Day Trip to Tossa de Mar – The Medieval Gem of the Costa Brava
By Ellen (Updated Nov 25)
⏱ 5 minutes
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Brava, one of the beach areas in Spain, a day trip to Tossa de Mar must be on your itinerary. Once a small fishing village, it is now the last medieval walled town on the coast. It offers a mix of history, sea views, and beach time, all within walking distance. It’s an easy and rewarding stop, even with a baby in tow like us. Little Lara was 10 months old at the time of our trip.
In this post, we share practical tips and highlights from our visit. From parking and exploring the old town to relaxing at the beautiful Cala Es Codolar beach.
Table of Contents
Getting to Tossa de Mar and Parking
Tossa de Mar is about a 40-minute drive north of Lloret de Mar, or just over an hour from Barcelona and Girona. Street parking is available outside the Vila Vella (old town) — ideal if you’re planning a short visit.
We left our stroller in the car and used a hiking backpack carrier for our 10-month-old because once you get into the old town, there are cobblestone streets. Not all of them are stroller-friendly and going to the beach definitely calls for leaving the stroller behind. A baby carrier is definitely the better choice here. We parked less than 10 minutes walking-distance from the old town. The town has multiple blue areas for paid parkings, and the best option to park is drive around trough the streets.
Walking toward the old town, we could immediately see the medieval walls rising above the beach, a view that instantly reminded us of how unique Tossa de Mar is compared to other Costa Brava towns.
We passed by Tossa de Mar’s main beach (Platja Gran), which sits right outside the old town and is the easiest one to access — it’s wide, sandy, and popular with day-trippers. But if you have a bit more time, walking a few minutes through the old town brings you to Cala Es Codolar, a smaller, tucked-away spot that feels quieter and more atmospheric with the medieval walls rising above the cove.
Cala Es Codolar – a family friendly beach
Once you reach Cala Es Codolar, you’ll see why it’s worth the short detour. Set just below the old town walls, it’s one of the most picturesque beaches on the Costa Brava. It is a compact and sheltered beach that is surrounded by history. The water is calm, with gentle waves that are perfect for little kids to play in.
The water was so peaceufl, that at one point, our baby even fell asleep in Roberto’s arms! He stood in the shallow water, holding Lara as she drifted off to sleep to the sound of the waves with the gentle sea breeze. Lara normally doesn’t go down for naps easily. This was a moment we’ll never forget.
During high season (summer), I recommend arriving in the early morning. We arrived around 9:30 am, and by 10:30 am (in late June) it was already getting crowded, so early arrival is key if you want a good spot. This is mandatory in August. The beach has a mix of sand and pebbles, so water shoes can be useful. If you’re traveling with a baby, bring shade. We used a small beach tent, which kept us all comfortable. There is also a small bar right at the beach, for drinks or ice creams.
Hidden spot for photos: There’s a short trail above the beach where you can get an incredible panoramic view of the cove and medieval walls. It goes from the old town around one hundred meters up, at the right side of the beach. The views are worth the effort.
Exploring the Old Town
After some time on the beach, it’s worth wandering back through Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar’s medieval old town. The walk from Cala Es Codolar takes only a few minutes and with its narrow cobbled streets, stone archways, and sea views around every corner, it is what makes a day trip to Tossa de Mar special.
The area inside the walls is pedestrian-only, so it’s nice to explore at a relaxed pace. We picked up the stroller from the car for this part of our visit. It worked fine on most streets, though a few uneven cobblestones were a bit bumpy.
When it comes to food, there are tons of options. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving everything from tapas to fresh seafood. We enjoyed a leisurely seafood lunch, the perfect way to recharge before heading back to Lloret de Mar. If you have time, take a short stroll along the coastal path for one last view of the town and its beaches before you leave.
Final thoughts: why a day trip to Tossa de Mar is worth it
Tossa de Mar really captures what makes the Costa Brava captivating with its mix of history, scenery, and laid-back coastal vibe. The town is small and walkable, so it is easy to explore medieval streets, relax on the beach, and enjoy a great meal, all in the same morning or afternoon.
For families, it’s especially manageable. Everything is close by, there’s a good balance of shade and open space, and the town feels safe and relaxed. Whether you’re visiting with a baby or just looking for an easy coastal stop, a day trip to Tossa de Mar is a perfect destination.
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