We finally made it to Tossa de Mar! We’d wanted to see it for so long that it felt like it was playing hard to get. The Costa Brava amazes us every time we come back: we’ve lived in the area twice, two months in Portbou in 2018 and four months in Lloret de Mar in 2020, and we always jot down new places so we have an excuse to return. This time we were passing through for a few weeks, and Tossa stole our hearts.
In this guide we share the best things to do in Tossa de Mar, where to park and how to get there, with info updated for 2026.
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Summary: things to do in Tossa de Mar
| Category | Key details |
|---|---|
| Must-sees | The walled Vila Vella, the lighthouse, the Ava Gardner statue, Platja Gran and Es Codolar |
| Free | The Vila Vella, open 24 hours |
| How long | Half a day or a full day |
| Getting there | Bus from Barcelona (~1 h 20 min) or from Lloret (20 min) |
| Parking | Paid car parks; the cheapest are in the upper part of town |
1. The Vila Vella, the walled old town
Tossa’s crown jewel: an early 13th-century walled enclosure on a hill by the sea, a national monument since 1931. You can walk along its walls, towers and tree-lined paths, with stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean. It’s open 24 hours a day, all year round, and it’s free. We loved it: not to be missed.
2. Tossa Lighthouse
At the top of the Vila Vella stands the lighthouse, built in 1917, which today is a museum about the history of maritime signals. A ticket costs €3 (€1.50 reduced) and it opens from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.
3. The Ava Gardner statue
On the Vila Vella promenade you’ll find the statue of Ava Gardner, by Ció Abellí, which remembers the film the actress shot in Tossa. Another classic photo of the town.
4. Platja Gran
The main beach, 370 metres long, with the Vila Vella as a backdrop: a postcard. It has a Blue Flag, full services and accessibility, and glass-bottom boats leave from here for Cala Giverola.
5. La Mar Menuda
A smaller, quieter beach (160 metres), also with a Blue Flag and lifeguards, ideal for swimming and renting water sports gear.
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6. Es Codolar cove
A tiny cove (33 metres) at the foot of the Vila Vella’s Torre des Codolar, which you reach on foot down a flight of steps. It’s the end of the southern Camí de Ronda and a great spot for snorkelling.
7. The old town
Outside the walls, the old town is a maze of cobbled streets, old buildings and charming squares. Get lost along Carrer del Socors, Carrer de les Flors and Carrer de la Roqueta.
8. The seafront promenade
A lovely place to stroll, soak up the sun and enjoy the views, lined with restaurants, bars and shops.
9. The Camí de Ronda
The coastal path links Tossa with Lloret de Mar: it’s about 12 km with demanding climbs and descents, but with beautiful coves and cliffs. If you don’t want to do the whole thing, walk one section.
10. A guided tour of Tossa
There’s no free tour in Tossa, but if you’d like to learn the history of the Vila Vella with a guide, there’s a guided walking tour in English:
Where to park in Tossa de Mar
There are several paid public car parks. According to the official 2025 map, the ones next to Platja Gran cost around €38–40 per day, and in the upper part of town there are options for about €9–12 per day (prices may change).
We found a free spot on Avinguda de Catalunya, next to the Riera de Tossa (the town’s seasonal stream), just a few blocks from the beach. Heads up: it isn’t marked as a car park on the official map, so check the signs carefully.
How to get to Tossa de Mar
From Barcelona: Moventis line 2 leaves from Estació del Nord and from the airport, and takes around 1 h 20 min.
From Lloret de Mar: about 20 minutes by bus, for €2.80.
If you want to explore the Costa Brava at your own pace, a car is the most practical option.
Where to stay in Tossa de Mar
Tossa is small: anywhere near the beach or the old town puts everything within walking distance.
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FAQ: things to do in Tossa de Mar
Is it free to visit the Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar?
Yes: the walled town is open 24 hours a day, all year round, and admission is free. Only the lighthouse museum charges a ticket (€3).
Where can you park in Tossa de Mar?
There are several paid car parks: the ones closest to the beach cost around €38–40 per day, and in the upper part of town there are options for about €9–12 per day. We found a free spot on Avinguda de Catalunya, next to the riera (the seasonal stream), but the official map doesn’t show any free car park.
How do you get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona?
On Moventis line 2, which leaves from Estació del Nord and from the airport; the journey takes around 1 h 20 min.
How do you get from Lloret to Tossa de Mar?
By bus it’s about 20 minutes and costs €2.80. On foot, along the Camí de Ronda, it’s a demanding 12 km or so.
What are the best beaches in Tossa de Mar?
Platja Gran, in front of the Vila Vella; La Mar Menuda, smaller and quieter; and the tiny Es Codolar cove, at the foot of the walls, which you reach down a flight of steps.
Conclusion: Tossa, the jewel of the Costa Brava
Tossa de Mar has everything we love about the Costa Brava: history, coves with crystal-clear water and a charming town. Climb up to the Vila Vella at sunset and then head down for a dip at Es Codolar. Dear Spain, how beautiful you are!
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