Best Beaches and Coves in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava 2026

Tossa de Mar’s coastline hides some of the best beaches and coves on the Costa Brava. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sands and a protected natural environment, this corner of the Mediterranean is a paradise for sun lovers, snorkelers and nature enthusiasts. If you’re wondering where to swim in Tossa de Mar, this guide shows you all the options, from the most accessible urban beaches to the wild coves that only locals know.

Urban beaches: convenience on your doorstep

For those who prefer not to leave the centre, Tossa has two main beaches just minutes from your accommodation.

Gran Beach

Gran Beach is the main and most iconic beach in Tossa de Mar. Stretching for almost a kilometre, it offers all kinds of services: sun lounger rental, beach bars, showers, lifeguards and disabled access. Its location, watched over directly by the medieval castle of the Vila Vella, makes it one of the most photographed beaches on the Costa Brava.

Local tip: arrive before 10:00 in July and August to find natural shade under the pines on the promenade.

Mar Menuda Beach

Located at the other end of the bay, Mar Menuda Beach is smaller and more intimate. It has an enclosed corner known as “the women’s bathtub”, where the water is extremely calm thanks to the protection of the rocks. It is the top spot for divers, as underwater visibility is usually excellent.

Hidden coves: wild nature just kilometres away

Cala Pola

Cala Pola is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown. About 4 kilometres from the centre, it is reached by walking the Camí de Ronda from Mar Menuda Beach (about 40 minutes of trail) or by car via a forest track. Wedged between rock cliffs and pines, its turquoise waters and fine sand make it one of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava.

Cala Giverola

Cala Giverola combines nature and services. Besides being accessible by road, you can also reach it in a fun way via traditional glass-bottom boats departing from Gran Beach.

Cala Futadera

For the more adventurous, Cala Futadera is the wildest cove in the area. Access requires descending a long stone staircase through Mediterranean vegetation. There are no services, but its crystal-clear water and pristine environment make the effort worthwhile.

Quick comparison of beaches and coves

Beach/Cove	Access	Services	Ideal for	Time from centre
Gran Beach	Walking	Full	Families, everyone	2 min walk
Mar Menuda	Walking	Basic	Snorkelling, intimacy	5 min walk
Cala Pola	Trail/Car	Kiosk	Nature, snorkel	40 min / 10 min
Cala Giverola	Car/Boat	Full	Kayak, families	15 min by car
Cala Futadera	Stairs	None	Adventure, exclusivity	20 min walk

Why stay in the centre to enjoy the beaches

Staying in Tossa de Mar’s historic centre has clear beach advantages:

• Reach Gran Beach in 2 minutes on foot, no need to park or carry beach bags for kilometres.
• Return to your accommodation for lunch or a rest without wasting time on transport.
• Shower and change in your room before going out for dinner.
• Access the Camí de Ronda directly from Mar Menuda Beach to explore Cala Pola.

From Hostalet de Tossa and El Bergantí, located in the heart of town, you have the urban beaches at your doorstep and the perfect starting point to discover the wild coves.

Practical tips for Tossa beaches

1. Best times: beaches are quieter before 10:00 and after 18:00. Midday is peak time.
2. Equipment: for Cala Pola and Cala Futadera bring water, trekking shoes and sunscreen. No services.
3. Snorkel: Mar Menuda and Cala Pola are ideal for observing fish.
4. Parking: in August beach parking is complicated. From central accommodation forget the car.
5. Safety: check sea conditions at Costa Brava Tourism before visiting remote coves.