Costa Brava, a benchmark Mediterranean region to live and invest

The Costa Brava, between the sea and the Empordà

The Costa Brava stretches along the province of Girona, from Blanes to the French border. It is a coastline of cliffs, crystal-clear coves and fishing villages, largely protected by natural areas such as Cap de Creus, Montgrí and the Medes Islands. Its hinterland, the Empordà, adds fields, vineyards and medieval villages a few minutes from the sea.

Its connections with Girona–Costa Brava and Barcelona–El Prat airports, and high-speed rail from Girona and Figueres, make it a destination for both main residences and second homes. Demand is domestic and international, with a strong share of European buyers.

Most sought-after locations

• Begur: villas overlooking the coves of Aiguablava, Sa Tuna and Sa Riera, and houses with character in the old town.
• Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu: fishing villages of white houses, linked by the coastal path.
• S'Agaró: a historic low-density estate next to Sant Pol beach.
• Sant Feliu de Guíxols: a town with year-round life and villas overlooking the bay.
• Platja d'Aro, Calonge, Cadaqués and Roses: complete the offer with wide beaches, marinas and, in the case of Cadaqués, one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Mediterranean.

The three Costa Bravas

• The north (Alt Empordà): Cadaqués, Roses and Empuriabrava, between Cap de Creus and the Gulf of Roses. A landscape of rock and olive trees, white houses and, in Empuriabrava, homes with moorings on the canals.
• The centre (Baix Empordà): Begur, Pals, Palafrugell —with Calella, Llafranc and Tamariu—, Palamós and Calonge. This is the area of the best-known coves, fishing villages and sea-view villas.
• The south (La Selva and southern Baix Empordà): S'Agaró, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Platja d'Aro, Tossa de Mar, Lloret and Blanes, closer to Barcelona and with towns active all year.

Choosing between them depends on how you want to live the coast: the north offers landscape and tranquillity; the centre, the coves and the charm of fishing villages; the south, proximity to Barcelona and services all year round.

Villas, houses and masias

Most of the inventory consists of villas with pools and sea views, followed by houses with gardens and inland masias. Each area has its characteristic product: villas on the estates of Begur, Tamariu or S'Agaró; village houses in the historic centres; and restored masias among the fields of the Baix Empordà. If you are looking for a rural property, see our selection of masias and houses in the Empordà; if you prefer something brand new, our new developments on the Costa Brava.

Living on the Costa Brava

The coastal path runs along much of the shoreline, linking coves and villages on foot. Cuisine, with several renowned restaurants, the Baix Empordà golf courses, sailing and summer festivals such as Cap Roig, Porta Ferrada and Peralada are part of life in the area. Out of season, towns such as Palafrugell, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, La Bisbal d'Empordà and Girona keep services and shops open all year.

A second home on the Costa Brava

For many buyers, the Costa Brava is the place for a second home: a house to return to every summer and, increasingly, in spring and autumn too. In that case, it is worth thinking about how the property will actually be used —how many weeks a year, with how many people, whether it will be let— and how it will be maintained when not in use. Villas on established estates and houses in villages with year-round life are usually the easiest options to manage remotely.

Between the coast and the hinterland

A few minutes from the coves, the Baix Empordà hinterland offers another way to live the Costa Brava: masias and village houses surrounded by fields, with the beach a short drive away. Many buyers hesitate between a sea-view villa and an inland masia; visiting both options usually helps them decide.

BARNES support

Our Costa Brava team organises viewings, helps you compare areas and properties, coordinates the review of documentation with your lawyer and supports you through negotiation and signing. For buyers living outside Spain, this local support is particularly useful.

What to consider when buying on the Costa Brava

• View and orientation: an open sea view and good orientation are the factors with the greatest influence on value.
• Access to the sea: being able to walk to a cove or beach is highly appreciated.
• Intended use: for year-round living, prioritise proximity to services; for a second home, privacy and setting.
• Planning status: especially for detached houses and masias, check that all buildings are fully legalised.

Guides to choosing an area

We help you decide with our guide to residential areas on the Costa Brava. The BARNES Costa Brava team supports you from the first viewing to signing before the notary.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Costa Brava and the inland Empordà?

The coast concentrates villas and houses with sea views; the inland Empordà, masias and village houses among fields and medieval villages.

Which are the most sought-after areas of the Costa Brava?

Begur and its surroundings, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Tamariu and S'Agaró account for much of the high-end demand.

Can you live on the Costa Brava all year?

Yes. Towns such as Girona, Palafrugell and Sant Feliu de Guíxols keep services, shops and activity all year round.