Discover the best things to do and see in Tossa de Mar and why it is worth visiting!

The picturesque beach town on the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain is a popular tourist holiday destination, and rightly so!

But what is Tossa de Mar famous for? Tossa de Mar is renowned for its sandy beaches, fortified medieval village, historic old town, and lighthouse. Here, you can relax at the beach, explore magnificent coves, enjoy fantastic seafood, stroll through romantic cobblestone streets, and explore hiking trails with incredible Mediterranean sea views.

The best time to visit Tossa de Mar is June and September when the weather is still not too hot, the water temperature is pleasant, and the beaches are quiet. It’s the ideal location for families, couples, and solo travelers!

Best Things to Do and See in Tossa de Mar

#1 Explore the Castle Area

Exploring the castle area is one of the best things to do and a must-do for every visitor to Tossa! 

Start on “Passeig de Vila Vella” and follow the pathway. On the way up, you will have several viewpoints with excellent views of the main beach (Platja Gran) and the Mediterranean Sea, making it the ideal place for a holiday photo. 

The most scenic viewpoint, however, is Ava Gardner Square, where you will find a statue dedicated to the famous actress who played in the romantic fantasy drama movie “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman”, primarily filmed in Tossa de Mar in the year 1951. 

#2 Visit Tossa de Mar Lighthouse

Tossa de Mar Lighthouse

Another highlight in Tossa de Mar is the Lighthouse, a square white building you will see when reaching the top of the castle area. 

Just in front of it, you will have a bar with a terrace from where you can enjoy splendid sea views while taking a break and having a drink. 

For an informative experience about the town’s history, take the little green tourist train (Tren Verd) that will take you through the walled enclosure up to the highest point where the Lighthouse is. 

#3 Stroll through the Charming Streets Of Vila Vella

The Vila Vella district, surrounded by walls, is the medieval heart of Tossa, where you will also find the Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar.

Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets along stone houses feels like stepping back in time and is, therefore, another of the essential things to do in Tossa de Mar. 

Top food places in Vila Vella: Restaurant La Cuina de Can Simon / Bar La Lluna

#4 Explore the Beaches in Tossa de Mar

The crescent-shaped main beach, Platja Gran, surrounded by mountains, the town, and the castle, is one of the most popular places in Tossa de Mar. And it is no wonder why! 

At Platja Gran, you will have the best views of the castle and the walls. On the 500-meter-long beach, you can enjoy a relaxing beach day and a pleasant stroll at sunset. 

During the high season, the beach fills up with tourists and locals every year, sharing the sand with small fishing boats. 

At the end of the main beach, Platja Gran, you will get to the smaller Mar Menuda beach, a small and cozy place with a sandy beach opposite the castle on the other side of Tossa de Mar.  

Top food places by the beach: Restaurant Popa Tapas&Drinks / Restaurant Tapas del Mar / Restaurant Sotavent

#5 Relax at Cala Codolar

Cala Codolar in Tossa de Mar

Cala Codolar is a scenic cove on the other side of the castle and next to Vila Vella. From “Portal del Socors” street, you will reach the 80-meter-long beach with white sand. 

It is the perfect place for any snorkel lover to enjoy crystal-clear waters full of fish. 

#6 Walk through the Sa Roqueta neighborhood

Sa Roqueta Neighborhood in Tossa de Mar

Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the idyllic fishermen’s quarter Sa Roqueta, another of the most beautiful places to visit in Tossa de Mar.  

It is a quiet neighborhood with beautiful streets decorated with plant pots and interesting buildings.

The most beautiful streets are Carrer de les Flors, Carrer des Codolar, Carrer dels Pescadors, and Carrer de la Roqueta

In addition, it is the perfect place to try the famous local dish “Cim i Tomba”, a typical seafood dish from an old fishermen’s tradition. When the fishermen went to the sea, they made this stew with the fish they caught. The outcome is a simple yet delicious dish with potatoes, onions, garlic, and fish (usually cod, turbot, or skate). Some of the best restaurants to try are Santa Marta and Can Pini. 

Top food places near Sa Roqueta: Restaurant Portal / Restaurant Can Sophia

Museums in Tossa de Mar

Check out the Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar and check its opening hours, prices, and location.

The Municipal Museum Of Tossa De Mar

The museum is worth a visit for art lovers and history lovers alike. Impressive artwork and statues are displayed here, and the location could not have been better! It is located right in the heart of the walled old town, which is an eye-catcher.

General Entrance: 3 €

Opening Hours:

June to September: from 10.00 to 20.00

October to May: Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.30 and 15.00 to 17.00 / Saturdays from 10.00  to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00 / Sundays from 10.00 to 14.00

Address: Plaça Pintor Roig Soler, 1

*NOTE: Entrance fees and opening hours may change. For updated information, please check here

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FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you fly to for Tossa de Mar? Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) / Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)

How far is Tossa de Mar from Girona Airport? 38 kilometers (40 minutes by car)

How much is a taxi from Girona Airport to Tossa de Mar?  50-65 Euros

How far is Tossa de Mar from Barcelona Airport? 120 kilometers (1 hr 35 min by car)

How to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona? You can easily get to Tossa de Mar by renting a car or public transport 

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