax on the Tossa de Mar Beaches

Tossa de Mar has several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, each with its own unique features.

Platja Gran (Playa Grande) is the main beach, located right next to the Old Town and offering amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as water sports and activities.

For a more secluded and quieter experience, head to Platja del Codolar. This is a secluded cove on the other side of the castle and you can get to it by climbing through a small hole in the stone walls!

We were planning to go here but unfortunately it started raining pretty hard so we didn’t get to spend too much time at the beach.

Have Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Being a coastal town, Tossa de Mar is known for its delicious seafood. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some freshly caught and cooked seafood at one of the many local restaurants in town.

We had lunch at Restaurant La Placeta, which is right inside the castle walls. I ordered a fideua paella, which is one of the most  famous Catalan foods  to try.

It’s basically like paella but with short noodles instead of rice and it was really delicious! No matter which spot you choose, you can’t go wrong with seafood in Tossa de Mar.

Go Shopping in the Town Center

Next to the beach at the base of the castle, you’ll find the town center of Tossa de Mar. Here, you can shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home with you.

This area is a bit more touristy but there are still some cute shops to peruse for souvenirs. I really liked  Lamare Shop –they sell colorful posters, jewelry, and accessories with a unique twist.

Go Snorkeling, Kayaking, or Take a Glass Bottom Boat Ride

If you’re up for a water adventure, Tossa de Mar offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, or even taking a glass bottom boat ride to discover the marine life in the area.

You can book tours at one of the many water sports companies located on the main beach. It’s a great way to get out on the water and experience the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Hike the Camí de Ronda Trail

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try hiking along the Camí de Ronda, which is a beautiful coastal trail that runs along the Costa Brava, including Tossa de Mar.

The trails along the rocky cliffs will take you to beautiful coves and beaches where you can discover some secrets spots of Costa Brava.

I didn’t get a chance to do this but I could spot some hikers along the cliffs and the views looked incredible! Plus, you’ll be rewarded with a swim in the hidden coves.

Places to Eat in Tossa de Mar

There’s a ton of cute restaurants in Tossa de Mar so it won’t be hard to find a nice place to eat. I’d recommend choosing a place in the Old Town as the restaurants along the beach were a bit more touristy.

Here are a few recommendations of where to eat in Tossa de Mar:

• La Placeta :  I had lunch at this upscale Mediterranean restaurant right inside the castle walls and it was really delicious! I ordered the mixed fideua paella, which was excellent. The paellas are made for one person, however there is plenty for two!
• Restaurant Santa Marta :  This is another top-rated Mediterranean restaurant with grilled seafood and paella dishes. It has a nice ambiance with rustic decor and wood-beamed ceilings.
• Portal Restaurant :  This is a Spanish restaurant serving traditional tapas with a twist. Try to get a table on the second level terrace overlooking the town.
• Can Gol :  This is a cute Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant inside the Old Town. I had some sangria and dessert here. While I didn’t love the sangria, the cheesecake and crema Catalana were delicious!
• Mare Meva :  Situated on the top of the castle, this bar has some amazing views and is a great place to take a break and grab a drink while walking around.

Best Time to Visit Tossa de Mar

The best time to visit Tossa de Mar is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warmest and most pleasant for beach activities. However, this also means it will be peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.

For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in May or September when the weather is still pleasant but with fewer tourists.

During the winter months, Tossa de Mar can get a bit chilly and many businesses may close down for the season. So if you want to experience everything this charming town has to offer, plan your trip between May and September.

How Much Time to Spend in Tossa de Mar

If you’re coming from Barcelona, I’d recommend leaving as early as possible so you can have a full day to experience Tossa de Mar.

I left Barcelona on the bus around 9:45AM and returned on the bus at 5:40PM. This will give you plenty of time to walk around, have lunch, and spend some time at the beach.

Tips for Taking a Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Follow these tips to make the most of your Barcelona day trip to Tossa de Mar:

• Book round-trip bus tickets : The return buses from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona fill up quickly so I’d definitely recommend purchasing round-trip tickets. That way you won’t get stuck in Tossa de Mar.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray : It can get really hot and sunny when walking around Tossa de Mar so bring some sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. Also, the mosquitos were pretty pesky around the castle so bring along some bug spray as well.
• Pack an umbrella : Bring along a compact travel umbrella in case of sudden rain storms. When I was there, it started pouring down rain and I had forgotten my umbrella!
• Bring water shoes:  The beaches in Tossa de Mar can be a bit rocky so bring along a pair of water shoes to keep your feet comfortable in the water.
• Don’t forget your bathing suit and beach towel:  One of the best parts of visiting Tossa de Mar is being able to relax on the beach. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and a lightweight travel towel so you can soak up some sun and take a dip in the sea.

Tossa de Mar Day Trip: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Tossa de Mar:

How far is Tossa de Mar from Barcelona?

Tossa de Mar is located about 63 miles (102 km) northeast of Barcelona, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

Does Tossa de Mar have a train station?

No, Tossa de Mar doesn’t have a train station. The closest train station is in Blanes, which is about 30 minutes away.

How often do the buses leave Barcelona for Tossa de Mar?

In the busy summer months, buses typically leave every hour. If you’re visiting in the off season, they might only run a few times per day. Make sure to check the schedules on the  Moventis website  or  Omio  before planning your trip.

Is Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar better?

I personally like Tossa de Mar better because it’s smaller and more quaint than Lloret de Mar. Plus, you have the castle and the charming Old Town. Lloret de Mar has a more touristy, party vibe.

Can you swim at Tossa de Mar?

Yes, you can swim at Tossa de Mar’s beaches. The water is clear and the beaches are well-maintained. Just be aware that some beaches have rocky areas, so it’s best to wear water shoes.

Is Tossa de Mar crowded?

Tossa de Mar can be a bit crowded depending on the season. Summer months tend to be more crowded, whereas visiting in the off-season can offer a quieter experience. It’s best to visit during weekdays if you want to avoid crowds.

Is Tossa de Mar touristy?

Tossa de Mar has some touristy areas but overall, it has a more authentic and laid-back vibe compared to other popular coastal towns in the area.

Final Thoughts: Tossa de Mar Day Trip from Barcelona

I hope this guide has inspired you to plan a day trip from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. It’s honestly one of my favorite towns in Costa Brava along the Mediterranean coast and definitely worth visiting!

The Tossa de Mar castle, beautiful beaches, and charming Old Town make for a perfect day trip destination.

Just remember to book your round-trip bus tickets in advance and pack some sunscreen, bug spray, and water shoes for a comfortable experience.

Have fun exploring Tossa de Mar!

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