All of us parents know how hard it can be to choose the ideal holiday destination for young children. I was really impressed with Tossa de Mar and I recommend that anyone with littlies, especially below the age of 7, should consider it as a potential destination. The resort is very well set up for families with plenty of relaxed restaurants and family activities, as well as great transport options and other conveniences in place so that you parents can unwind and enjoy the holiday too.
What To Do in Tossa de Mar
Glass Bottom Boat
Kids will love this excursion that runs every hour between 10am and 4pm. What better way to explore the depths of the ocean and admire all of the wonderful fish and coral reefs than on a boat with a transparent floor? As fish dart in and out of the seaweed, the view constantly changes and the colours dance off the rippling water.
The trip includes stops at the coves of Cala Pola and Cala Giverola as well as at three beautiful caves, each one lit up so you can appreciate the beauty of the rocks.
The Nautilus
A tour on this bright yellow boat offers you a real family adventure. Descending under the water, the boat enters the world of marine wonders that unfold before you. Travelling between Lloret de Mar and Tossa, the boat takes in some stunning coastal scenery too. You can buy your tickets from the kiosk on the seafront in Lloret, which means that you will have to take a bus to and from this neighbouring resort. The 20 minute journey, however, costs only €3.50.
For other boat excursions, check out this link.
The Tourist Train
I don’t know any youngster that doesn’t enjoy a trip on a train, so when in Tossa de Mar, treat the little ones to a journey on this delightful little engine. Taking you around the streets of town on a 30-minute tour, the train can be caught at Playa Gran. This is a great way to get orientated and also to keep the kids cool while showing them the sights.
The Moorish Tower
Even very young kids can get something out of a historical visit, especially when it includes a defensive tower! In times gone by, two people would man the tower and look out for potential invaders and pirates. It is a little bit of a hike up to the tower, but the views over the Vila Vella, the beaches, and the town are worth it!
To find the tower, you need to take the road down from the Tourist Office. At the end of this road, turn right and take the road up to the Hotel Neptuno. At the next junction you will see the tower up to the right, so follow your nose from here.
My advice: Don’t attempt this excursion in the heat of the day. Make sure you head up to the tower in the morning or early evening so the kids don’t get too hot.
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How to Get from Girona Airport to Tossa de Mar
Girona is very accessible from the UK, with flights taking just over 2 hours. I understand that flight time is very important when travelling with young children who can get easily bored. Reasonably priced flights can be booked with Ryanair from Stansted or Thomson from London Gatwick or Manchester.
On arrival, your transfer from Girona Airport to Tossa de Mar takes only 45 minutes, which isn’t long enough to worry about the children getting irritated. To make your onward journey as straightforward as possible though, book Shuttle Direct who can take the strain, meet you and your gang at arrivals, help you with your luggage and get you to your final destination in comfort and with no hassle.
For less than £22 per person, you can get child-friendly airport transfers to Tossa de Mar with a private car and a door-to-door service, and all for a fixed price that you can pay up front when you book in advance.
Where to Stay
Marina Tossa – My top pick in Tossa de Mar for families, the Marina Tossa has oodles of outside space, ideal for the little ones to run around in. There is even a playground here, as well as an outdoor pool. TVs are offered in every room, as is free Wi-Fi – useful for keeping the kids occupied when they need some down time.
With its own restaurant offering buffet style meals and a café-bar, this hotel is relaxed, family friendly and close to the beach and town centre.
Medplaya Aparthotel Esmeralda – Air conditioning is a big plus in my second accommodation choice, as even though the weather in Tossa de Mar is pleasant, it can get hot in the middle of the day – especially in July and August when you might be visiting with children. The apartments offer lots of space and there are kitchenettes with fridge, kettle and coffee maker, perfect for when you need to do some self-catering.
The restaurant at Medplaya Aparthotel Esmeralda serves a daily buffet, which is great for kids as they can see exactly what they are choosing and have the opportunity to try lots of different dishes. A playground is another bonus, as is the children’s entertainment.
Giverola Resort – Set on a hill 2½ miles from Tossa de Mar, the Giverola Resort has a pool with waterslides, perfect for tiring out the kids, and a fitness centre, perfect for tiring out the adults! There is also aerobics, beach volleyball and live jazz music on the terrace.
Bright, airy and spacious apartments are well equipped and all have satellite TV. With three restaurants and three bars, this hotel is very self-contained. When you do want to get out and explore, however, getting to and from Tossa de Mar could not be easier. There is a shuttle service offered by the hotel, as well as a funicular railway that leads down to the beach. The kids will love this little journey!
About Shuttle Direct:
We understand that travelling with kids can be logistically tough. Make your onward journey from your chosen arrival airport to your hotel as straightforward as possible and book in advance with our professional team at Shuttle Direct. Recognised as the leading provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa, we offer friendly, reliable and fixed price services.
