🇪🇸 Spain · Places to discover
What to see in Tossa de Mar ?
24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Tossa de Mar is one of the rare Costa Brava resorts to have preserved its medieval centre intact. The Vila Vella, a twelfth-century fortified village perched on the promontory, dominates a bay of clear waters with quiet authority. It's not a reconstructed set: people still live here, and you feel it in the atmosphere.
The best period runs from May to June, or in September, when the summer crowds disperse and the light becomes sharper. Two to three days suffice to explore the town and neighbouring coves, including Cala Pola, which is accessible on foot. From Barcelona, the bus works better than a car; parking is genuinely problematic in season. Don't confine yourself to the main beach: most of Tossa reveals itself on foot, across the heights.
Landmarks & heritage (8)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SATossa de Mar Lighthouse
Landmark
Active lighthouse built in 1917 atop Cap de Tossa, reached via a path from the Vila Vella. Commanding views sweep across the entire coastline between Lloret and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAVila Vella of Tossa de Mar
Landmark
A fortified medieval town from the 12th century, the only inhabited medieval walled town still standing on the Costa Brava. The ramparts offer spectacular views over the sea and the white village below.
Wikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SAVilla Romana dels Ametllers
Landmark
Remains of a 4th-century Roman villa featuring remarkably well-preserved mosaics in situ. A discreet yet fascinating archaeological site, often overlooked by hurried visitors.Torre de les Hores
Landmark
The main tower of the Vila Vella dating from the 12th century, the highest point of the fortifications. A 360° panoramic view over Tossa Bay and the surrounding coves.Tossa de Mar Municipal Museum
Landmark
Housed in the governor's palace of the Vila Vella, this museum holds an exceptional collection of Roman mosaics and works by Marc Chagall, who stayed in Tossa during the 1930s.Torre del Codolar
Landmark
Medieval watchtower perched on a rocky promontory north of Codolar Beach. Less visited than the main ramparts, it offers a unique vantage point over the Vila Vella.Marc Chagall Statue
Landmark
Bronze sculpture depicting Chagall's Blue Venus, positioned on the Mar Gran promenade in tribute to the painter who called Tossa 'the blue paradise'. An unmissable meeting point for locals.Church of Sant Vicenç de Tossa
Landmark
Neoclassical parish church dating from the 19th century at the heart of the village. Its bell tower dominates the lower town, whilst the austere interior conceals some intriguing Baroque altarpieces.Nature & parks (3)
Torrent de Can Martí
Nature
Wooded valley inland from Tossa, crossed by a lightly marked local path leading to natural pools. Locals come here to picnic in the shade of plane trees during summer.Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park – Tossa Slope
Nature
Wooded massif of cork oaks and pines dominating Tossa de Mar, with quiet trails offering sweeping views over the Costa Brava. Ideal for escaping the summer heat of the coast.GR-92 Coastal Trail: Tossa – Lloret de Mar
Nature
Spectacular stretch of the GR-92 hugging cliffsides between Tossa and Lloret (approximately 10 km). Vertiginous sea views, pine forest passages and discovery of otherwise inaccessible coves.Viewpoints (3)
Ramparts Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Viewing platform along the rampart walk of Vila Vella, overlooking Mar Gran beach and Tossa bay. The vista is particularly striking at day's end when golden light strikes the fortifications.Mirador de la Roca Grossa
Viewpoint
Natural vantage point on a rocky outcrop above the northern coastal path, commanding views down to Cala Pola and tree-clad cliffs. Reached in 20 minutes from the village.Cap de Tossa – Lighthouse Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Rocky promontory at the end of the path hugging the ramparts, offering the finest panorama of the Catalan coastline stretching southward. Extraordinary sunsets from this natural vantage point.Activities (4)
Escola de Vela Tossa – Sailing Instruction
Activity
Local sailing school offering catamaran and dinghy instruction on Tossa's sheltered bay. Ideal for families, with Catalan instructors who speak French.Tossa de Mar Port – Water Taxi Departure
Activity
Small fishing port where water taxis depart for Lloret, Sant Feliu and isolated coves. Early morning reveals fishermen still unloading their catch before the tourists arrive.Sea Kayaking – Cove Tour of Tossa
Activity
Kayak circuit hugging the cliffs between Tossa and Cala Pola, granting access to sea caves and coves unreachable on foot. Equipment rental available on Mar Gran beach.Scuba Diving – Reserva Marina de les Illes Formigues
Activity
Protected marine zone off Tossa, accessible by boat excursion from the port. Groupers, moray eels and pristine seagrass meadows in waters amongst the clearest on the Costa Brava.Beaches (5)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlatja Mar Gran – Tossa de Mar
Beach
Wide crescent of fine sand at the town's foot, sheltered by Tossa headland. Constant views of medieval ramparts illuminated at night create a unique atmosphere on the Costa Brava.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlatja del Codolar
Beach
Pebbled beach at the foot of the Vila Vella ramparts, less crowded than the main beach. The perfect spot to admire the fortifications from the water, especially at sunset.Cala Pola
Beach
Secluded small cove 3 km north of Tossa, accessible by road or the GR-92 coastal trail. Turquoise waters, sandy bottom and rocky outcrops make it ideal for snorkelling away from summer crowds.Cala Llevadó
Beach
Protected cove framed by maritime pines, accessible solely on foot or by boat. Mixed sand and rock seabed with shallow waters ideal for families and free-diving enthusiasts.Cala Giverola
Beach
Sheltered bay hemmed between two wooded cliffs, among the finest coves along the Costa Brava. Crystal-clear waters and white sand bottom, reachable by boat from Tossa or via forest track.