Tossa de Mar is a small but charming town on Spain’s Costa Brava. A place that proved to be one of my favorite destinations during my several weeks of travel in Catalonia.
Whether you are planning a short visit or a longer stay, Tossa de Mar is sure to please all lovers of beautiful landscapes, interesting history, and cultural attractions. This is the perfect place where you will fully enjoy the charms of the Mediterranean and feel the unique atmosphere of the Catalan coast.
I fell in love with this place, so I’m happy to share with you the attractions worth seeing in Tossa de Mar. It is a true paradise for tourists craving beautiful beaches and a unique atmosphere.
Table of Contents
- 1 What To See in Tossa de Mar
- 2 Viewpoint on Tossa de Mar (the best one)
- 3 The Castle of Tossa de Mar
- 4 Old Town (Vila Vella)
- 5 Museum in Tossa de Mar
- 6 Other Attractions in Tossa de Mar
- 7 Beaches in Tossa de Mar
- 8 Tossa de Mar – What To Do There?
- 9 What To Eat in Tossa de Mar?
- 10 Where To Sleep In Tossa De Mar?
- 11 Tossa De Mar – Is This Town Worth Visiting?
What To See in Tossa de Mar
Before I go on to describe the attractions of Tossa de Mar, I will write what is worth doing beforehand. More specifically, I have in mind an extremely scenic route for a bicycle, motorcycle, or even a car. The GI-682 road is located along the sea. The route from the village of Sant Feliu de GuÃxols is breathtaking. There are quite a few coves along the road where you can stop and enjoy the view. You can pull over to nearby towns or visit local attractions, but I may tell you about that in another post. This one is primarily about Tossa de Mar and I’m already back on topic.
Viewpoint on Tossa de Mar (the best one)
The best vantage point is just outside the city. It is not hard to find, you can go by car. And if you will be going on foot then take comfortable shoes and a bottle of water, because there is a bit to walk.
On the map, it is marked as “Mirador de Tossa de Mar”. I won’t say more, because photos will say more than 1000 words.
The Castle of Tossa de Mar
This is by far the city’s biggest attraction. Rising on a cliff above the city, the Tossa de Mar Castle is a medieval fortress that was built in the 12th century. This medieval fortress has many historical features, such as four defensive towers that have retained their original shape. At the time, the towers allowed the townspeople to observe the area and warn of danger. Today they provide an amazing vantage point.
This place is not only a great view of the city and the coast but also a well-preserved Old Town. It is worth a walk there to learn about the history of the place and admire the beautiful scenery.
Old Town (Vila Vella)
The charming, well-preserved Old Town of Tossa de Mar, also called Vila Vella, is one of the most picturesque places on the Costa Brava. The town is surrounded by castle walls (Muralles de Tossa de Mar), making the atmosphere truly remarkable and the place photogenic from all sides. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you will feel the spirit of the old times and the historical atmosphere of the place.
Museum in Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar has a local museum where you can learn about the city’s history, culture, and art. Among the exhibits, you will find paintings by Marc Chagall or mosaics found of the Roman villa of the Ametllers, dating back to the 4th/Vth century.
Other Attractions in Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is especially famous for its places of rich history.
Here you will find places such as:
– The ancient Sant Miquel Hospital, founded in 1773
– The Roman villa of Amettler, mentioned in the topic about the museum, dated to (1st century B.C. – 6th century A.D.)
– The church from 1775
Beaches in Tossa de Mar
The Costa Brava is famous for its beautiful, golden beaches that are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. There are several beaches in Tossa de Mar, and the most popular is Platja Gran – the largest, overlooking the castle. We spent one afternoon there and it was nice. The beach is not sandy but consists of very small pebbles.
In Tossa de Mar it is also worth discovering other beaches such as the neighboring La Mar Menuda or El Codolar, located further away.
Tossa de Mar – What To Do There?
In Tossa de Mar various hiking trails allow you to discover and appreciate the beauty of the region. The most popular trail on the Costa Brava is the Cami de Ronda. You’ll find this trail in many towns along the coast, and it’s always a scenic route along the sea that offers great views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding cliffs. In this case, the trail starts in Tossa de Mar and leads to other surrounding towns such as Lloret de Mar and Blanes.
And if you love hiking, check out the trails marked GR 92. In Spain, it’s a popular hiking trail that leads through many scenic spots, including around Tossa de Mar. The Costa Brava often overlaps precisely with the Cami de Ronda. And remember, you don’t have to walk the whole way, even a short section will be an interesting experience.
What else is there to do in Tossa de Mar? For active tourists, I recommend renting bicycles and exploring the charms of Tossa de Mar and the surrounding area on your own. There are numerous bicycle trails in the area, leading through picturesque mountain scenery and offering unforgettable views. As I wrote, the terrain for longer routes is quite mountainous, so fitness is a must (or an electric bike ?).
What To Eat in Tossa de Mar?
Tossa de Mar is not only a place to relax but also to discover the richness of Catalan culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you are planning a short visit or planning to spend several weeks there, tasting the local cuisine is a must.
Spanish, as well as Catalan, cuisine, is a true wealth of flavors worth exploring during your stay in Tossa de Mar. Visit local restaurants and bars to try traditional dishes: calçots, fish and seafood, cured meats, or the fideua (paella, only with pasta), which is just known from Catalonia.
When it comes to sweets, in Catalonia, I recommend you try xuixos doughnuts. These popular baked goods are filled with cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar. You’ll get them in cafes and pastry shops in Tossa de Mar, but also throughout the region.
Where To Sleep In Tossa De Mar?
Accommodation options in Tossa de Mar range from charming guesthouses and apartments to comfortable hotels. It is worth bearing in mind that there are far fewer places to stay than in Lloret de Mar, so they are more expensive. Nevertheless, regardless of your choice, Tossa de Mar is sure to stay in your heart for a long time as a special place worth visiting.
To find the best deal, tailored to your needs and preferences, check the map below:
Booking.comTossa De Mar – Is This Town Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, yes! It is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Catalonia. Tossa de Mar is crowded in high season, but no wonder. We managed to avoid the tourists before the season.
Regardless of the date, I encourage you to discover the charms of Tossa de Mar, explore its attractions, and enjoy the beauty of the Costa Brava. Tossa de Mar is a place that not only impresses with its sun and sea but also with its wealth of culture, history, and flavors of Catalan cuisine. Do not wait and let yourself be enchanted by the uniqueness of this place.
And if you are planning a longer vacation in this part of Spain, check also:
13 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Discover the Hidden Gems of Costa Brava: Breathtaking Destinations You Absolutely MUST Visit!
Top Things to Do in Lloret de Mar
Reus – What To See In Gaudi’s City?
Hospitalet del Infante – Here You Spend a Beautiful Vacation
Discover Costa Daurada – Attractions and Beautiful Places
