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Guide for Visiting Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
Fishing village with 12th Century castle is a must visit town for beaches, water sports & hiking. All you need to know for your perfect holiday
About Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
Tossa de mar is one of the most southerly towns, (along with Lloret de Mar) on the Costa Brava, about 100 Km north of Barcelona, and is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Catalunya.
What makes Tossa de Mar so special?
- Tossa de Mar Castle: from at least the 13th century, is a rare example of a preserved castle and walled city, many of which in Catalunya were destroyed during the Spanish civil war. Tossa de Mar castle is FREE to visit although the privately-owned houses within the walls are closed to the public. There is a museum of art inside the castle walls as well as great viewpoints and restaurants.
- The Shopping area of the historic Centre of Tossa de Mar: is a great place for a variety of shopping. There are stores selling clothes, souvenirs, crafts, art and beach wear and beach accessories can be found in the main pedestrianised street of Carrer de Socors.
- Chapel of Our Lady of Socorro: is a tiny 4 pew chapel in the middle of Carrer de Socors from the 16th Century that was for the village fishermen.
- Restaurants around the castle: in Carrer de portal with outside dining next to the castle walls. Traditional Catalan food for one of the best meals you will have in your life.
- Beaches and coves: Walking a few kilometres north or south of the town centre will reveal to most beautiful coves and beaches with crystal clear Mediterranean blue water with a back drop of nature made of pine trees and mountains. The rocky coastline here is stunning.
- Range of accommodation: in Tossa de Mar is small boutique hotels like Hotel Cap d'Or or Hotel Diana and the larger modern hotels like Gran Hotel Reymar as well as Hostels and Camping.
- Activities: Tossa de Mar boat tours, scuba diving, sea kayak, snorkel, hiking and bicycle rental.
- Frequent reliable public Transport: connections to Tossa de Mar from Girona airport, Barcelona City and Airport using a direct fast Sarfa Bus.
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Visiting Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
So you still interested in spending a long weekend or choosing Tossa de Mar for your holiday destination. lets get into more detail about why I love this place so much.
- Platja Gran de Tossa: is the main beach in front of the town and is broad and deep and has great views of the castle while you swim and sunbathe.
- Cala es Codolar: is a large cove that can be reached at the end of carrer del portal and while you swim you are watched over by the castle. This is my favourite beach in Tossa de mar.
- Playa Cala de L'Ull de Vidre & Cala Figuera: are two small coves that can be found by walking about 4km south along the Cami de la Ronda trail starting the path at the top of Cala Codolar. There is a tiny beach restaurant here and it is a good spot to eat.
- Platja de Llevant de Llorell: is a large beach about 200m from Cala Figuera and also has a beach bar and restaurant. The beaches south of Tossa de Mar are all in small rocky coves.
- Platja Mar Menuda: Is a beach on the northern edge of Tossa de Mar town and it is where the KrakenDive school is based. The beach has a rock formation on one side with a small secluded bay.
- Cala Bona: From Aveninda Mar Meduda, in Tossa de Mar, you can find the Cami de la ronda trail through the cliff top pine forest heading north about 1.5Km to find this small rocky cove beach.
- Cala Pola: is a further 750m north from Cala Bona and is a medium sized beach within a cove and has a Xiringuito (beach bar) called Santa Clara. This is my recommended beach when exploring north of Tossa de Mar.
- Cala Giverola: is the next beach heading north and it is a cove backed by pines and cliffs. Madrugada Restaurant Bar can be found behind the beach.
Beaches and Coves
Where to stay overnight
There is a comprehensive guide PDF already available from the Tossa de Mar tourism website and in the documents section of this page. Last time I stayed overnight I used Hotel Cap d'Or which is a charming little hotel at the foot of the castle walls. Any accommodation should be booked in advance. Camping is also an option.
use the bookings widget above to find your perfect Tossa de Mar accommodation.
Food and restaurants
When you exit the castle via the southern exit there is a multitude of restaurants with outside dining terraces that offer one dish to three dish meals and set menu's for prices starting from 20 euros per person. I highly recommend eating in one of these restaurants if your budget can stretch as the food is delicious. Note that a three-course lunch for two with wine, coffee, desert etc. may cost about 100 euros if ordering individual dishes from the menu. These restaurants may offer a set menu which will be cheaper per head.
For quick meals there is a multitude of pizzerias and hamburgueserias walking away from the castle along Carrer del Portal or along the front of the platja gran beach via Passeig del Mar. Tossa de Mar, even has a Chinese food restaurant.
Explore Tossa de Mar Castle
- Passeig de Vila Vella: in front of Platja Gran de Tossa follow the road along the walls until you get to an arched gatehouse entrance.
- Carrer de Portal: in front of Sa Muralla restaurant is another gate house entrance.
The castle has two entrances in the walls:
Museu Municipal de Tossa de Mar: is an art gallery museum inside the castle in Plaça Pintor Roig Soler. The museum opens from 10:00h to 14:00h every day. Some days it opens till later but best to visit in the morning.
Walk along the top of the castle rampart walls: starting by ascending the stairs in Plaça Pintor Roig Soler and finishing at the sea facing 17th century cannons.
Walk up to the Cap de Tossa Lighthouse viewpoint passing via the Església Vella de Sant Vicenç church ruin.
Follow Passeig de la Vila Vela to the hidden Xalet d'en Bram viewpoint overlooking Cala es Codolar beach
Find the Bronze Ava Gardner statue: Erected 8 years after her death because she filmed Pandora and the Flying Dutchman in Tossa de Mar and fell in love with the town.
Walk along Carrer Abat Oliba: and admire the shrine in the wall and the flowers in the window boxes of the houses.
Dine at Restaurant La Placeta inside the castle walls.
Bicycle Rental in Tossa de Mar
In the documents section there is a tourist brochure of all the cycle trails in the mountains behind Tossa de Mar. I recommend riding to the neo Romanesque Ermita de Sant Grau d'Ardenya church via Ermita de Mare de Déu de Gràcia ruins.
Bicycles can be rented from JimboBikes.
Where to Stay Overnight
There is a comprehensive guide PDF already available from the Tossa de Mar tourism website and in the documents section of this page. Last time I stayed overnight I used Hotel Cap d'Or which is a charming little hotel at the foot of the castle walls. Any accommodation should be booked in advance. Camping is also an option.
Use the bookings widget above to find your perfect Tossa de mar hotel.
Food and Restaurants
When you exit the castle via the southern exit there is a multitude of restaurants with outside dining terraces that offer one dish to three dish meals and set menu's for prices starting from 20 euros per person. I highly recommend eating in one of these restaurants if your budget can stretch as the food is delicious. Note that a three-course lunch for two with wine, coffee, desert etc. may cost about 100 euros if ordering individual dishes from the menu. These restaurants may offer a set menu which will be cheaper per head.
For quick meals there is a multitude of pizzerias and hamburgueserias walking away from the castle along Carrer del Portal or along the front of the platja gran beach via Passeig del Mar. Tossa de Mar, even has a Chinese food restaurant.
Explore Tossa de Mar Castle
- Passeig de Vila Vella: infront of Platja Gran de Tossa follow the road along the walls untill you get to an arched gatehouse entrance.
- Carrer de Portal: in front of Sa Muralla restaurant is a another gate house entrance.
The castle has two entrances in the walls:
Museu Municipal de Tossa de Mar: is an art gallery museum inside the castle in Plaça Pintor Roig Soler. The museum opens from 10:00h to 14:00h every day. Some days it opens till later but best to visit in the morning.
Walk along the top of the castle rampart walls starting by ascending the stairs in Plaça Pintor Roig Soler and finishing at the sea facing 17th century cannons.
Walk up to the Cap de Tossa Lighthouse viewpoint passing via the Església Vella de Sant Vicenç ruin.
Follow Passeig de la Vila Vela to the hidden Xalet d'en Bram viewpoint overlooking Cala es Codolar beach
Find the Bronze Ava Gardner statue. Erected 8 years after her death because she filmed Pandora and the Flying Dutchman in Tossa de Mar and fell in love with the town.
Walk along Carrer Abat Oliba and admire the shrine in the wall and the flowers in the window boxes of the houses.
Consider dining at Restaurant La Placeta inside the castle walls.
Bicycle Rental in Tossa de Mar
In the documents section there is a tourist brochure of all the cycle trails in the mountains behind Tossa de Mar. I recommend riding to the neo Romanesque Ermita de Sant Grau d'Ardenya church via Ermita de Mare de Déu de Gràcia ruins.
Bicycles can be rented from JimboBikes.
What to take with you for Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
SarfaBus in General can provide bus access for people with reduced mobility and in wheelchars if you advise them 48 hours in advance to sarfa@sarfa.es
Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024 Tickets
Guded tour to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona. Meet at Estacio del Nord bus terminal and take a bus to Lloret de mar, transfering to a boat trip to Tossa de Mar. Explore the town and castle and have lunch before returning to Barcelona by Bus.
- Includes:
- Transportation by bus with WiFi
- Professional guide
- One-way boat ticket from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar
- Tour guide in English and Spanish with Audio Guide in French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese & Portuguese
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Guded Costa Brava tour from Barcelona. Hotel pickup in a minivan where your guide will drive you to Lloret de Mar, transfering to a boat trip to Tossa de Mar. Your guide will meet you in Tossa de Mar and take you to Sant Feliu de Guíxols along a scenic coastal road returning back to Barcelona.
- Includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned minivan between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM
- Professional guide
- Small-group tour with up to 8 guests
- Walking tour through Tossa and Lloret
- NOT INCLUDED boat trip from Lloret to Tossa
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Guded tour to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona. Meet at Estacio del Nord bus terminal and take a bus to Tossa de Mar. Guided walking tour in the castle and up to the lighthouse. Admire stunning views from the coastline. Explore the walled village inside the castle and visit tohe beaches of La Playa de la Mar Menuda, Playa d'es Codolar and La Playa Grande. Return to Barcelona in late afternoon in by Bus.
- Includes:
- Transportation by bus with WiFi
- Professional guide
- Guided walking tour
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From Tossa de Mar Menuda beach, discover Costa Brava in Catalonia's coastal region for a surf, swim, and tour of the caves. Spend your time in Tossa de Mar trying out or improving at paddle surfing on the scenic beaches. Own the waves of Tossa de Mar's pristine beaches and show off your paddling skills. If it?s your first time paddle surfing, get some tips from your instructor on how to have a smooth sail. Visit caves big and small, open and hidden, and admire the unique rock formations. Follow the coastline to admire views of the jagged cliffs and clear waters. Hop off the paddle and take a swim at any time to cool down or search for native wildlife in the shallows before making your way back to shore.
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2-hour Costa Brava kayaking adventure. Suitable for people of all ages as you explore the local beaches, rock formations, snorkel, and spot local flora and fauna. From the prearranged meeting point head down to the beach with your kayaking instructor. Receive your life vest, paddle, kayak and snorkelling gear. head out to sea enjoying a rest at a selected spot so that you can snorkel with your guide. Whilst underwater your guide will showcase the different types of fauna that live here. Your guide will also show you the location of a picturesque cave to travel into. Continue to a deserted beach where you can rest for a while or continue snorkelling. return back to the beach where you started.
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The try dive is an activity recommended for beginners in scuba. The entire experience lasts three hours, the first 35 minutes of which will consist of a briefing on how the equipment works, how to communicate underwater using hand signals, and how the tour will go. Afterwards, get kitted out in the provided wetsuit and boots in the changing room. Once you are ready, hop in the van for just five minutes and prepare for the fun to start. Because the dive site is directly connected with the beach, you'll be enjoying a shore dive off Mar Menuda Beach. Stay under the water for about an hour
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From the meeting point hop aboard a vintage 4x4 Land Rover equipped with bench seats. Sit back and relax as your guide takes you off the beaten path to discover the best of Tossa de Mar. Drive around the picturesque landscapes surrounding the town and admire the fauna and flora as you travel. Enjoy wonderful views and marvel at the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava. Learn about the rich history of this ancient fishing village throughout your tour and hear interesting stories and fun anecdotes, like the connection the legendary American actress Ava Gardner has to the town.
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Scuba diving tour great for beginners learning the basics of diving. Enjoy an introduction to the underwater world of scuba diving and learn all of the basics with an instructor. Learn to use equipment, breathe underwater, and earn your SSI Try Scuba recognition rating. Get set up with the necessary provided equipment before moving on to the beach to start your first dive. Put on your equipment and enter the water with the instructor who will supervise your first dive, at a maximum depth of 12m for around 40-45 minutes.
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Getting to Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
Address: Estacion de Autobuses, Tossa de Mar. 17320
Moventis-Sarfa Bus provide a regular bus service to Tossa de Mar. Last time I went, It costs 12.35 euros each way. Buses depart Estacion de Nord bus terminal (Metro L1 or RENFE Arc de Triunfo). Some busses also depart from Barcelona T1 and T2 airport. I strongly recommend booking bus tickets in advance to ensure availability. Journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes approximately.
Tickets and timetable can be found on Moventis Website.
For information about the Barcelona Nord Bus Hub visit the
If going to Tossa de Mar by car, Parking can be found in Carrer Miramar 2A, if your hotel does not provide free parking. Use the hire car widget above to find the best hire car deals.
Documents for Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar in 2024
Click on any one of the 13 PDFs to view in full screen and download.
Weather for Tossa de Mar
Where to stay overnight in the Costa Brava's Tossa de Mar Beach Town