Explore Stunning Tossa de Mar and Hostalric
A Day Trip to Tossa De Mar and Hostalric
If you’re dreaming of a day trip that pairs the charm of a medieval fortress town with the beauty of one of Costa Brava’s most enchanting coastal gems, Tossa de Mar and Hostalric make the perfect duo. Just a short journey from Barcelona—Girona or Blanes —accessible by train, bus, or car, these two destinations offer completely different yet wonderfully complementary experiences.
Consider visiting during spring or early fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
We start our morning wandering through Tossa de Mar, a postcard-perfect seaside village crowned by the iconic Vila Vella, the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast.
Next, Hostalric’s old town, where ancient walls, hidden tunnels, and a looming castle tell stories dating back to the Middle Ages.
Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply chasing stunning views and good food, this combined trip delivers a little bit of everything. Get ready for dramatic landscapes, medieval charm, and the irresistible magic of the Costa Brava.
Discovering Tossa de Mar & Hostalric — A Perfect Blend of Coast and History
**From Barcelona to Tossa de Mar
By Train + Bus (Scenic Route Along the Coast)
If you don’t mind a transfer, this is a beautiful way to travel.
Trains run every 20–30 minutes.
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
By Car (Fastest and Most Flexible)
Driving from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar is straightforward and lets you stop at viewpoints or nearby beaches.
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
**From Girona to Tossa De Mar
By car: 25 min to Hostalric, 45 min to Tossa de Mar
Bus routes are also available
**From Blanes to Tossa De Mar
By Car:25 minutes
By Bus (most convenient)
Operated by Sagalés
Travel time: 40 minutes
-Morning in Tossa De Mar
The morning started cloudy, but we were caught in the rain later that afternoon.
We park by the beach (Monday is free parking!! Well, it is free because all the stores are closed except for restaurants).
To make the most of your visit, consider going in spring or early summer when the weather is sunnier and crowds are smaller.
As soon as I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the Vila Vella, the walled old town rising above the sea. Walking through its narrow cobblestone lanes felt like stepping back in time—stone houses, beautiful viewpoints at every turn, and that peaceful hush that makes you slow down and look around.
From the top, I enjoyed sweeping views of the coastline, the sapphire water stretching out endlessly, and the golden curve of Platja Gran, the main beach. It’s one of those places where you have to stop and take a deep breath—it’s all so picture-perfect, inspiring you with the natural beauty around you.
We also dropped by the Municipal Museum, tucked right inside the medieval walls. Even if you’re not a museum person, it’s worth a quick visit for its collection of archaeological pieces and its unexpected connection to Marc Chagall, who once lived in Tossa and called it “the blue paradise.”
We stop at a restaurant for lunch and get away from the pouring rain. After lunch, on our way to the car, we stroll down to the promenade and look at all the stores that were closed!! I always forget that most stores in Europe are closed!!
If you wander a little farther, Platja d’es Codolar awaits: a tiny hidden cove at the foot of the old town walls, framed by cliffs and fishermen’s boats.
The combination of medieval architecture and seaside tranquillity makes the town feel both lively and serene, and wet LOL..
-Visiting Tossa De Mar
- Stroll Through the Medieval Old Town (Vila Vella)
Narrow cobblestone streets
Stone archways
Flower-lined pathways
Charming old houses with sea views
**It’s small, intimate, and beautifully preserved. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another century.
Don’t miss:
Hidden viewpoints that look down onto the turquoise waters.
The ancient defensive towers that still stand impressively tall.
- Walk Up to the Lighthouse (Far de Tossa)
At the top of the Vila Vella, the Tossa Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the town, beaches, and rugged coastline.
*The path is short and scenic.
*The views are unforgettable.
*Perfect spot for photos.
**There’s also a small museum inside explaining Tossa’s maritime history.
- Relax on Platja Gran if it’s not raining!!
The main beach, Platja Gran, curves perfectly alongside the town with the medieval walls rising dramatically above it.
- Explore Platja d’es Codolar (the Hidden Cove)
Just behind the medieval walls is Es Codolar, a tiny fisherman’s cove framed by cliffs.
- Take the Camino de Ronda Coastal Walk
Even a short stretch gives you:
Dramatic clifftop views.
Pine forests.
Wild Mediterranean scenery.
**You don’t need to walk far—just 15–20 minutes offers spectacular scenery.
- Visit the Municipal Museum
Inside the old town, Tossa’s Municipal Museum holds:
Local archaeological finds.
Modernist Catalan art.
**From Tossa de Mar to Hostalric
Getting from Tossa de Mar to Hostalric is surprisingly easy, and the journey itself lets you enjoy a scenic transition from the Costa Brava coast to Catalonia’s inland medieval landscapes.
By Bus + Train (Most Convenient Without a Car)
Bus from Tossa de Mar to Blanes( return home)
Several buses run daily.
The ride takes around 40–50 minutes and follows a beautiful coastal-to-rural route.
By Car / Taxi / Drive
Driving distance is 34.8 km.
Driving (or taxi) typically takes about 37 minutes.
-Next Stop: Hostalric – A Medieval Time Capsule
Hostalric’s old town, where ancient walls, hidden tunnels, and a looming castle tell stories dating back to the Middle Ages. Hostalric is dominated by its 17th-century fortress, perched above the town. You can walk around the ramparts, explore tunnels, and enjoy broad views of the surrounding countryside.
The old town below is equally atmospheric, with stone gates, towers, and narrow streets that once formed part of an important route between Barcelona and France.
We took our time strolling through the historic center, walking to the end of the road.
We stopped at a cafés for a snack with a fantastic view.
The pace here is slow and relaxing—a complete contrast to the busy beach towns.
Hostalric’s old town, where ancient walls, hidden tunnels, and a looming castle tell stories dating back to the Middle Ages.
Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply chasing stunning views and good food, this combined trip delivers a little bit of everything.
Get ready for dramatic landscapes, medieval charm, and the irresistible magic of the Costa Brava.
-4 Key highlights
Hostalric is a small, charming town in Catalonia known for its impressive medieval heritage and peaceful atmosphere. Despite its modest size, Hostalric offers a picturesque stop full of character, making it a lovely addition to any Costa Brava or Girona-area itinerary.
- Hostalric Castle (Castell d’Hostalric)
One of Catalonia’s best-preserved military fortresses.
Offers guided tours with panoramic views.
- Medieval City Walls & Towers
Walk through defensive towers and old passageways.
Great for history lovers.
- Old Town (Vila Vella)
Charming streets, artisan shops, and cafés.
- Saint Miquel Church
A Gothic church with beautiful architectural details.
Day Trip Info!!
Things To Do
This is the fun part! For bucket-list activities, I usually check Tripadvisor, Viator and GetYourGuide. Sometimes one has tours that the other doesn’t, so I always browse both—why limit myself, right?
“Get Your Guide”, which offers a wide range of tours for every interest and budget.
More Resources Info….
Conclusion:
A day trip from Tossa de Mar to Hostalric offers both seaside charm and rich history. You can stroll through Tossa’s bright old town, take in the views from its famous castle, and then explore Hostalric’s medieval towers, old walls, and quiet cobblestone streets for a new perspective on Catalonia’s past.
This trip shows you can find variety close by. A short drive inland takes you from the bright Costa Brava to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the area. Whether you love history, enjoy slow travel, or like finding hidden spots, this route offers a memorable experience.
If you want to explore Catalonia and mix time by the sea with local culture, consider adding this day trip to your plans. The journey from Tossa’s beaches to Hostalric’s old walls is one you’ll remember long after your visit.
