Beyond the Beach: The Most Memorable Things to Do in Tossa de Mar

Sun, sea, and medieval streets? Tossa de Mar checks all the boxes. This Costa Brava gem, just north of Barcelona, serves up turquoise coves, cliffside walks, and a postcard-perfect old town (hello, Vila Vella) wrapped in ancient stone walls. You can hike, swim, feast on tapas with a sea view, and still have time to explore cobbled alleys that feel straight out of a storybook. There are plenty of things to do in Tossa de Mar, but don’t stop at the beach, head inland, and you’ll find charming Catalonia wineries ready to pour you a glass (or two). Tossa isn’t just a day trip; it’s a vibe, and you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.

Best Things to Do in Tossa de Mar

Wander through Vila Vella the old town

Winding stone streets, ancient towers, and sweeping sea views, welcome to Vila Vella, the last surviving fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast. Dating back to the 12th century, this clifftop gem feels like walking through a postcard. Inside the old walls, you’ll find cozy cafés, artisan shops, and a peaceful little church that’s perfect for a quiet moment. The views? Worth the climb, think turquoise waves crashing below and the rugged Costa Brava stretching into the horizon.

Visit Castillo de Tossa

Perched high above the sea, the Castillo de Tossa is the crown jewel of the coastline, and your go-to spot for those jaw-dropping Costa Brava views. Once built to fend off pirates, this stone fortress now stands as a proud symbol of Tossa’s layered history. Climb the ancient walls, snap your panoramic shots, and don’t skip the peaceful path leading to the Tossa de Mar lighthouse. It’s one of those walks that feels a little bit cinematic, quiet, breezy, and just the right mix of romantic and soul-refreshing.

Explore the Tossa de Mar Lighthouse

Reaching the Tossa de Mar lighthouse feels like walking straight into a Mediterranean fairytale. Perched at the top of Vila Vella hill, this bright white beacon offers unbeatable views of the rugged coastline and sparkling sea below. There’s even a small interpretation center inside, where you can uncover the maritime stories that shaped the region. Between the salty breeze, the silence above the town, and the endless horizon, it’s the kind of spot that makes you pause, and maybe wish you lived in a lighthouse.

Relax at Platja Gran, the main beach

Platja Gran, the main beach in Tossa de Mar, is everything you’d hope for in a Costa Brava escape: soft golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and views that could sell postcards. Framed by the dramatic backdrop of Vila Vella’s medieval walls, it’s one of the rare places where you can sunbathe at the foot of a 12th-century fortress. Whether you’re swimming, lounging, or enjoying tapas along the promenade, this beach blends history and holiday vibes perfectly. The gentle surf and clean waters make it especially popular with families, but solo travelers and couples will love the laid-back energy too.

Snorkel in Cala Codolar

If you’re into nature, hidden spots, and underwater exploring, Cala Codolar is your kind of place. Tucked right below the castle walls of Vila Vella, this small rocky cove feels like a secret carved into the coastline. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with vibrant seabed life waiting just below the surface, and it’s a favorite for adventurous swimmers and even scuba divers. Just a short stroll from the old town, it’s the ultimate blend of wild beauty and medieval history, where every swim feels like a discovery.

Explore Cala Bona for a serene escape

Cala Bona is one of Tossa de Mar’s best-kept secrets a quiet, pine-fringed cove where locals go to escape the crowds. Nestled between high cliffs and shaded by trees, it offers a more tranquil alternative to the busier beaches in town. The turquoise waters are clear and calm, perfect for a refreshing dip or a slow afternoon of sunbathing. Pack a picnic, grab a good book, and let nature do the rest. If you’re craving peace with a view, Cala Bona is your go-to coastal hideaway.

Take a boat tour along the Costa Brava

Hop on a boat tour from Tossa de Mar’s seafront and get ready for one of the most scenic experiences on the Costa Brava. Sail past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and postcard-worthy views as you see the coastline from a whole new angle. Many tours include stops at secret calas or crystal-clear spots ideal for snorkeling. Chase the sun, soak up the sea breeze, and discover the wild beauty of Tossa de Mar in a way you won’t forget.

Capture the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea

End your day in Tossa de Mar by witnessing the sun melt into the Mediterranean Sea from one of the many cliffside viewpoints. Whether you watch from the Castillo’s ancient walls, the lighthouse pathway, or the beach, the golden hour casts a magical glow over this beautiful town. Don’t forget your camera—these spectacular views are what travel memories are made of.

Best things to do around Tossa de Mar

Explore the taste of Catalonia’s Heritage

Just over an hour’s drive from Tossa de Mar, the Empordà wine region is a hidden gem for wine lovers and day-trippers alike. It’s one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Catalonia, with roots tracing back to Roman times. Bordered by the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, the region benefits from a unique climate that produces robust reds (mostly Grenache and Carignan) and elegant whites with fresh, floral notes. Many small, family-run bodegas offer tastings, tours, and food pairings in peaceful rural settings.

Sip and stroll through one of Calonge’s most scenic vineyards

Tucked into the hills of Calonge, just about 25 miles from Tossa de Mar, this boutique winery blends elegance with natural beauty. Surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the Mediterranean, the estate offers a peaceful setting to taste some of Empordà’s most refined wines. From bold reds to expressive whites, each bottle reflects the care and craftsmanship behind the scenes. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, vineyard walks, or even a picnic among the vines, making it a perfect stop for wine lovers looking to experience Catalonia’s wine country in style.

A seaside Cava experience steps from the Mediterranean

Perched on the Costa Brava around 10 miles from Tossa de Mar, Grenyal is a hidden gem for cava lovers and curious travelers. This small, family-run winery revives Blanes’s forgotten cava heritage, crafting organic sparkling wines on just a couple of hillside acres. After a visit to the vineyard, head to their cozy tasting room in Blanes’s market square, right by the sea, where you’ll sample brut and rosé cavas paired with local bites. It’s a breezy, charming escape that combines coastal vibes, winemaking tradition, and authentic Catalan flavor.

Visit the old town streets and beaches of Lloret de Mar

Just a 20-minute drive south of Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar brings a whole new vibe to the Costa Brava. While Tossa charms with its medieval streets and laid-back pace, Lloret turns up the energy with wide beaches, buzzing nightlife, and a more modern coastal scene. Spend the day snorkeling in crystal-clear coves, lounging on the sand, or wandering through the stunning Santa Clotilde Gardens, set high on a cliff with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect day trip if you’ve explored Tossa and are craving a little contrast, think lively, scenic, and full of things to do.

Wander through the fairytale city of Girona

Just an hour north of Tossa de Mar, Girona is the perfect inland escape when you’re ready to swap beach days for a bit of cultural discovery. Known for its ancient city walls, sweeping views, and one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish Quarters, Girona offers a completely different rhythm, slower, historic, and endlessly charming. Stroll along the ramparts, explore quiet cobblestone alleys lined with boutiques, or grab a coffee in one of its leafy plazas. It’s also a gateway to Catalonia’s inland wine estates and historical sites, making it an ideal day trip for travelers craving a richer cultural layer to their Costa Brava adventure.

Ready to explore more? Dive into our full guide on the best things to do in Girona.

Marvel at the architecture and lifestyle of Barcelona

Just 90 minutes from Tossa de Mar by car or train via Girona, Barcelona is an ideal day trip packed with culture, color, and energy. Get lost in the buzzing Gothic Quarter, marvel at Gaudí’s masterpieces like La Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, and stroll along the city’s vibrant seafront. Stop for tapas or fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant before diving back into the city’s creative pulse. With its bold architecture, rich history, and urban edge, Barcelona offers a striking contrast to the peaceful village vibe of Tossa, making it a must on your Costa Brava getaway.

Make every hour count, explore what to do in Barcelona on your Costa Brava getaway!

Good to Know before visiting Tossa de Mar