Source: Felipe Gabaldón
Tossa de Mar is an historic town situated on Spain’s Costa Brava in Catalonia. Sandwiched between the natural beauty of the region and the beach, it is a great choice for a holiday for a number of regions. Given its history and location there is a great variety of things to do to suit all kinds of tourists. Whatever your preferences when going abroad, you’re sure to find something catering to your needs here. Look through these 15 attractions and I’m certain you’ll see something for you.
1 Try Scuba Diving in the Sea
Tossa de Mar has a wide range of water activities on offer. If you’re into diving as well, the sea in this part of the world is clear and warm, perfect for scuba or even snorkelling. There is a huge variety of sea life as well, and you don’t have to venture too far from the beach to see things like seahorses and starfish. If you have a license or fancy getting yourself one, look no further.
Information
- Name: Tossasub
- Address: Avinguda Palma 17 17320, Tossa de Mar
- Price: First dive €60
- Phone: +34 972 34 30 95
- Website: http://www.tossasub.com/en/
2 Visit the Municipal Museum
If you’re after a bit of culture, then the Municipal Museum is the place for you. It houses contemporary art by both Spanish artists and artists from around the world. The building itself is old-style, so you get a visual treat before you’ve even entered. On top of that there is an archaeological section of the museum, which contains artefacts that are a couple of millennia old.
Information
- Name: Municipal Museum
- Address: Plaça Pintor Roig i Soler, 1
- Price: €3
- Opening hour: From 9am to 9pm in summer
- Holiday: Closed on Mondays
- Email: museu@tossademar.org
3 Take a Stroll around the Old Town
Source: Jorge Franganillo
The Old Town (Vila Vella) of Tossa de Mar is surrounded by the medieval walls that make this town so unique on the Costa Brava. Inside there is the castle and the museum mentioned above. The cobbled streets are home to many cafes, restaurants, and small shops, and it’s a lively place full of bustle and activity. The old town is on a hill, so you can meander up to some breathtaking views (literally if you’re not used to walking uphill). There is, however, a tourist tram that goes up as well.
Information
- Name: The Tossa de Mar Tram
- Times: Once every 30 minutes
- Website: http://www.dicotren.com/index1.html
4 Castillo de Tossa de Mar
Right at the top of the old town is the Castillo de Tossa de Mar. The castle is nearly a thousand years old, but is still in decent condition. Sticking out at the top of the hill, you don’t just get an incredible view on your approach to it, but you can also see the surrounding coast and beaches when you get to it. An added bonus is that if you’re feeling hungry after your trek, there are a number of restaurants around it to go to.
5 Chapel of Mare de Deu del Socors
The Chapel of Mare de Deu del Socors is a peaceful diversion for those interested in the areas churches and architecture. In it’s central location in the town square, it’s easy to find and a must-do for those staying in Tossa de Mar. Once inside, you can see beautiful decorations, and spend a quiet and tranquil thirty minutes or so. It is quite small, but it is definitely worth going to see. The doors are left open, so everyone is welcome.
6 Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you can’t wait to get off the land and head for the seas, then what better way to do it than with a glass bottom boat tour. There are a number of trips you can take out onto the open water with various companies in Tossa de Mar, but with this you can see what’s underneath as well. This is perfect for anyone who likes swimming, sea cruises, and is interested in the marine life of the area. This is one of the area’s more popular activities, so book while you can.
Information
- Name: Magic Boats
- Address: Platja Gran (taquilla) 17320, Tossa de Mar Girona
- Price: €20/25
- Phone: (+34) 972 34 16 24
- Email: comercial@magicboats.info
6 Take a Speed Boat Ride
Source: akj1706
If you’re looking for something a bit faster, then Tossa de Mar hosts a number of companies offering speed boat rides. This is a little bit more white knuckle than your other boat tours, and suited to anyone who enjoys water sports and living that little bit faster. As well as the open seas, there are numerous small bays, coves and caves that you can explore in the area, and it’s a great way to see the place and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Information
- Name: Splash Ocean Adventures
- Address: Passeig maritim, s/n, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Girona, Spain
- Website: http://www.splash-watersports.com/
- Phone: (+34) 662 299 360
- Email: splashadventures@yahoo.com
7 Go to a Hidden Beach
The area is famous for its hidden coves and small beaches, and Cala Bona is one such place. It’s not the easiest to access, but once you are there it’s like another world. You can find peace and quiet here, and the narrow cove gives you the feeling that you’re totally removed from the world. This would be great for a romantic day trip, or you could take your family. An added bonus is that it is a great place for snorkelling.
8 Sunbathing on One of the Areas Beaches
It wouldn’t be a holiday on the Cost Brava without spending some time working on your tan. The area has an assortment of beaches that anyone can enjoy. You have the busier beaches near the hotels such as Giverola. You also have the small coves and hidden beaches that have already been mentioned. There are beaches on stunning, rocky peninsulas such as Mar Menuda also. Whatever style you prefer, you can choose from pretty much any kind of beach in Tossa de Mar.
9 More Art at the Museo del Far de Tossa
This is another small gallery that is a nice, quiet break if the outdoor heat is getting too much. In keeping with the area’s local and historic feel, it hosts some paintings as well as Roman artefacts from the around Tossa de Mar. The building will also give you an insight into the old tradition of lighthouses in the area. It is reasonably priced, and very informative for people looking to learn about the history of the marine tradition here.
Information
- Name: Museo del Far de Tossa
- Address: Faro de Tossa, Tossa de Mar, Spain
- Price: €3
- Phone: (+34) 972 34 33 59
10 Visit the Weekly Market
Every Thursday is market day in the centre of Tossa de Mar. Stalls are set up offering food such as cakes, as well as a number of other items. You are able to buy clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and other things that would be perfect to take home as gifts for people. It is a popular event in the town, and fits in with the local culture, as well as the traditional feel of the area. There are close to 100 stalls, so you’re sure to find something of interest to you.
Information
- Name: Mercadillo de Tossa de Mar
- Address: Avinguda Pau Casals
- Time: 8.30am-1.30pm
11 Sample the Night-life
Source: Martin
As it caters heavily to the tourist industry, Tossa de Mar hosts many places to go out after dark. The town has narrow streets, and it is quite compact, so the night-life spots feel bustling and clustered. There are bars in the old town, as well as many on the sea front with beautiful views. Whether you’re more interested in a quiet, relaxed cocktail, or a more boisterous night with live music, you’ll easily find what you’re looking for. With the towns history, closeness, and amount of places to go to, it generates a good atmosphere.
12 Visit the Ermita Sant Grau d’Ardenya
Another beautiful church, the Ermita Sant Grau d’Ardenya is just as stunning outside as it is inside. Slightly bigger than the Chapel of Mare de Deu del Socors, you could wile away an hour in here easily. The interior is beautifully decorated with fantastic stained glass windows typical of Catholic churches. Go inside, have a sit down, and light a candle. After a visit here you’ll feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to move on to whatever you’ve got planned after.
Information
- Name: Ermita Sant Grau d’Ardenya
- Address: 17320 Tossa de Mar, Spain
13 Take a Walking Tour of Tossa de Mar
Walking around yourself is easy enough to do in Tossa de Mar, but if you really want to see the best sites, and learn about the locality, then why not take a guided tour given by an expert. With a walking tour you will not only see the places with the most historical significance and get a guide to the best beaches, but you will learn about the town and the local area in a way that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
Information
- Name: Tossa Tour Experience
- Address: Tossa de Mar, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Spain
- Phone (+34) 625 65 38 90
- Times: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Website: http://tossatourexperience.com/#_=_
14 Sample the Local Paella
Paella is Spain’s national dish. The seafood and rice dish has its own variation all over Spain, but probably the best place to try it is on the coast. The mix of shell fish, rice, and squeeze of lemon is delicious, and after a day swimming or snorkelling in the sea, you’ll be hungry enough to eat this filling dish. There are many restaurants dotted around Tossa de Mar serving paella.
15 Go Shopping
Source: Turol Jones
Tossa de Mar’s cobbled streets host a wide variety of shops to get both souvenirs and treats for yourself. The town has many different types of shops, from ceramics to art to clothes. If you want to find original, locally made goods then take a stroll around town, and take some time to view the different stores that Tossa de Mar has to offer.
Have a good trip and travel!
