Buying a house in Begur: a guide to areas, coves and property types

Buying a house in Begur means choosing one of the most sought-after enclaves on the Costa Brava: a medieval village crowned by its castle, surrounded by pine forests that run down to crystal-clear coves such as Sa Riera, Aiguablava, Fornells and Sa Tuna. Yet Begur is not a uniform market. Living in the old town, in a villa above the cliffs of Aiguablava or in a house among olive trees towards Esclanyà are very different experiences, and so are the supply and the buying criteria. In this guide we explain how the municipality is organised, which property types you will find and what to check before you buy.

Why Begur is one of the most coveted markets on the Costa Brava

Begur brings together three qualities that are rarely found in one place. The first is the landscape: a rugged stretch of coast with sheltered coves between rock and pine, preserving a natural character that is unusual on the Mediterranean. The second is authenticity: a living historic centre with cobbled streets, squares with terraces and a unique heritage, the cases d'indians, built by local families who emigrated to Cuba in the 19th century and returned with their fortunes. Every September, the Fira d'Indians celebrates that history. The third is scarcity: buildable land is limited and planning firmly protects the coastline, which underpins demand and the value of the finest properties.

Add to this a first-class dining scene —which we cover in our guide to the best restaurants in Begur— and good road links to Girona-Costa Brava airport and Barcelona, making both second homes and longer stays easy.

The areas of Begur and what each offers

The old town

The historic centre, at the foot of the castle, offers village houses, some indianos mansions and apartments in traditional buildings. It is the choice for those who want to enjoy the village on foot all year round, with restaurants, shops and social life on the doorstep. Properties with a garden or a terrace with views are the scarcest.

Aiguablava and Fornells

Above the cliffs in the south of the municipality are some of the most exclusive villas on the Costa Brava, with open sea views and, in some cases, walking access to coves such as Aiguablava or Fornells. This is the product most sought after by international buyers: houses on sloping plots, with a pool, terraced gardens and maximum privacy. Discover more about the area in what to see and do in Aiguablava.

Sa Riera and Sa Tuna

To the north, Sa Riera has one of the widest sandy beaches in the municipality and a very family-friendly atmosphere, while Sa Tuna retains the charm of a small fishing cove. Here you will find villas with views and houses a few minutes' walk from the sea, in a setting somewhat quieter than Aiguablava in high season.

Esclanyà and the interior

Inland, the small village of Esclanyà and the estates among fields and olive groves offer another side of Begur: farmhouses, stone houses and generous plots, a few minutes from the sea, with a privacy and connection to the landscape reminiscent of the rural Empordà. If this lifestyle appeals, see our guide to buying a masia in the Empordà.

Which type of property you will find in Begur

• Contemporary sea-view villa. Clean-lined architecture, large windows, an infinity pool and terraces set into the slope. This is the type in greatest international demand.
• Classic Mediterranean villa. Houses from the 1970s to the 1990s, often on generous, well-located plots, offering scope for renovation and updating.
• Village house or indianos mansion. Historic character and a central location. Its appeal lies in its heritage and it requires a detailed review of structure, services and any protections.
• Masia or country house. Space, privacy and landscape inland, a few minutes from the coves.

Keys to buying well in Begur

Views, orientation and slope

In Begur, topography shapes everything. The same street can offer open sea views or sit enclosed by pines. It is worth visiting the property at different times of day, checking the orientation of the terraces, shelter from the tramuntana wind and real accessibility: some plots have steep driveways that make a difference day to day.

Planning status and coastal rules

On the seafront or close to the shoreline, it is essential to verify the planning status of the plot and whether it is affected by the easements of Spain's Coastal Law (Ley de Costas) or by Catalonia's coastal protection planning. These factors can restrict extensions, new pools or renovations and should be reviewed before agreeing a price.

Intended use and seasonality

Begur has a very busy high season and a quiet winter. If you intend to let the property when you are not using it, check from the outset the requirements of Catalan regulations on tourist accommodation and the specific status of the property. If you are looking for a year-round home, the old town and the interior offer more life out of season.

Maintenance

Sloping gardens, pools and exposure to sea air require constant upkeep. Factor in this cost and the availability of property management and concierge services if you will not be living there permanently.

The buying process

The process follows the usual steps in Spain: reservation agreement, technical, legal and planning due diligence, a deposit contract (contrato de arras) and completion before a notary. If you live outside Spain you will need an NIE, and tax advice from the outset is recommended. We explain the associated taxes and costs in our guide to taxes and costs when buying a home in Catalonia.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best area of Begur to buy a house with sea views?

Aiguablava and Fornells have many of the villas with the most open views and closest to the coves. Sa Riera and Sa Tuna also offer properties with views and a somewhat more relaxed, family atmosphere.

Can you live in Begur all year round?

Yes. The old town keeps its shops, restaurants and local life out of season, and the links to Girona and Barcelona make it possible to combine life in Begur with professional activity. The residential areas near the coves are quieter in winter.

What should I check before buying a villa in Begur?

In addition to the usual land registry and technical documentation, you should verify the planning status of the plot, any Coastal Law restrictions, the legality of buildings and pools, access and the condition of retaining walls and terraced gardens.

Are there houses for sale in Begur that are not advertised?

Yes. In such a scarce market, a significant share of the finest properties are marketed discreetly, without appearing on property portals. Working with an agency with a local presence gives you access to those opportunities.

Find your home in Begur with BARNES Barcelona

At BARNES Barcelona we guide Spanish and international buyers in their search for a property on the Costa Brava, with access to villas and houses that are never advertised. Explore our properties for sale on the Costa Brava or contact our office. If you own a property in Begur, we offer a confidential valuation of your home.