Tossa de Mar
🏛️ Why Visit Tossa de Mar, Spain?
Game of Thrones wishes it had castles this dramatic. Tossa de Mar's medieval fortress doesn't just dominate the skyline – it literally tumbles down clifftops to meet some of the Med's most gorgeous beaches. This is the only fortified medieval town still standing on the entire Catalan coast, where 12th-century stone walls frame turquoise coves and cobblestone streets lead to hidden viewpoints that'll make your Instagram followers properly jealous.
You can explore ancient Vila Vella in the morning, snorkel in crystal-clear waters by lunch, then hike the dramatic Camí de Ronda coastal trail in the afternoon. Plus, the nightlife is great, not quite as lively as Lloret, but still pretty banging, and just 100km from Barcelona, this little town is the perfect base for Costa Brava adventures.
Top reasons to visit Tossa de Mar:
🏰 Vila Vella medieval fortress – the last surviving walled medieval town on the Catalan coast with 12th-century walls and lighthouse
🏖️ Storybook beaches – golden sand Platja Gran sits literally beneath castle walls, plus hidden coves perfect for snorkelling
🥾 Camí de Ronda coastal trail – dramatic hiking paths leading to secret beaches and breathtaking clifftop viewpoints
🎨 Artistic heritage – Marc Chagall and other modernist artists made this their creative haven in the early 20th century
🐠 Crystal-clear waters – some of the Med's clearest waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and discovering marine life
🏨 Where to Stay on your Tossa de Mar Holidays
Tossa de Mar's got brilliant hotels that perfectly capture this medieval town's unique charm – from beachfront spots with castle views to cosy family-run gems tucked into peaceful corners. We've picked some absolute crackers below, but if nothing catches your eye, browse our full selection using the search bar at the top ☝️👀.
Perfect for Families
🏨 Tossa Beach Center - This welcoming hotel's got everything families need! Located just 250m from the beach (basically a quick toddle with the kids), it offers brilliant entertainment including karaoke, live music, discos, and a mini-club that'll keep the little ones entertained. The buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there's a cosy swimming pool and Jacuzzi for relaxing after beach days. The best bit? All-inclusive options mean no surprise bills – just pure family fun!
🏨 Tossa Mar - This cheap and cheerful pick is absolutely brilliant for family value! Less than five minutes' walk from the golden sands (the kids can practically smell the beach from here), it offers colourful refurbished rooms with balconies, a buffet restaurant serving local and international favourites, and a 24-hour snack bar for whenever hunger strikes. The cosy pool areas are great for family splashing, and the All-Inclusive option means brilliant value – more money left over for gelato and castle visits!
🏨 Don Juan Tossa - Situated in a quieter area but only 120m from the beach (best of both worlds!), this hotel's perfect for families wanting entertainment without the noise. The high season entertainment programme keeps all ages happy, there's a kids club for the little ones, swimming pool and sun terrace for family time, plus tennis, billiards, and table tennis available. The comfortable rooms come with balconies or terraces, and you're close to the bars, restaurants, and shops when you fancy exploring!
Great Value Options
🏨 GHT Hotel Costa Brava - Wonderfully located in Tossa's centre and only 350m from the beach, this hotel offers spacious, comfortable accommodation perfect for those wanting an unfussy relaxing break. The on-site buffet restaurant serves international cuisine and local dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whilst the outdoor pool's brilliant for cooling off. Plus, it's been rated as sustainable by Rating.Bio – good value with a conscience!
🏨 Park Hotel - This family-friendly pick is located 250m from the beach with brilliant facilities including a swimming pool, café, bar, games room, and TV room. It's perfect for families and couples wanting comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank!
🏨 Hotel Marina Tossa - Just 15 minutes' walk from the centre (peaceful but not isolated), this brilliant low-cost option features two swimming pools, a garden, children's area, and two tennis courts. There's a snack bar with terrace by the pool serving refreshments all day, plus bikes to rent for exploring the area. The rooms come with en suite bathrooms, and some have terraces – proper value for money!
Elegant & Romantic Options
🏨 Hotel Delfín - This stunning 4-star hotel right in the centre of Tossa (just across the promenade from the beach!) is pure elegance. The large rooms are all exterior-facing with views of either Tossa de Mar or the private garden, whilst the six exclusive suites feature separate lounge areas and terraces overlooking the main street.
🏨 Vila De Tossa - Adults Only - Perfect for romantic escapes! This adults-only gem sits just 300m from the beach, offering air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, whirlpool, and massage service. The buffet breakfast starts your day right, whilst dinner features à la carte menu options. With that peaceful adults-only atmosphere, it's absolutely spot on for couples wanting to enjoy Tossa's medieval charm without any distractions!
Whether you're after family fun with entertainment and kids' clubs, great value beachside relaxation, or romantic elegance with spa treatments, Tossa de Mar's unique combination of medieval history, stunning beaches, and authentic Catalan charm creates holidays that are properly special!
🎭 Top Things to Do in Tossa de Mar
History & Culture Lovers
🏰 Vila Vella (Old Town) – The absolute star! Wander through the only surviving fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast. The 12th-century stone walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and ancient towers create pure magic. Climb to the lighthouse for 360-degree views that'll leave you speechless.
🎨 Municipal Museum – Housed inside the castle with works by Marc Chagall who, along with other modernist artists, fell in love with Tossa in the early 1900s. Fascinating glimpse into the town's artistic heritage.
Beach Lovers & Water Sports
🏖️ Platja Gran – The main beach with soft golden sand and gentle turquoise waters, all framed by the dramatic medieval castle backdrop. It's like sunbathing in a postcard! Perfect for families with shallow waters and excellent facilities.
🏖️ Cala Codolar – Hidden beneath the castle walls, this small rocky cove feels like a secret carved into the coastline. Crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling with vibrant seabed life just waiting to be discovered.
Adventure Seekers & Nature Lovers
🥾 Camí de Ronda Coastal Trail – The legendary coastal path offering some of Europe's most dramatic seaside hiking. Links Tossa to neighbouring towns with stunning viewpoints and access to hidden beaches you can only reach on foot.
⛵ Boat Trips to Hidden Coves – Discover secluded beaches like Cala Giverola and Cala Pola that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, accessible by boat from Tossa's marina.
🍽️ Restaurant La Placeta – Dine inside the actual castle walls! Try fideuà (Catalan noodle paella) while surrounded by medieval stones – it's proper atmospheric and the seafood is incredible.
🗓 When to Visit Tossa de Mar
Peak Season: June to August (24-30°C)
This is when Tossa de Mar absolutely shines – and we mean properly gorgeous! July hits a scorching 30°C with August not far behind, whilst the Mediterranean reaches a lovely 23-25°C (absolutely perfect for snorkelling in those crystal-clear waters). You'll get 11 hours of sunshine daily and virtually zero rain, making it brilliant for exploring Vila Vella, hiking the Camí de Ronda, and beach-hopping to hidden coves. The medieval town's absolutely buzzing with tourists and that summer energy, though it does get busy – book early if you want hotels with castle views!
Shoulder Season: May, June & September (20-28°C)
Fancy gorgeous weather without the peak summer crowds? These months are absolutely spot on. May and early June see temperatures climbing to a lovely 20-24°C – perfect for hiking the coastal trails without melting – whilst September still delivers brilliant 25-28°C warmth with seas around 23-24°C. It's ideal for families who'd rather explore Vila Vella and the Municipal Museum without fighting through crowds, plus the beaches are way less packed. The lighting's gorgeous for photos of those medieval castle walls too!
Off-Season: October to April (10-20°C)
Winter on Costa Brava is cooler than southern Spain (dropping to 10-15°C), but Tossa's still absolutely brilliant for visiting! October's actually the wettest month (around 20mm of rain), but it's perfect for wandering those atmospheric cobblestone streets, exploring the castle without the heat, discovering Marc Chagall's works in the museum, and hiking portions of the Camí de Ronda with cooler temperatures. Spring (March-April) brings blooming wildflowers and temperatures around 15-20°C – gorgeous for coastal walks and village exploring. Plus, the prices are properly good and you'll feel like you've got this medieval gem all to yourself!
Popular Tossa De Mar hotels
More Tossa De Mar hotelsWeather in Tossa De Mar
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You don't get cold on Tossa de Mar holidays. The Mediterranean climate means long hot summers, with average temperatures reaching 30°; Celsius, frequently giving 12 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest months of July and August are often tempered by coastal winds. The weather is perfect for lounging by the beach or practicing your swing on the fairways.
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FAQs
Is Tossa de Mar good for families?
Is Tossa de Mar good for families?
Absolutely yes! Tossa's brilliant for families – it's got that perfect mix of beach fun and cultural stuff to keep everyone happy. The main Platja Gran beach has Blue Flag status with gentle waters perfect for kids, plus there are 16 other beaches and coves to explore when you fancy a change. The medieval Vila Vella castle is like a real-life fairy tale that kids absolutely love (what child doesn't want to explore proper castle walls?!), whilst the crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and spotting fish. Most hotels offer kids' clubs and entertainment, and you're just a short drive from water parks. It's way less rowdy than Lloret too, so families love it!
How far is Tossa de Mar from Barcelona?
How far is Tossa de Mar from Barcelona?
Tossa de Mar's only about 100km from Barcelona – roughly 1.5 hours by car or bus (dead easy for day trips!) Loads of people combine both: stay in Tossa for the medieval charm, stunning beaches, and relaxed vibe, then pop into Barcelona to see Gaudí's incredible architecture, wander La Rambla, and explore the Gothic Quarter. Or base yourself in Barcelona and do day trips to Tossa for that Costa Brava beach experience. You can easily do both in one holiday – the best of both worlds with medieval castles and modernist masterpieces!
What airport do you fly to for Tossa de Mar?
What airport do you fly to for Tossa de Mar?
The closest airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) – just 24km away, roughly 30-40 minutes by car (properly convenient!) However, loads of people also fly to Barcelona Airport which has way more flight options and is still only about 85km away (1.5 hours). Barcelona's often cheaper with more departure times too, plus you can stop in the city if you fancy it. Flight time from the UK & Ireland is around 2 hours – perfect! When you book with us, we can also sort your transfers for you as part of the package!
Can you swim in Tossa de Mar?
Can you swim in Tossa de Mar?
Absolutely yes – and the swimming's absolutely brilliant! Tossa's famous for having some of the Mediterranean's clearest waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The main Platja Gran beach has gentle, shallow waters ideal for families, whilst hidden coves like Cala Codolar offer more secluded swimming spots with incredible visibility underwater (you'll see loads of fish!). Swimming season runs from June to October when the sea reaches 20-25°C, though the bravest swimmers start in May. The waters are so clear you can see right to the bottom – it's one of Tossa's biggest draws!
What is Tossa de Mar known for?
What is Tossa de Mar known for?
Tossa de Mar's famous for being the only surviving fortified medieval town on the entire Catalan coast – that 12th-century Vila Vella castle is absolutely iconic! It's also known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters (some of the clearest in the Mediterranean), attracting artists like Marc Chagall who fell in love with the town in the early 1900s, the dramatic Camí de Ronda coastal hiking trail with breathtaking clifftop views, hidden coves perfect for snorkelling, and being sophisticated and romantic. Basically, it's where medieval history meets stunning Costa Brava beaches!
Is Tossa de Mar walkable?
Is Tossa de Mar walkable?
Absolutely yes – it's brilliantly walkable! The medieval old town (Vila Vella) is completely pedestrianised with narrow cobblestone streets perfect for wandering, whilst the main Platja Gran beach is just steps from the town centre. Everything you need – restaurants, shops, beaches, the castle – is within easy walking distance. The only exception is some of the hidden coves and beaches which are either reached by hiking the Camí de Ronda coastal trail (gorgeous but requires decent fitness) or by boat trips from the marina. Within the town itself though, forget the car – walking's the way to experience Tossa's medieval charm properly!