Things to see and do in Tosa de Mar?

Tosa de Mar is a beautiful coastal town on the Costa Brava . It is known for the stunning views of the turquoise sea and a medieval castle built on a small mountain by the side of the village. Among all the things to do in Tosa de Mar we should mention the old town center with cobbled streets and traditional Catalan houses. You can visit it in a morning, but in the surrounding area there is also plenty to do: hiking, diving or sailing among other activities.

If you are looking for a day trip to a beautiful village in Catalonia, you should not miss Tosa de Mar. In this post we will tell you everything you need to know before starting your trip: what to do, the best places to stay, where to try the typical dishes of the area or how to get there in the fastest way. We’ve also prepared a list of travel tips that will make your stay more pleasant. Are you ready to learn more about this town? Then read on!

What are the best places to visit in Tosa de Mar?

1. The lighthouse

The lighthouse is an emblematic landmark to visit in Tosa de Mar. It is located on a cliff and offers an incredible panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. It was built in 1917 and today is preserved as a symbol of safety and guidance for sailors and as a tourist attraction. Its privileged location makes it an ideal place to enjoy spectacular sunsets and capture memories in unforgettable photos.

2. The medieval castle, a must-see

The Castle of Tosa de Mar is an impressive medieval fortress located on top of a hill next to the beach. It is one of the main tourist attractions and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the town and the sea. It was built in the 12th century as a defensive fortification to protect the town from pirate attacks. That is why it has a solid structure with thick stone walls and several defensive towers. Inside the castle you can explore the inner courtyard, military outbuildings and former cells of the prisoners.

Today, the castle of Tosa de Mar houses a museum that displays art and historical artifacts. In addition, in some areas of the castle they hold cultural events and concerts. Admission to the castle is free of charge.

3. Roman Villa dels Ametllers

The Roman Villa dels Ametllers is an archaeological site discovered in 1914 and recognized for its well-preserved architectural remains and mosaics. Inside you can admire mosaics with geometric motifs and mythological figures. Despite the passage of time, it is still possible to imagine the premises of the house, such as the baths or the storerooms.

The Roman Villa dels Ametllers is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and admission is free.

4. Old town of Tosa de Mar

In the center of town you will find a maze of cobbled streets and houses of medieval origin protected by the wall. The historic center of the city is known as Vila Vella. And you will most likely find atmosphere of another era there interesting.

Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover picturesque corners, squares and buildings with historical architectural details such as the Church of San Vicente, built in the 15th century. We also recommend walking along the wall, which dates back to the 12th century and from which you can enjoy the views of the surrounding area.

5. Beaches in Tosa de Mar

Both in the town and in the surroundings you will find several beaches that attract hundreds of tourists every year for its crystalline waters and pleasant natural environment. These are the best beaches in the area:

1. Playa Grande: is the main beach of Tosa de Mar and is located just in front of the village. It has a wide range of services, such as restaurants, beach bars and rental of sun loungers and umbrellas.
2. Playa de la Mar Menuda: is located south of Playa Grande and, although it is somewhat smaller, offers a unique environment surrounded by cliffs. It is a perfect area for snorkeling.
3. Cala Pola: this small cove is located north of the old town. It is a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs, which means it is somewhat more uncomfortable, but also more intimate. It’s ideal for those looking for a quieter, less crowded environment.
4. Cala Bona: is south of Playa de la Mar Menuda and is characterized by its calm waters and natural beauty. It is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around Tosa de Mar?

1. Lloret de Mar, the neighboring town

Loret de Mar is a lively municipality located only 20 minutes away by car. This usual tourist destination is famous for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife. Some of the most famous beaches where to relax and sunbathe are Playa de Fenals and Playa de Lloret, but there are also other things to do, such as visiting the Gardens of Santa Clotilde, the Museum of the Sea or the Church of Sant Roma, among many other points of interest.

From Tosa de Mar you can get there by car in 20 minutes, and by bus in 30 minutes for less than 3€. Another option is to take a cab, which will cost about 25€. In this post you can read more about Lloret de Mar: What to see and do in Lloret de Mar?

2. Girona, the medieval provincial capital

In the heart of Catalonia and only 45 minutes away by car lies Girona, the capital of the province and a city with a rich history and beautiful architecture that captivates visitors. Its old town of cobblestone streets and colorful houses will transport you back to medieval times. In the city you cannot miss the Girona Cathedral and the walls surrounding the city and where you can walk. We also recommend you to walk along the Onyar river and cross its beautiful bridges that give a unique charm to the city. If you want to know more about Girona visit this post: What to see and do in Girona?

What to see in 1 day in Tosa de Mar?

In Tosa de Mar you can spend a day or eternity enjoying the climate and Mediterranean cuisine. And all that while relaxing on its incredible beaches of crystal clear waters surrounded by cliffs. If you go one day you can do everything we have mentioned before; stroll through the historic center, visit the castle, relax on the beach and enjoy the local gastronomy. And if you decide to extend your stay, there are many charming beaches and coves to visit, hiking trails and villages in the surroundings. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to love this town.

Where and what to eat in Tosa de Mar?

In Tosa de Mar, besides tasting typical Catalan dishes and exquisite rice, you can please your senses with fresh fish of the best quality. Some of the most typical dishes of the area are the suquet de peix, rice a la cassola or anchovies. Here we leave you a selection with our favorite restaurants in town, where we recommend you to you treat yourself with a good meal.

• Tapas del mar: is a restaurant located in front of the sea where you can eat fish and seafood of the best quality. It offers menu and menu and you can eat luxury for less than 40 €.
•  Restaurant La Placeta: is one of the most famous restaurants in the area for the quality of its rice and fish and seafood dishes. They offer both menu and a la carte.
• La Lluna: is a simple and cozy restaurant located in the interior of Tosa de Mar. Its typical Catalan cuisine is simple and delicious, definitely a place that will surprise you.

Where to stay in Tosa de Mar?

Tosa de Mar is a common summer destination. So you can choose from options such as hotels, apartments, cottages or campsites. We recommend booking well in advance if you want to find something economical. Otherwise you will have no options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

• Mana Mana Youth Hostel: It is one of the cheapest options to stay. It is a simple but clean and friendly hostel located less than 40 meters from the beach. It offers shared areas such as kitchen, terrace, chill out area and has a bar, as well as video games and board games. The price of a bunk bed is around 25€ and breakfast costs 5€.
• Hotel Don Juan Tossa: this cozy four-star hotel is a perfect choice to stay with the family as it has animation service. It also has a rooftop pool, restaurant, and ping pong and pool tables. The price per night starts at €60 and breakfast costs €10.
• Hotel Capri: If you want good views this is your hotel. It is right in front of the beach and has a terrace and restaurant. The price per night starts at 70€ and breakfast costs 9€.

How to get to Tosa de Mar?

The easiest way to get there is by car. However, there are other options to consider if you do not have your own vehicle, although it will take considerably longer to arrive.

• Airplane: the closest airport to Tosa de Mar is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), which is about 40 kilometers away. From the airport you can take a cab, bus or rent a car to get to Tosa de Mar.
• Train: the municipality does not have its own train station, so the closest option is Blanes station, which is about 15 kilometers away. From there, you can take a cab or bus that will take you directly to Tosa de Mar.
• Bus: there are bus services that connect Tosa de Mar with nearby cities such as Barcelona, Girona and Blanes. In summer the frequency increases quite a lot. From Barcelona the journey will cost you from 15€ and from Girona about 6€.
• Car: is the most practical option. Tosa de Mar is well connected by road and has parking lots available in the village.

Once in the village you can move on foot without problems since there are no long distances. Another advantage of taking your own vehicle is that you can explore the surrounding area and nearby coves.

What should I consider before traveling to Tosa de Mar?

• The best time to travel to Tosa de Mar is in May, June and September, when the weather is good and there are fewer tourists.
• You can get around on foot in the village.
• Catalonia is a very touristy region, so booking in advance is recommended.
• Catalan is spoken in the region, but you will be perfectly understood in Spanish.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured
• It is recommended to go in low season or get up early if you go during the summer to be able to park and see the town without overcrowding.
• The tap water is drinkable but does not taste good, so it is recommended to buy bottled water.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Tosa de Mar

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers things to do in Tosa de Mar.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Tosa de Mar