Costa Brava Day Trip: Tossa de Mar Beach from Barcelona

  • 9hDuration
  • English, SpanishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration9 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtBarcelona
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Day Trip from Barcelona

Costa Brava Beach Trip from Barcelona

Discover the pearl of the Costa Brava in a single unforgettable day.


A Costa Brava day trip to Tossa de Mar offers a rare combination of medieval heritage, dramatic cliff scenery, and crystalline Mediterranean beaches within easy reach of Barcelona. This guided excursion covers the highlights of one of Spain's most celebrated coastal towns in just nine hours. The journey is rated easy, making it well suited for a wide range of travellers.

Tossa de Mar earned its reputation as the pearl of the Costa Brava through a combination of natural beauty and layered history. The fortified Vila Vella, declared a national artistic monument in 1931, crowns the headland with towers and walls that have defined the town's silhouette for centuries. Beneath those ramparts, the traditional fishing quarter of Sa Roqueta still carries the relaxed atmosphere of a working coastal village.

The guided walking portion of the visit traces the fortified perimeter from the beach up to the lighthouse, rewarding visitors with sweeping views of the coastline before descending through the narrow lanes and stone houses of the Old Town. After the guided segment, the remainder of the day is free for exploring beaches, trying water activities, or discovering local restaurants. The return journey to Barcelona is included, making the logistics entirely straightforward.

Tour Highlights

Walk the medieval walls of Vila Vella, a nationally protected monument that has defined Tossa de Mar for over seven centuries.

Reach the lighthouse at the top of the fortified headland for panoramic views stretching along the rugged Costa Brava coastline.

Enjoy free time on three distinct beaches, including La Playa Grande, ranked among the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic in 2013.

Access kayak, paddle surf, and snorkelling rentals at La Playa de la Mar Menuda, a sheltered cove with calm, shallow water.

Explore the fishermen's quarter of Sa Roqueta and the boutique shops lining the typical streets of the old town centre.

Sample Mediterranean cuisine at restaurants ranging from sea-view terraces to intimate spots tucked inside the historic fishing neighbourhood.

Travel in comfort on a direct round-trip motorway coach from Barcelona Nord, with no connections or transfers required.

Itinerary

1
Departure from Barcelona Nord

Gather at Barcelona Nord bus station ahead of the scheduled morning departure. The coach takes the motorway south, reaching Tossa de Mar in approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

2
Guided Walk: Beach to Lighthouse

A guided walking tour of roughly 45 minutes begins at the beach and follows the fortified perimeter wall up to the lighthouse. From the summit, visitors enjoy an unobstructed panorama of the Costa Brava shoreline.

3
Vila Vella and Sa Roqueta

The descent leads through the cobbled alleys and stone-built houses of the medieval Old Town before finishing in the historic fishing district. This section showcases the architectural and social character that earned Tossa de Mar its national monument status.

4
Free Time: Beaches and Town

After the guided portion, visitors are free to choose between three beaches, water sports, local restaurants, or a stroll through the town's shops and markets. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available directly on the beaches.

5
Return to Barcelona

The group reconvenes for the afternoon coach back to Barcelona. Arrival at Barcelona Nord is expected approximately one and a half hours after departure from Tossa de Mar.

What Is Included

Included

  • Round-trip coach transfer from Barcelona Nord
  • Guided walking tour of Tossa de Mar (approx. 45 minutes)
  • Visit to Vila Vella and the lighthouse viewpoint
  • Walk through the Sa Roqueta fishing quarter
  • Free time at the beaches and town centre

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Water sports and activity rentals
  • Sunbed and umbrella hire
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides

Important Information

Please arrive at Barcelona Nord bus station at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Duration
The full excursion lasts approximately 9 hours including travel time in both directions. Free time in Tossa de Mar accounts for the majority of the visit after the guided walk.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the cobbled streets and the climb to the lighthouse. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a small amount of cash for meals or activity rentals.
Cancellation
Cancellation and refund terms are outlined at the time of booking. Please review the policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The guided walking route includes an uphill climb along the fortified walls to the lighthouse, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. The beach areas and town centre are largely flat and accessible.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the excursion, including during the guided walking section.

Ready to Visit the Costa Brava?

Secure your place on this full-day excursion to Tossa de Mar and experience the medieval heritage, coastal scenery, and Mediterranean beaches of the Costa Brava in a single day from Barcelona.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour depart from?▼
The tour departs from Barcelona Nord Bus Station. Participants are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled morning departure.
Is the guided walking tour mandatory?▼
The guided walk is optional and already included in the tour price. Those who prefer to skip it can begin their free time in Tossa de Mar from the moment of arrival.
Are there beaches suitable for children?▼
La Playa de la Mar Menuda is a shallower beach with calmer waters, making it particularly well suited for families with young children. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available on the main beaches.
Can I rent water sports equipment in Tossa de Mar?▼
Yes, La Playa de la Mar Menuda offers hourly rentals of kayaks and paddle surf boards, as well as the option to go snorkelling. These activities are not included in the tour price and are booked locally.
Is food included in the tour?▼
Meals and beverages are not included. Tossa de Mar has a wide range of restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine, from sea-view terraces to intimate spots in the fishing quarter and the Old Town.
How long is the travel time between Barcelona and Tossa de Mar?▼
The coach journey takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes each way via the motorway. The return trip from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona takes around the same amount of time.
Costa BravaTossa de MarDay Trip BarcelonaBeach ExcursionMedieval Old TownGuided Walking TourMediterranean CoastWater SportsVila VellaFamily FriendlyLighthouse ViewsFishing Village
Last updated: 2025-07-15 | Product ID: costa-brava-tossa-de-mar-barcelona

Departure area

The exact meeting point is on your voucher.

Activity Site

Where the experience takes place.

Gift more than a trip

Extraordinary experiences,
beautifully gifted

Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.

Offer a Gift Card
  • Instant Delivery
  • Perfect for Any Occasion
  • Give the Joy of Travel
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted

Experiences make the best gifts

You might also like