Well, we’ve just returned from an incredible week in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava in Spain! And we truly have fallen in love with this medieval beach town.
It was a bit of a last-minute decision to holiday here. You see, my husband is a builder and gets a set week off every summer. And so instead of hanging around at home and him ticking off the many DIY jobs in our house we opted to head away on the cheapest holiday package we could find. Great decision! We got a great deal on flights to Girona-Costa Brava Airport and we picked a basic-ish hotel with a pool.
Anyway, we were blown away by the beauty of the place – I mean, we saw photos online beforehand but in-person it’s so much more beautiful! Imagine picturesque sandy beaches framed by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, and a town steeped in history, with its iconic medieval castle, cobblestoned streets and old walls offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
To summarize, Tossa de Mar is a delightful destination that offers a little something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at our favorite things we got up to here.
Best Things to Do in Tossa de Mar
1. Wander around the town
We absolutely loved wandering around Tossa de Mar town itself, it’s like a movie set with its cobblestoned streets and flower-filled window sills. The town sits one block behind the main beach – Platja Gran and it’s a labyrinth of narrow streets. It was very busy when we visited in August but many mornings I got up early for a stroll and it was gorgeous here at 8 am before it filled up.
There are loads of boutique stores here (I was surprized by how many) and I picked up a few boho-style tops and dresses in Martina Pey for a great price. I also had an excellent iced coffee and matcha in Bocca pretty much every day – so if you’re a coffee lover like me then I highly recommend it.
There are also lots of restaurants in Tossa de Mar (well over 100 I’d say) and some of our favorites we dined at included Da Giovanni, Goku Sushi and Botanic (my husband’s favorite).
2. Walk up to the fortress
This 12th-century medieval fortress is famous as the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, featuring massive stone walls, three cylindrical watchtowers, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
It was built in 1187 under the orders of the abbot of Ripoll to defend the locals from pirate attacks. There’s also a lighthouse (Far de Tossa) above Via Vella, which was constructed in 1917. It stands in the place of the fortress’s original grand tower.
There are three other famous towers that make up part of the site, though: the Joanàs tower overlooking the bay, the Hours tower at the weapons yard, and the Codolar tower guarding Es Codolar Beach below it.
We visited in the late morning, and one of my favorite parts was walking through narrow cobblestone lanes lined with historic stone houses and old-style lanterns on the way up to the lookout point. It was very hot, though, so I’d recommend going up here early (9 am or so) or later in the evening. There’s also a small road train that can take you up to the top.
There’s a museum here too, which we didn’t go inside as our girls were keen to swim at the beach. It’s located inside an old 14th-century Gothic governor’s palace, and houses local art, ceramics, and ancient artifacts.
3. Have a beach day
There are three beaches in Tossa de Mar town – the biggest one Platja Gran is where we went swimming most days, as it’s the biggest one and so had the most space. Es Codolar is probably the prettiest beach in town. It’s located below Codolar Tower in Via Vella (the old town), but it is tiny and so can get very crowded. And at the far end of town is Platja Mar Menuda.
4. See hidden coves on a glass-bottom boat tour
This glass-bottom boat tour was one of our favorite things to do in Tossa de Mar. The journey takes you from the main beach in Tossa to stunning Cala Giverola, discovering sea caves, cliffs, and spectacular coves along the way. The journey there takes around 45 minutes, and on the way back it’s much quicker as the driver doesn’t stop off on the way back.
It really is a different way to experience the Costa Brava, with unforgettable views. And our daughters (aged 4 & 5), of course, loved seeing all the fish through the glass-bottom viewing area.
We got the first boat at 09:30 am, and we highly recommend doing the same if you’re visiting in peak season, as the beach was pretty full by around 11 am. There are toilets, a Coffee/food truck, and a restaurant on the beach.
Tickets cost around 27 euros return for adults and 17 euros for children; we bought our tickets from their little kiosk on the main beach. The company is called Fondo Cristal.
5. Hop on the tourist train
Perfect for kids in Tossa de Mar (our daughters loved it), the tourist road train (known as the Carrilet) offers two routes in Tossa de Mar. The one we did was the route through the town’s streets and main beach avenues, and the second route (as I mentioned above) takes you up to the lighthouse (Far de Tossa). It costs €5 per ticket and runs about every 45 minutes starting from around 10:30 am.
6. Check out the Roman Ruins
The Roman Villa of Ametllers is one of the most important Roman ruins in Catalonia, and from this villa comes the name of Tossa de Mar, which dates from the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD. The ruins were discovered in 1914 by Dr. Ignasi Melé i Farré and are free to enter. In the upper area of the site, you can see the residential quarters. And in the lower area is where the crops, warehouses, and other agricultural activities were done.
7. Hike the Cami de Ronda
Northern Route:
If you’re a hiker you must test out the Camí de Ronda from Tossa de Mar, a scenic footpath surrounded by fragrant pinewoods and dotted with hidden coves. Heading north from Tossa de Mar, follow the red and white markers through steep but rewarding terrain. After a 3 km trek, you’ll arrive at Cala Bona, perfect for a refreshing swim and snorkeling with Mediterranean fish. Continuing just 1 km further, you’ll find Cala Pola, a larger sandy cove that’s popular due to a nearby campsite.
The final stop on this picturesque hike is Cala Giverola, 5 km from Tossa de Mar. This expansive cove (the end point of the glass bottom boat tour I mentioned above) offers stunning views and is one of the prettiest beaches in the region.
Southern Route:
Starting from town again, but this time head South instead of North. The first section is a 3.5 km walk to reach the Llorell beaches, which combine Llevant and Garbí into one expansive beach. Activities like scuba diving, kayaking, waterskiing, and windsurfing are available here. Along the way, you’ll pass Cala es Codolar and Cala Llevadó. On your return trip, about 3 km before Tossa de Mar, be sure to stop off at Cala Figuera. This cove, surrounded by lush vegetation and less crowded, is so peaceful, although nudism is common there.
8. Day trip to Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres
The Salvador Dalí Museum is located in Figueres, Dalí’s hometown (around a 70-minute drive from Tossa de Mar), and it stands as a tribute to the life and work of the eccentric Surrealist artist.
Known as the Dalí Theatre-Museum, this museum is a unique experience that reflects Dalí’s imaginative and often bizarre artistic vision. Designed by Dalí himself, the museum is as much a work of art as the pieces it houses, featuring a striking facade adorned with giant eggs and surreal architectural elements.
Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of Dalí’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installations, including some of his most famous works like “The Persistence of Memory.” The museum also includes Dalí’s crypt, making it the final resting place of this iconic artist.
It costs 22 euros per adult to enter the museum, and children under 8 are free. We bought ours from the ticket booth on the day – the board outside displays the next available times. Or you can book a guided tour here for 40 euros each.
9. Spend a day wandering around Girona
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll along the Onyar River, where colorful houses line the banks. Next, wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Afterward, head to the historic Jewish Quarter, El Call, and lose yourself in its maze-like alleyways. For lunch, try some local Catalan cuisine at a quaint restaurant- perhaps some “pa amb tomàquet” (tomato bread) and “butifarra” (sausage). In the afternoon, cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge and visit the Arab Baths, a serene spot where history comes alive.
If you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, take a guided tour to discover filming locations from the series like the stairs of the Church of Sant Martí s’Acosta and Call Jueu (the Jewish Quarter). As the sun sets, head up to the city walls for panoramic views of the city and the distant Pyrenees.
10. Go inside the Girona Cathedral
This stunning cathedral in Girona City is renowned for its impressive Gothic nave, which is the widest of its kind in the world, measuring 22 meters across.
Construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century and continued over several centuries, resulting in a captivating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Its exterior is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture, adorned with intricate sculptures and detailing.
Inside, you can check out the awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, along with a remarkable collection of religious art and artifacts, including the famous Tapestry of Creation.
It cost us 7 euros each to enter; our daughters were free. It’s a 45-minute drive from Tossa de Mar to Girona.
11. Have fun at Marineland Water Park
We had an amazing day at Marineland Water Park, around a 40-minute drive from Tossa de Mar on our second day. Spanning 65,000 square meters, this park blends a water park, dolphinarium, and marine zoo, ensuring fun for everyone.
There are two daily live shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, as well as an array of thrilling slides full of twists and drops. And just added this year was Adventure Splash a water play area for younger kids featuring six exhilarating slides, and The Magic Boat Show, a pirate-themed spectacle featuring games and audience interaction, has also been added this summer.
The park also has a butterfly garden and several restaurants/ food stands.
It costs around 37 euros per adult to enter; children 4 or under cost 17 euros, and you can pre-book tickets here.
12. Get the ferry to Lloret de Mar
The ferry ride from Tossa de Mar to Lloret de Mar takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Operated seasonally by Dofi Jet Boats, tickets cost roughly €25–€35 for a return or one-way trip.
Lloret de Mar is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Costa Brava and it’s quite different to Tossa de Mar – you’ll find a lot of high-rise apartment blocks and large resorts here. The beach here is lovely though, Platja de Lloret de Mar. And the historic old town area near the main beach with its narrow streets, local shops and tapas bars is worth seeing too.
Here are some popular guided tours in Tossa de Mar:
Where to Stay in Tossa de Mar
We stayed at GHT Tossa Park for the week, and although it’s an older-style resort, we still rate it. The pool was nice and big and not too busy, and the staff was very friendly. Our room had cooking facilities so you could cook in (there’s a supermarket very close by), and our balcony was lovely.
Some other places we considered staying at include:
- Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel boasts direct beachfront access and breathtaking sea views, the location is truly exceptional. Unwind with a refreshing swim in the rooftop pool, indulge in the spa, or relax on the sun terrace surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel also offers a restaurant and bar.
- Nestled on the beachfront of Tossa de Mar and at the base of the historic old town, Hotel Cap d’Or welcomes guests aged 15 and older. Each room is brightly decorated with its own unique style and many offer stunning views of the beach.
- If you’re on a budget, consider The Mana Mana Youth Hostel close to the church square, less than one minute walking distance from the beach, main boulevard and the castle. The staff are great and there’s a lovely terrace but the rooms don’t have AC so keep that in mind.
Getting to Tossa de Mar
We flew into Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is around a 35-minute drive to Tossa de Mar. We rented a car with Gold Car via Discover Cars, and it was a relatively easy process to pick up the car. The last part of the drive into Tossa de Mar is quite steep and winding and was a little nerve-wracking to drive at night.
If you’re not keen to rent a car, a taxi from the airport will cost around 100 euros (pre-book here). The number 86 bus also takes you to Tossa de Mar from the airport. It takes around an hour.
Tossa de Mar is just 102 km from Barcelona and you can easily drive it in around 1.5 hours or catch a bus from Barcelona Bus Station North. From Girona City, it’s just a 45-minute drive away or you can catch a bus from the bus station in Girona.
Search for bus tickets to Tossa de Mar here –
🛒 Copy my packing list for Tossa de Mar:
- For skincare, I always pack my Medicube Zero Pore Pads, Elemis Cleansing Balm, & Biodance Glass Skin Masks wherever I go. They are my holy grail for good skin!
- Teva Hurricane Sandals – Super-comfortable, I wore these pretty much every day.
- Rock shoes – there can be a lot of rocks in the ocean here.
- Sunglasses with UV protection – the sun can be very strong here.
- A portable power bank – for obvious reasons.
- Canon Powershot camera – is small, takes great photos, and looks cute.
- This waterproof tote is perfect for the beach and fits loads!
- For my airport/ airplane luggage – I had my Level8 Voyageur Carry-On and for my bigger (under the plane luggage) – I will always love my Osprey 55L backpack.
- Reusable water bottle – to save you $$$ on bottled water. We came across a few public fountains in Tossa de Mar to fill up and any Cafes/ Restaurants will fill up for you.
- This Universal Travel adapter is very handy – we use it everywhere we travel!
Renting a Car in Spain:
We always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’ – it’s so easy to use!
The most important thing you will need if renting a vehicle in Spain is a valid driver’s license. No company will allow you to do so without one.
And if you are traveling from a country outside the European Union, you might want to get an international driver’s license to make the rental process easier. However, many rental companies accept foreign driver’s licenses without it.
Drivers typically need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Spain, though some companies might require a minimum age of 25. Young drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.
Each company has different terms and conditions, so you should be fully aware of them. Additionally, you will also need a valid credit card in your name. Rental companies will want to keep a credit card on file as a holding deposit.
If you have a debit card, you will be charged a holding fee. Please note that some companies do not accept a debit card.
Also, because renting a car in Spain is incredibly popular, you WILL NEED to book your rental car in advance. Our rental car company told us they sell out over the busy tourist season (which is from June to September).
BOOK your Spain rental car here!
Travel Insurance for Spain/ Europe:
At first glance, skipping travel insurance may seem like a great way to save some money. However, if you end up losing your luggage, having your flights cancelled, or getting sick – it is a decision you’ll probably regret. Thinking nothing will happen is definitely a mistake, and without travel insurance, it’s one that will end up costing you – big time.
✅ Our fix: Shop around for budget-friendly travel insurance based on your trip length and destination while paying attention to what it covers. We like to use Auras Travel Insurance for our trips! And you can get 10% off their plans with this code: WRTY100489
Thanks for Reading!
Tell me – what did you think of our guide to things to do in Tossa de Mar? Is there anywhere we have missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
While you’re here, why not check out some of my most popular Spain blog posts –
My experience using an eSIM in Spain (What I loved and didn’t like)
Listing the 5 Best Hotels in Alicante, Spain
Visiting Juzcar, Spain (Spain’s Smurf Village)
What is there to do in Benalmadena, Spain?
Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by snaphappytravel