Things to do
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Cala Giverola
Steep wooded slopes close in a deep cove of coarse sand about five kilometres north of Tossa, reached by a turning off the winding road to Sant Feliu. The water is clear and sheltered, and a holiday complex occupies the hillside above the beach. Parking is limited, so come early on summer days. Off season the cove is quiet and the beach services close.
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Cala Pola
Pines run down to a small, sheltered cove of coarse sand a few kilometres north of town, off the coast road towards Sant Feliu. The water is clear and calm on most summer days, and good for snorkelling along the rocks at either side. Parking near the cove is limited and fills early in high season. Arrive before ten or walk in on the coast path.
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Camí de Ronda
Coastguards once patrolled these cliff paths to catch tobacco smugglers, and today they link the coves either side of Tossa. Heading north, the path dips to small beaches and climbs through pine woods, with steep sections and some steps. Carry water and wear proper shoes, since shade is patchy. Walk in the morning in summer, and allow time for a swim at the coves along the way.
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Far de Tossa
White and squat, the lighthouse crowns the highest point of the Vila Vella, at the top of a short climb through the old lanes. The terrace around it looks along the cliffs and back over the town beach, and it is at its finest in the hour before sunset. An interpretation centre on Mediterranean lighthouses occupies the building, reached on foot only, up the cobbles from the beach.
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Municipal Museum
Housed in a former governor's residence inside the Vila Vella, this small museum shows the art drawn to Tossa in the 1930s, when painters from across Europe spent their summers here. Its best-known work is a Chagall canvas, alongside mosaics and finds from a nearby Roman villa. A visit takes under an hour. Check opening times before climbing up, as hours shorten outside summer.
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Platja Gran de Tossa
Coarse golden sand curves for the length of the town, with the walls of the Vila Vella rising at its southern end. It is the obvious swim, with showers, sunbeds and lifeguards in summer and cafés along the promenade behind it. In July and August the sand fills by late morning, so arrive before ten or swim in the early evening, when the water deepens quickly a few metres from shore.
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Sant Feliu de Guíxols
North of Tossa, the coast road twists for about 20 kilometres above the cliffs to this working town on a wide bay. It has a long seafront promenade lined with plane trees, a busy harbour and a former monastery whose arched gateway faces the old town. The drive itself is the draw for many visitors: take it slowly, as the bends are tight and passing places few.
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Santa Clotilde Gardens
Terraced in the style of an Italian Renaissance garden, these gardens descend through cypress walks, stairways and sculptures to a cliff above the sea near Lloret de Mar, south of Tossa. Ivy and clipped hedges stand in for flowers, so the garden holds its look all year. A visit takes about an hour. Opening hours vary through the year and visits are sometimes limited, so check before driving over.
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Vila Vella
Battlements, towers and steep cobbled lanes enclose the headland at the south end of the main beach, the last walled medieval village left on the Catalan coast. Entry is free and the walls are open to walk at any hour. Climb early in the morning or near sunset, when the stone turns warm and the lanes are empty. Wear shoes with grip: the paving is polished and uneven.
