Visiting Tossa de Mar: what are the best things to do and see in Catalonia’s most beautiful village?
A typical Catalan village, Tossa de Mar is nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The village is famous for its beautiful white houses, superb beaches and medieval heritage. You’ll enjoy sublime panoramas: whitewashed houses and trees in the background, blue waters below, all surrounded by beautiful medieval ramparts. The little Catalan town boasts a well-preserved historical heritage that you can’t fail to discover.
Are you planning to visit Tossa de Mar in Catalonia soon? If so, you’ll find the 13 must-do things to do in Tossa de Mar in this article.
1. Discover the ramparts of Vila Vella
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The last example of a fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, the surrounding walls of the Vila Vella are a must-see in Tossa de Mar. Listed as a national historic and artistic monument, they have survived the test of time magnificently, with some restoration work carried out in the 14th and 18th centuries. Take a stroll along the ramparts and enjoy sublime views of the sea and the town.
These sublime walls include four keeps and three beautiful cylindrical towers. The Torre d’en Joanàs dominates the bay with its incredible machicolations. The Torre de les Hores was once the only place with a public clock, while the Torre del Codolar offers a charming view of the beach of the same name.
2. Visit the municipal museum
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Kippelboy
If you’re visiting Tossa de Mar, be sure to check out its municipal museum. Housed in a beautiful, well-preserved medieval house, it is home to works of art as well as historical artifacts. Here, you can admire treasures discovered by archaeologists in the Roman villa of Els Ametllers.
You’ll also discover a vast collection of regional modern art, including works by French painter Marc Chagall. His visit to Tossa de Mar in 1933 left a lasting impression on the town. The painter was particularly charmed by the exceptional luminosity of Tossa de Mar, which he even nicknamed the Blue Paradise.
3. Getting to the Tossa lighthouse
Photo credit: Flickr – Barbara Viajera
Another highlight of a visit to Tossa de Mar is its magnificent lighthouse. It was built in 1917 at the highest point of the Vila Vella, where an ancient castle once stood. Standing atop a cliff overlooking the Vila Vella, it offers superb panoramic views.
Above all, it houses the Centre d’Interpretació dels Fars de la Mediterrània. This exhibition traces the history of Mediterranean lighthouses. You can learn all about the job and life of a lighthouse keeper. You’ll also discover how the evolution of technology has made this profession obsolete.
4. Discover the Roman Villa of Els Ametllers
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The Roman Villa of Els Ametllers is an incredible testimony to the Roman presence in the region 2,000 years ago. Discovered in 1914 by Dr. Ignasi Melé, it dates back to the 1st century BC. At the time, it was the home of a Roman aristocrat.
Its lofty position on the eastern slope of the Can Magí hill demonstrates its importance. It boasted many outward signs of wealth, including a splendid mosaic, a spa complex and a swimming pool with sculptures in Carrara marble.
It is assumed that the villa was surrounded by a vineyard, whose wine was exported throughout the Empire. Here, in the rural part of the villa, you’ll find the remains of some farm buildings.
5. Stop off at the beaches of Tossa de Mar
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Elegantly situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, Tossa de Mar has plenty of beautiful beaches to soak up the sun. There are three to choose from.
The most accessible, largest and busiest is the 400-meter-long Platja Gran. It’s ideal for a swim or just lazing around, just a stone’s throw from the city.
Platja Mar Menuda is the second largest. It is very popular with novice divers and snorkelers, but is also perfect for a day of sunbathing.
As for Cala Codolar, you’ll find it nestled among cliffs and fortified walls. Just a stone’s throw from Vila Vella, it’s a picturesque setting.
6. Visit the ruins of Sant Vicenç church
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Xavier Bonet
As you explore Vila Vella, take time to visit the ruins of the beautiful church of Sant Vicenç. This Gothic edifice was once very impressive. Now in ruins, you can only admire the remains of the walls and part of the roof.
In addition to its beautiful ruins, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama here. Sitting on a 50-metre-high cliff, the church offers a breathtaking view of Tossa de Mar and the Mediterranean.
7. Getting to the Creu de Terme Gothic cross
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexey Fedorenko
Another curiosity in Tossa de Mar is the Gothic Creu de Terme cross. You’ll find it at the main entrance to the Old Town. It marks the city limits.
Built in the popular Gothic style, it dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. You’ll notice that its branches are adorned with fleur-de-lys and images. The crucified Christ is on the reverse, and the Virgin Mary on the front.
8. Discover the Old Hospital of Sant Miquel
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Founded in 1773 as a hospital for the poor, it now houses Tossa de Mar’s cultural center. This Baroque-style building has 2 floors and a beautiful central courtyard. Next door, you can admire the Sant Miquel chapel, famous for its magnificent Baroque altar.
9. Go to Balcón Al Mar
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gelia
If you’re visiting Tossa de Mar, don’t miss this scenic path. Called the Balcón Al Mar, it delivers on its promise of beautiful scenery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and its charming, rugged coastline.
And if you choose to continue along this path, you’ll eventually reach Lloret del Mar. In fact, you’ll pass through the Camonis de Ronda: this path runs from Tossa de Mar along the coast to Lloret del Mar and even Blanes!
10. Stop off at the beaches and coves north of Tossa de Mar
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To the north of the town are some magnificent coves and beaches, much wilder and more picturesque. Here you’ll find superb little bays for swimming and snorkeling.
With its azure waters and rich underwater flora and fauna, Tossa de Mar’s northern beaches are ideal for snorkeling. You can discover the shallow seabed from Cala Futadera, Cala Giverola or Cala Pola.
11. Take a boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tanya Keisha
One of the must-do activities in Tossa de Mar is, of course, a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. From the town, you can enjoy a cruise along the coast. You’ll discover the most beautiful spots on the Costa Brava, as well as a number of picturesque villages.
Glass-bottom boat excursions are also available. Here you can admire the seabed and its sublime flora and fauna.
And for a feeling of freedom on the open sea, you can opt for a catamaran or sailboat cruise. Often festive, these outings let you enjoy the sea on an original craft.
12. Try your hand at water sports and activities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JP PhotoBCN
Tossa de Mar offers a wide range of water sports and activities. From diving to sea kayaking, from sailing to water skiing, there are plenty of opportunities from the Platja Gran.
You can rent a boat right in town, such as a kayak or paddle. But you can also take part in activities or excursions to discover charming places with a guide!
13. Walking the Massís de les Cadiretes
Photo credit: Flickr – lidiabart
To the north of this magnificent Catalan village, you can discover a magnificent protected natural area: the Massís de les Cadiretes. This mountain range is an exceptional place for a variety of activities: hiking, cycling and mountain biking, or even quad biking. Equip yourself with a map, good shoes, a hat and a bottle of water, and you’ll discover some superb Catalan scenery!
If you come to visit Tossa de Mar, we can only invite you to discover the Massís de les Cadiretes.
How to get to Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is located in northern Catalonia, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The nearest major city is Girona. The nearest airport is near Barcelona. Here’s how to get to Tossa de Mar.
By car from France
Located on the coast, far from everything, Tossa de Mar is difficult to reach by public transport. The most practical way to get to Tossa de Mar is still by car. If you’re arriving directly from France, the journey takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes from Perpignan.
The quickest route is via theA9 freeway and the border at Le Perthus, where you will change to theE15 freeway in Spain. You’ll then continue to Girona, passing Figueras. After Girona, take theAP-7 and then theA-2/N-II.
After about 15 kilometers, you’ll need to take exit 692B to join the C-35 towards St. Feliu G/Lloretde Mar/Vidreres. Continue along the C-35 until you reach the exit for GI-681. Follow this road for around 20 minutes to Tossa de Mar.
By plane
By plane, you can land atBarcelona-El Prat International Airport. From there, you can come by car or by public transport, train or bus. The airport is an ideal place to rent a car and discover Catalonia at your own pace. To find the best flight deals, don’t hesitate to use a flight comparison service such as Skyscanner.
By car, there are two routes from Barcelona. Both take from 1 hour 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can take the AP-7 or E-15 freeways inland. As mentioned above, you’ll then need to turn off onto the C-35 towards St. Feliu G/Lloret de Mar/Vidreres.
Alternatively, you can follow the coast to the north of Barcelona. Follow the B-20 and then the C-32 to exit 134. Signs point to GI-600/Blanes/Lloret de Mar/Tossa de Mar. After a few minutes, you’ll finally be in the town and can visit Tossa de Mar at your leisure.
By bus
From Barcelona airport, you can also choose to take public transport. In this case, you’ll need to take several bus routes.
Take the A2 bus to Plaça Catalunya – Fontanella, then the R1 to Blanes. In Blanes, take the L6 line from the Rtda.locomotora (Galp Betzinera) stop to the Lloret del Mar terminal. From here, take the L9 to Tossa de Mar. The journey takes almost 4 hours.
Where to stay in Tossa de Mar?
Tossa de Mar is a small town and seaside resort. Of course, you’ll find all kinds of accommodation here. Depending on your wishes and your budget, you can opt for a seaside residence or apartments, charming small hotels or homestay accommodation. There are even a few campsites inland. So there’s something for everyone!
For accommodation in Tossa de Mar, we recommend you use the website of our partner, the online hotel comparator Booking. You can also find charming accommodation on Airbnb.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Catalonia