Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona: Complete Guide
Are you looking for the perfect day trip from Barcelona that combines beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and a stunning medieval castle by the sea? Look no further than Tossa de Mar!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve personally been to Tossa de Mar, and it’s one of my favorite nearby escapes along the Costa Brava.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona, including how to get there, the best things to do, and how to make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re after scenic walks, a taste of the local cuisine, or simply a break from the city’s pace, you’ll find all the practical tips you need right here. Let’s get into it!
Is Tossa de Mar Worth Visiting?
Tossa de Mar is definitely worth visiting not just for its breathtaking views, but for the unique blend of history and culture it offers.
You can stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, where every corner reveals charming shops, delightful cafes, and stunning medieval architecture that feels like stepping back in time.
But the real highlight is the iconic Tossa de Mar Castle, one of the best castles in Spain that overlooks the glistening Mediterranean Sea. It’s the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Plus, Tossa de Mar has some of the best beaches and secluded coves on the Costa Brava, where you can relax, take a dip, or participate in a variety of water sports.
Trust me, this beautiful coastal town is one of the best day trips from Barcelona and is a really cute and picturesque place to visit!
How to Get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona
Tossa de Mar is located about 63 miles (102 km) northeast of Barcelona. Here are the best ways to get there:
By Car
If you have a rental car, the easiest way to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona is by driving. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there and is a fairly easy drive.
There are some winding roads but it’s not too difficult to navigate. Once you arrive, parking is available in the downtown area.
By Bus
If you don’t have a car, the best way to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona is by taking the Moventis bus from the Barcelona Estació del Nord station.
This is personally what I did–it’s a very comfortable bus and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes each way.
Tickets can be purchased on the Moventis website, on Omio, or directly from the train station. The Moventis website is only in Spanish and Catalan so if you don’t speak those languages, I’d recommend purchasing your bus tickets on Omio.
The departing station is Barcelona, Estació d’Autobusos Nord and the arrival station is Tossa de Mar, Estación de Autobuses. Make sure to select the one leaving from “Barcelona, Estació d’Autobusos Nord” as there are some buses leaving from Barcelona airport.
If you buy tickets at the train station, you’ll need to go up to the second level to the Moventis counter to purchase your tickets.
Tickets cost around 13-14€ each way and it’s a direct bus to Tossa de Mar. I’d recommend purchasing a round-trip ticket because the return buses fill up quickly.
Once you arrive to Tossa de Mar, it’s only about a 10 minute walk from the bus station to the beach and town center.
By Train
Another option to get to Tossa de Mar is by taking the R1 train to Blanes, but I really wouldn’t recommend this because you still have to take a bus from Blanes to Tossa de Mar.
Book a Tour
If you’d rather not deal with transportation logistics, there are also several Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar that you can book.
These tours typically include transportation and a guided tour of the town, making it a convenient option if you prefer a more organized experience.
Here are some of the top-rated Tossa de Mar tours from Barcelona:
- Costa Brava Day Trip with Boat Trip from Barcelona
- Tossa de Mar: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Paella from Barcelona
- Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar Private Tour, Hotel Pick-Up & Boat Ride
Things to Do in Tossa de Mar
Here are some of the best things to do in Tossa de Mar:
Explore the Tossa de Mar Castle
By far, the highlight of visiting Tossa de Mar is exploring the iconic Tossa de Mar Castle.
This medieval fortress is one of the best castles near Barcelona, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town and sea, making for some spectacular views.
And what’s cool is that the Old Town is enclosed within the castle walls so you’ll be strolling through charming restaurants, bars, and shops while exploring the castle grounds.
There’s even a bar at the top of the castle called Mare Meva where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in a panoramic view of the area.
Stroll Through the Streets of the Old Town
As mentioned earlier, the charming streets of Tossa de Mar’s Old Town (Vila Vella) are a must-see. It’s kind of an uphill climb but it’s worth it for the picturesque views!
Take your time strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture from the middle ages, alongside quaint shops and restaurants.
You can stop for a coffee, drink, or a delicious meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the Old Town.
Relax on the Tossa de Mar Beaches
Tossa de Mar has several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, each with its own unique features.
Platja Gran (Playa Grande) is the main beach, located right next to the Old Town and offering amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as water sports and activities.
For a more secluded and quieter experience, head to Platja del Codolar. This is a secluded cove on the other side of the castle and you can get to it by climbing through a small hole in the stone walls!
We were planning to go here but unfortunately it started raining pretty hard so we didn’t get to spend too much time at the beach.
Have Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Being a coastal town, Tossa de Mar is known for its delicious seafood. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some freshly caught and cooked seafood at one of the many local restaurants in town.
We had lunch at Restaurant La Placeta, which is right inside the castle walls. I ordered a fideua paella, which is one of the most famous Catalan foods to try.
It’s basically like paella but with short noodles instead of rice and it was really delicious! No matter which spot you choose, you can’t go wrong with seafood in Tossa de Mar.
Go Shopping in the Town Center
Next to the beach at the base of the castle, you’ll find the town center of Tossa de Mar. Here, you can shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home with you.
This area is a bit more touristy but there are still some cute shops to peruse for souvenirs. I really liked Lamare Shop–they sell colorful posters, jewelry, and accessories with a unique twist.
Go Snorkeling, Kayaking, or Take a Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If you’re up for a water adventure, Tossa de Mar offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, or even taking a glass bottom boat ride to discover the marine life in the area.
You can book tours at one of the many water sports companies located on the main beach. It’s a great way to get out on the water and experience the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Hike the Camí de Ronda Trail
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try hiking along the Camí de Ronda, which is a beautiful coastal trail that runs along the Costa Brava, including Tossa de Mar.
The trails along the rocky cliffs will take you to beautiful coves and beaches where you can discover some secrets spots of Costa Brava.
I didn’t get a chance to do this but I could spot some hikers along the cliffs and the views looked incredible! Plus, you’ll be rewarded with a swim in the hidden coves.
Places to Eat in Tossa de Mar
There’s a ton of cute restaurants in Tossa de Mar so it won’t be hard to find a nice place to eat. I’d recommend choosing a place in the Old Town as the restaurants along the beach were a bit more touristy.
Here are a few recommendations of where to eat in Tossa de Mar:
- La Placeta: I had lunch at this upscale Mediterranean restaurant right inside the castle walls and it was really delicious! I ordered the mixed fideua paella, which was excellent. The paellas are made for one person, however there is plenty for two!
- Restaurant Santa Marta: This is another top-rated Mediterranean restaurant with grilled seafood and paella dishes. It has a nice ambiance with rustic decor and wood-beamed ceilings.
- Portal Restaurant: This is a Spanish restaurant serving traditional tapas with a twist. Try to get a table on the second level terrace overlooking the town.
- Can Gol: This is a cute Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant inside the Old Town. I had some sangria and dessert here. While I didn’t love the sangria, the cheesecake and crema Catalana were delicious!
- Mare Meva: Situated on the top of the castle, this bar has some amazing views and is a great place to take a break and grab a drink while walking around.
Best Time to Visit Tossa de Mar
The best time to visit Tossa de Mar is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warmest and most pleasant for beach activities. However, this also means it will be peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in May or September when the weather is still pleasant but with fewer tourists.
During the winter months, Tossa de Mar can get a bit chilly and many businesses may close down for the season. So if you want to experience everything this charming town has to offer, plan your trip between May and September.
How Much Time to Spend in Tossa de Mar
If you’re coming from Barcelona, I’d recommend leaving as early as possible so you can have a full day to experience Tossa de Mar.
I left Barcelona on the bus around 9:45AM and returned on the bus at 5:40PM. This will give you plenty of time to walk around, have lunch, and spend some time at the beach.
Tips for Taking a Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona
Follow these tips to make the most of your Barcelona day trip to Tossa de Mar:
- Book round-trip bus tickets: The return buses from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona fill up quickly so I’d definitely recommend purchasing round-trip tickets. That way you won’t get stuck in Tossa de Mar.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray: It can get really hot and sunny when walking around Tossa de Mar so bring some sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. Also, the mosquitos were pretty pesky around the castle so bring along some bug spray as well.
- Pack an umbrella: Bring along a compact travel umbrella in case of sudden rain storms. When I was there, it started pouring down rain and I had forgotten my umbrella!
- Bring water shoes: The beaches in Tossa de Mar can be a bit rocky so bring along a pair of water shoes to keep your feet comfortable in the water.
- Don’t forget your bathing suit and beach towel: One of the best parts of visiting Tossa de Mar is being able to relax on the beach. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and a lightweight travel towel so you can soak up some sun and take a dip in the sea.
Tossa de Mar Day Trip: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Tossa de Mar:
How far is Tossa de Mar from Barcelona?
Tossa de Mar is located about 63 miles (102 km) northeast of Barcelona, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
Does Tossa de Mar have a train station?
No, Tossa de Mar doesn’t have a train station. The closest train station is in Blanes, which is about 30 minutes away.
How often do the buses leave Barcelona for Tossa de Mar?
In the busy summer months, buses typically leave every hour. If you’re visiting in the off season, they might only run a few times per day. Make sure to check the schedules on the Moventis website or Omio before planning your trip.
Is Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar better?
I personally like Tossa de Mar better because it’s smaller and more quaint than Lloret de Mar. Plus, you have the castle and the charming Old Town. Lloret de Mar has a more touristy, party vibe.
Can you swim at Tossa de Mar?
Yes, you can swim at Tossa de Mar’s beaches. The water is clear and the beaches are well-maintained. Just be aware that some beaches have rocky areas, so it’s best to wear water shoes.
Is Tossa de Mar crowded?
Tossa de Mar can be a bit crowded depending on the season. Summer months tend to be more crowded, whereas visiting in the off-season can offer a quieter experience. It’s best to visit during weekdays if you want to avoid crowds.
Is Tossa de Mar touristy?
Tossa de Mar has some touristy areas but overall, it has a more authentic and laid-back vibe compared to other popular coastal towns in the area.
Final Thoughts: Tossa de Mar Day Trip from Barcelona
I hope this guide has inspired you to plan a day trip from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. It’s honestly one of my favorite towns in Costa Brava along the Mediterranean coast and definitely worth visiting!
The Tossa de Mar castle, beautiful beaches, and charming Old Town make for a perfect day trip destination.
Just remember to book your round-trip bus tickets in advance and pack some sunscreen, bug spray, and water shoes for a comfortable experience.
Have fun exploring Tossa de Mar!
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