Costa Brava
Costa Brava blends dramatic cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, medieval villages, and the surreal world of Salvador Dalí into one of Spain's most rewarding family destinations.
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🇪🇸Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines a real medieval fortress, pristine beaches, hidden coves, and great Catalan food into one of the Costa Brava's best family destinations.
Your family guide
Tossa de Mar with kids: castle & coves
“A medieval fortress town with ramparts to explore and impossibly blue water below. Tossa de Mar gets the castle-meets-beach combination right.”
— San & Jo
Tossa de Mar is one of those places that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The turquoise water, the golden beach, and the ancient walled fortress rising above it all make for a first impression that's hard to forget. This small Costa Brava town has been drawing artists, travellers, and dreamers since the 1930s, and it is easy to see why.
What makes Tossa special for families is how effortlessly it combines everything you want in one place. Your kids get pristine beaches and calm coves perfect for snorkelling. You get medieval history, coastal hiking trails, and some genuinely excellent food. The town is compact and walkable, the pace is relaxed, and there is always something to discover just around the next cobbled corner.
Tossa de Mar sits within the Cadiretes natural park area, so the scenery beyond the beach is just as rewarding. Whether your family loves being in the water, exploring old ruins, or simply wandering through a lively market, this little corner of Catalonia delivers every single day.
Costa BravaCatalonia, Spain
June to SeptemberBest season
Mid-rangePrice level
Best things to do
Best things to do in Tossa de Mar
Explore Vila Vella, the walled old town
Vila Vella is the only surviving fortified medieval town on the entire Catalan coast, and walking its cobbled streets is genuinely impressive. Seven towers, ancient walls, and sweeping sea views make this a highlight for every age. The Gothic Sant Vicenç church inside dates to the 15th century and is well worth a peek.
Visit at dusk when the walls are illuminated over the bay
1-2 hours
Swim and play at Platja Gran
Tossa's main beach is postcard-perfect, with calm turquoise water and the Vila Vella fortress as your backdrop. The gentle slope into the sea makes it great for paddling, and there is plenty of space to set up for the day. Arrive before 10am in peak season to claim a good spot.
The northern end of the beach is slightly less crowded
Half day
Walk the Camí de Ronda coastal trail
This scenic coastal path winds through pine forests scented with rosemary and thyme, connecting hidden coves along the coast. Marked with red and white signs, it is traffic-free and genuinely beautiful. Families with older children will love the views and the sense of adventure.
The stretch north towards Cala Bona is the most rewarding section
2-4 hours
Snorkel at Cala Bona
This hidden cove north of the town centre is only reachable on foot, which means it stays quieter than the main beach. The clear water is excellent for snorkelling, and the rocky seabed is full of marine life. Bring your own snorkel gear or pick some up in town.
The walk in takes about 20 minutes from the town centre
2-3 hours
Take a glass-bottomed boat tour
Glass-bottomed boat tours depart from Tossa's harbour and give you a view of the seabed without getting wet. Kids are completely transfixed watching fish and rocks pass beneath their feet. It is one of the easiest and most memorable activities the town offers.
Morning departures tend to have the clearest water visibility
1 hour
Visit the Roman ruins at Els Ametllers
These Roman villa ruins sit on a hillside by the sea and mark the original founding site of Tossa de Mar. The site gives older children a tangible connection to the town's deep history, and the setting with sea views is genuinely impressive. Entry is affordable and the site is compact.
Combine with a walk up to the lighthouse for a great morning out
45 minutes
Walk up to the 1917 lighthouse
The Tossa de Mar Lighthouse was built in 1917, stands 10 metres high, and is a national historical monument. The walk up rewards you with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline. It is a short detour that most families can manage easily.
Great spot for a family photo with the coast stretching out behind you
30 minutes
Browse the Thursday market
Tossa's weekly Thursday market fills the town centre with stalls selling local produce, clothing, and crafts. It is a lovely way to spend a morning, pick up some Catalan snacks, and soak up everyday local life. Kids enjoy the buzz and there is usually ice cream nearby.
Go early for the best produce and before the crowds build up
1 hour
Our verdict
How Tossa de Mar scores for families
Kids
Calm beaches, boat trips, snorkelling, and a real castle to explore. Tossa keeps children genuinely engaged from morning to evening.
Culture
Medieval walls, Roman ruins, a Gothic church, and a rich artistic history make Tossa one of the most culturally layered beach towns on the Costa Brava.
Food
From Michelin-starred dining to fresh seafood terraces and classic Catalan staples, the food scene here punches well above its size.
Nature
The Camí de Ronda trail and Cadiretes natural park give families real access to unspoilt coastal and mountain scenery right on the doorstep.
Budget
Mid-range overall. Beaches and walking are free, but accommodation and restaurants in peak season reflect the town's popularity.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Tossa de Mar?
1
1 day
Quick visit
Walk Vila Vella, swim at Platja Gran, and grab lunch on a terrace. You will see the highlights but feel a little rushed.
sweet spot
3
3 days
Sweet spot
Enough time for the beach, the old town, a boat trip, a cove hike, and a proper sit-down seafood dinner. This is how most families get the most out of Tossa.
5
5 days
Deep dive
Add the Roman ruins, a 4x4 inland tour, kayaking, and a day trip to a nearby Catalan winery. You will leave feeling like you really know the place.
Fun facts
Things to know about Tossa de Mar
Hollywood came to Tossa
Actress Ava Gardner filmed Pandora and the Flying Dutchman here in 1951, and the town loved her so much they put up a statue in her honour. Your kids can find it and strike the same pose.
Pirate watchtowers on the coast
In the 16th century, King Philip II ordered defensive watchtowers to be built along this stretch of coastline to protect against raids by North African pirates. Some of those towers are still standing today.
A town that saved 70 children
During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, a British couple running a local hotel sheltered 70 refugee children and personally drove them to safety in France. It is one of the most remarkable stories you have probably never heard.
Taste Tossa de Mar
What to eat with your family in Tossa de Mar
Cim i tomba
Must tryRestaurant Can Pini
This is Tossa's signature dish and you should not leave without trying it. It is a slow-cooked fisherman's stew with rock fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, finished with allioli. Rich, warming, and completely unique to this stretch of coast.
Pa amb tomàquet
Kids love itAny local bar or restaurant in town
Bread rubbed with ripe tomato and drizzled with olive oil is the Catalan snack that appears on almost every table. Kids take to it immediately, it is cheap, and it goes with everything.
Fideuà
Local favouriteRestaurant Can Pini
Think paella but made with short noodles instead of rice, cooked with seafood and served with allioli on the side. It is a Catalan classic that is slightly more interesting than plain rice dishes and tends to be a hit with curious eaters.
Classical Catalan tasting menu
Safe choiceLa Cuina de Can Simón
If you are after a special night out while the kids are in bed, La Cuina de Can Simón holds a Michelin star and uses exceptional local ingredients with contemporary techniques. It is a treat worth planning ahead for.
Gelat (Catalan ice cream)
Daily treatVarious parlours along the main promenade
The town centre is dotted with ice cream parlours, and a gelat after a morning at the beach has become a non-negotiable family ritual for most visitors. Try the local fruit flavours for something a little different.
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