Cala Pola is a beautiful cove located along the Costa Brava in Spain, close to Tossa de Mar. It’s a peaceful spot, ideal for spending a relaxing day outdoors. The clear, sparkling waters and the stunning natural scenery make it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the area.
The hike to Cala Pola is easy and suitable for everyone, including families and beginners. The trail is gentle and takes you along scenic coastal paths. As you walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and surrounding nature, making the hike enjoyable from start to finish.
This guide walk you through the hike step by step. You’ll find clear directions, helpful maps, and some useful tips to make sure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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Cala Pola Walking Trail Details
- Distance: 5.6km roundtrip
- Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Facilities: at Cala Pola
How to Reach Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is about a 1.5-hour drive north of Barcelona. The easiest way to get there is by car, but there are also affordable buses that run directly from the Barcelona Estació del Nord bus station to Tossa de Mar.
These buses, operated by Moventis, are comfortable and run frequently, with departures at 9:15 am, 10:45 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.
I had originally bought a bus ticket but ended up in the wrong area, missing my bus. Unfortunately, all the remaining buses were sold out, so I had to take a very expensive taxi instead. Learn from my mistake and make sure you’re in the right area!

If you’re flying into Barcelona and landing at Terminal 2, the Moventis bus stop is on the right side, just outside the arrivals area. Local buses, on the other hand, are on the left side, where I mistakenly ended up.
Best time to hike
I visited Tossa de Mar in May and found the weather to be mild to warm, making it ideal for walking.
I recommend starting the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as the trail tends to get busier later in the day. We began our walk at 9 am, and during that time, we only came across a few other hikers.

This made for a more relaxed and peaceful experience on the trail. However, by the time we finished our hike and returned to Tossa de Mar around lunchtime, we noticed the trail had become much busier, with more hikers making their way in.
Starting early not only helps you avoid the crowds but also allows you to complete the hike before the heat of midday, making the walk more comfortable overall.
Tours to Tossa de Mar
If you prefer not to arrange everything yourself or would rather not stay in Tossa de Mar, there are affordable day tours available from Barcelona.
These tours take care of transportation, lunch, and include a guided hike that covers Tossa de Mar and several nearby coves, including Cala Pola, along the Costa Brava.
It’s a convenient option for those looking to explore the area without the hassle of planning the details.
BOOK HERE FOR: Costa Brava Scenic Hiking tour
Trail Difficulty
Overall, I would describe the trail as easy. Although the route isn’t technically challenging, there are a few sections with steep paths and loose, dry gravel.

Personally, I’m usually fine with steep trails, but loose gravel makes me cautious, especially on elevated terrain.
Both my daughter and I slipped in a few spots. However, if you proceed slowly and carefully, this shouldn’t pose a major problem.
Route Details from Tossa de Mar
To begin your hike, start at Platja Gran, the main beach in Tossa de Mar. From there, head northeast along the boardwalk, passing the restaurants and shops until you reach the far end of the town, where you’ll find Platja Mar Menuda.


Behind Platja Mar Menuda, you’ll see a small jungle gym and public restrooms. Continue past the beach towards the parking lot and follow the road beyond the guard shack.
Turn right onto the road, which will eventually turn into a gravel path. This gravel path is part of the Cami de Ronda, a well-known coastal route along the Costa Brava.


The trail briefly runs alongside the main road (GI-682) and provides a great viewpoint overlooking Tossa de Mar.

After this section, the path turns sharply to the right and descends steeply with a set of stairs that lead into a pine forest. These stairs can be tricky, especially with loose gravel, so take care while descending.
Cala Bona
Cala Bona is the first small cove along the trail. It’s a peaceful spot with clear, calm waters that would be great for swimming.


However, when we visited, we found hundreds of small jellyfish washed up on the shore and in the water, making it not the most appealing to swim in.
After Cala Bona, the trail ascends a short rocky climb. Be cautious on the dry, exposed rocks at the top. For the next kilometer, the trail offers more beautiful views of the coastline, and eventually, you’ll reach the stunning Cala Pola.


Cala Pola
One of the more challenging sections of the trail is the descent to Cala Pola. This part requires careful attention, as loose gravel can make the path slippery, and it’s easy to lose your footing if you’re not cautious.
In contrast to Cala Bona, Cala Pola has golden sandy shores and, during our visit, was almost free of jellyfish.


Although Cala Pola is not very large, it feels more secluded and less crowded than other beaches around Tossa de Mar.
It’s important to note that I visited in May, just before the peak tourist season in Spain, which likely contributed to the quieter atmosphere.


Facilities Near Cala Pola
A glamping resort is located near Cala Pola. It offers different types of accommodations, including RV plots, elevated tents, and bungalows. It also has amenities like restaurants, showers, toilets, a pool, and an onsite bakery and supermarket.
For hikers on the Cami de Ronda, this resort is a great place to stay, offering comfortable options and helpful facilities.
Book your reservation here.