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Tossa de Mar is one of the Costa Brava's most recognisable towns, in the comarca of La Selva. Its defining sight is Vila Vella, the walled enclosure crowning the headland above Platja Gran—the only one of its kind still standing on the Catalan coast.
It's a small town that you can explore on foot, surrounded by coves reached by trails or winding roads. Here, we explain which area is right for you and which places to stay we select one by one.
How to choose an area
Almost all the accommodation is around the bay, although there are villas and a mountain stay outside the town:
- Vila Vella and Platja Gran: the heart of town, with the promenade, shopping streets and most of the hotels.
- Mar Menuda and la Bauma: the northern end of the bay, with more sheltered beaches and a more residential feel, a short walk from the centre.
- Sant Grau d'Ardenya: the inland hills, for those who prefer a pool, peace and quiet, and travelling by car.
- The coastal developments: villas and houses with pools dotted near coves such as Cap de Bou and Llorell, suited to families and groups.
If you're travelling without a car, stay in the centre: parking is difficult in summer and almost all parking is paid. The outskirts are a better choice for longer stays.
Where to Stay in Tossa de Mar: Our Picks
We've selected six places to stay with different features: hotels in the centre a short walk from the beach, two adults-only options, a bed and breakfast in the hills, and a villa for groups.
Tarull
A simple, well-located two-star hotel, 250 m from Platja Gran and close to the castle. Its best feature is the sun terrace with panoramic views over the town; the air-conditioned double and triple rooms suit couples or groups of three. Breakfast is not included, and private parking costs extra.
Mamma Mia Hotel Boutique - Only Adults
Adults only and 200 m from Platja Gran, it has a rooftop pool for switching between the sea and a dip without leaving the hotel. The rooms have balconies, and continental breakfast costs extra. If you arrive by car, nearby parking is paid and must be reserved.
Boutique Hotel Casa Granados
A four-star hotel in a restored 19th-century mansion, right in the centre and 100 m from Platja Gran. It has a garden, an outdoor pool, a seasonal restaurant and 24-hour room service. There is no parking, and none of the rooms accommodates more than two people.
Hotel Windsor Tossa - Adults Only 16
A three-star hotel in the centre, among shops and restaurants, 150 m from Platja Gran, with a pool and a terrace with sun loungers. It's aimed at adults, with rooms for two or three people; guests under 18 may stay only with a parent or guardian. The buffet breakfast isn't always included in the rate, and parking is paid and must be reserved.
La Roqueta Hotel
The mountain option: a bed and breakfast in Sant Grau d'Ardenya, with a garden, an outdoor pool and free private parking with no reservation required. Cala Salionç and Giverola are about 2 km away, but the castle is almost 5 km away, so you'll need a car. The rooms are compact, ranging from 12 to 20 m², and Wi-Fi doesn't reach them all.
Boutique Villa Panorama
For large families or groups: an entire villa with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a private pool, garden, barbecue, hot tub and equipped kitchen, 100 m from Cap de Bou beach. Pets are allowed and parking is free. Payment is by bank transfer before arrival, a cash deposit is required, and parties are not allowed.
What to see in Tossa de Mar
Start your visit in Vila Vella: enter through the town gate and climb past cobbled streets, towers and the ruins of the Gothic church to the lighthouse, with views across the bay. Inside the walls is a statue of Ava Gardner, star of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (1951), which was filmed in the town.
The Museu Municipal, also within the walls, houses The Celestial Violinist, which Chagall painted during his stay in Tossa. In the newer part of town, you can visit the remains of the Roman villa dels Ametllers. From autumn 2026, three towers in the walls (ses Hores, des Codolar and d'en Joanàs) are being reinforced; if any are still covered in scaffolding, you can still follow the same route around Vila Vella.
As well as Platja Gran and Mar Menuda, there's Es Codolar, at the foot of the town walls. To the north, the coastal path leads to Cala Pola and Giverola, clear-water coves among the pines.
When to visit Tossa de Mar
July and August are the busiest months; May, June and September are best for combining swimming and walks. Some places to stay close in winter.
The summer festival centres on Sant Pere, patron saint of fishermen, on 29 June, with a mass, a procession along the beach, sardanes and a festival of rumba and Catalan music. Every year on 20 January, the Pelegrí of Tossa walks about 40 km to Santa Coloma de Farners to fulfil a vow to Sant Sebastià that dates back to the 16th century.
How to get there and get around
Tossa has no train station. There are direct buses from Barcelona, about 100 km away, and in summer the route connecting the city with Lloret and Tossa can run every 10 or 15 minutes. Girona is 38 km away, and Girona-Costa Brava Airport is about 40 km away.
By car, you can get there via Lloret or along the GI-682, the coastal road that winds for 22 km between Tossa and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with viewpoints over the coves. In town, it's best to get around on foot. See all the places to stay on our Tossa de Mar hotels page.
Tossa de Mar is part of our guide to where to stay in Catalonia. If you're continuing along the Costa Brava, to the south you'll find where to stay in Lloret de Mar, and to the north, where to stay in Roses and where to stay in Cadaqués.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions when planning a stay in Tossa de Mar.
What is the best area to stay in Tossa de Mar?
For most people, it's the centre, between Vila Vella and Platja Gran: the beach, promenade, restaurants and town walls are just a few minutes' walk away, and many of the hotels are there. Mar Menuda, at the northern end of the bay, is a little quieter. If you're travelling by car and want peace and quiet, the Sant Grau d'Ardenya hills or the villas on the outskirts offer pools and space.
How do you get to Tossa de Mar without a car?
Tossa has no train, so the bus is your best option. There are direct buses from Barcelona, about 100 km away, and in summer the route connecting the city with Lloret and Tossa can run every 10 or 15 minutes. Once there, you can easily explore the centre, town beaches and Vila Vella on foot.
Are there adults-only hotels in Tossa de Mar?
Yes. This guide includes two: Mamma Mia Hotel Boutique, which is adults only, with a rooftop pool and Platja Gran 200 m away, and Hotel Windsor Tossa, right in the centre, aimed at adults and featuring a pool and terrace. At the latter, guests under 18 may stay only with a parent or guardian. If you're travelling with children, check the age policy before making a reservation.
Is it easy to park in Tossa de Mar?
Not particularly in summer, especially in July and August: the centre has narrow streets, and hotels near Platja Gran tend to offer paid parking nearby that must be reserved in advance; Casa Granados, for example, has no parking of its own. If you need a car for your trip, places on the outskirts such as La Roqueta and Boutique Villa Panorama include free parking.
When is the best time to visit Tossa de Mar?
From June to September, the sea is warmer and everything is open, although July and August are very busy. May, June and September are the best-balanced months for combining the beach with the coastal path. The Sant Pere festival takes place in late June, with a procession along the beach. Some places to stay close in winter, so check opening dates before planning your trip.
