Things to Do in Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar's coastline is framed by the iconic medieval walls of the Vila Vella, giving its central bay a distinct character. The main bay beaches feature coarse Mediterranean sand and clear, deep water, providing space for swimming, paddleboarding, and boat excursions.

North of the main bay, smaller coves tucked into the rocky cliffs offer sheltered water for swimming and snorkelling:

• Cala Bona: A narrow, rocky inlet set roughly 3 km north along the coastal path, popular with snorkellers seeking Mediterranean marine life.
• Cala Pola: A protected cove with sandy shores and clear blue water, situated roughly 1 km beyond Cala Bona.
• Cala Giverola: A broader cove with turquoise water, accessible by trail or coastal road, catering to water sports and boat departures.

During peak summer months, boat services and kayak rentals operate directly from the beaches. Swimmers should note that the seabed shelves steeply compared to shallow sand flats found further south.

The landscape immediately surrounding Tossa de Mar is rugged and heavily forested with Aleppo pine, cork oak, and aromatic Mediterranean scrub such as rosemary and thyme. The coastline is traversed by the Camí de Ronda footpath network, marked with standard red-and-white trail markers.

Hikers have two primary directions:

• Northward along the Camí de Ronda: Navigates undulating clifftop paths toward Cala Bona, Cala Pola, and beyond toward Sant Feliu de Guíxols (~20 km north). The terrain involves steep climbs and uneven rocky ground, requiring sturdy footwear.
• Southward toward Lloret de Mar (~12 km south): Follows forested trails and secluded headlands, providing scenic sea viewpoints away from vehicle traffic.

Mountain biking and inland trail running are popular through the surrounding hills of the Massís de les Cadiretes, offering cool, shaded routes during spring and autumn.

The local culinary identity blends traditional Catalan inland ingredients with fresh catch from the Costa Brava. Iconic regional staples include pa amb tomàquet (crusty bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil), butifarra (Catalan pork sausage), and seafood classics like monkfish, lobster stews, and fideuà (toasted noodles cooked with fish broth and seafood).

Key dining areas and local establishments include:

• Vila Vella and Old Town streets: Narrow cobbled lanes host historic dining rooms like Can Sophia, known for fresh fish dishes and seafood paella, and El Romani, which serves hearty Catalan stews and grilled meats.
• Seafront Promenade: Offers waterside dining spots such as Marisquería Las Rías, focusing on grilled Mediterranean prawns, mussels, and fideuà with views of the bay.
• Tapas & Casual Bars: Establishments like Bar Don Juan offer shared plates of patatas bravas, Iberian cured ham, and regional wines, while sweet shops and bakeries serve crema catalana and artisan desserts.

For weekly fresh produce and household staples, residents rely on local grocers and open-air markets; consult the municipal tourist office for current operational market days.

Tossa de Mar has a rich cultural lineage, once dubbed the "Blue Paradise" by painter Marc Chagall in the 1930s. The historic core is defined by the 12th-century Vila Vella, the only fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast, complete with defensive cylindrical towers and the ruined Gothic church of Sant Vicenç.

Cultural landmarks and traditions include:

• Vila Vella Enclosure and Lighthouse: Walking routes lead up to the Tossa Lighthouse, built on the site of the former castle, which houses a small maritime exhibition.
• Ava Gardner Memorial: A bronze statue commemorates the filming of the 1951 Hollywood production Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, which first put the town on the international map.
• Progressive Civic History: In 1989, Tossa de Mar became the first municipality in Spain to declare itself an anti-bullfighting city.
• Local Fiestas: The town celebrates traditional Catalan festivals throughout the year with open-air sardana dances, live music, and religious processions; schedules can be confirmed with the municipal cultural agenda.

The marine environment makes Tossa de Mar a prominent centre for scuba diving on the Costa Brava. Diving shops and maritime operators offer equipment hire, PADI certification courses, and guided excursions around the rocky reefs and sea caverns flanking the bay.

Other active pursuits include:

• Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Sheltered coves make the coast suitable for sea kayaking during the calmer mornings from May to October.
• Road Cycling: The twisting GI-682 coastal highway between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols is internationally famous among road cyclists for its technical curves, sharp climbs, and sea vistas.
• Municipal Athletics: Community courts and fitness groups operate through local associations, though large indoor leisure centres require travelling to neighbouring towns.

Tossa de Mar provides a quiet base from which to explore the broader Girona province and lower Costa Brava:

• Lloret de Mar (~12 km south): Provides larger supermarkets, extensive sports infrastructure, commercial retail chains, and busier leisure facilities.
• Sant Feliu de Guíxols (~20 km north): Accessed via the scenic cliff road, offering an active fishing port, cultural arts festivals, and a broader year-round high street.
• Blanes (~20 km south): Home to the regional hospital (Hospital Comarcal de la Selva) and the nearest coastal railway terminus linking directly to Barcelona.
• Girona (~45 km inland): The provincial capital features high-speed AVE rail links, historic Jewish Quarter quarters, extensive shopping districts, and Hospital Josep Trueta.

The contrast between high summer and the off-season is significant in Tossa de Mar. From June to September, the town bustles with international holidaymakers, beach bars operate at full capacity, and traffic along the narrow approach roads increases noticeably.

Between November and March, the resident population of 6,347 reclaims the streets. Many tourist-focused restaurants, souvenir shops, and waterside bars close for the winter. However, essential services—including the local primary care centre (CAP), municipal administrative offices, primary schools, and core food markets—remain open year-round. Expats living here full-time appreciate the tranquil winter atmosphere, though a private car is essential to access larger commercial centres when local trade slows down.

Tossa de Mar is ideal for relocators who prize architectural charm, stunning coastal scenery, and a close-knit seaside community over energetic nightlife and fast transport links. Living here requires accepting the reality of winding road access, the absence of a local train station, and quiet winter months when seasonal businesses shutter. For retirees, remote professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who value scenic hiking, clean waters, and authentic Catalan culture, Tossa offers an authentic and visually spectacular home on the Costa Brava.

• Where to Eat in Tossa de Mar: A Foodie's Guide (Club Villamar)
• Ultimate Tossa de Mar Guide: What to See, Eat & Do (Near and Far Explorers)
• A local's guide to Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava (Unexpected Catalonia)
• Oficina de Turisme de Tossa de Mar – Tossa, Paradís Blau (Oficina de Turisme de Tossa de Mar)
• Tourism in Tossa de Mar. What to see. Tourist information (Turespaña (spain.info))