Living on the Costa Brava: everything you need to know

Sometimes you want a change of scenery, to discover and even live in other countries. Expatriation is an adventure that is tempting more and more people in search of new horizons. In the north-east of Spain, the Costa Brava is one of the most popular destinations if you want to settle outside France. Its beauty, golden beaches and magnificent scenery are just some of the things that appeal to expatriates. Would you also like to buy and live on the Costa Brava? Immo 365 gives you all the information you need to make a success of your move to this côte of Catalonia.

Introduction to the Costa Brava

Also nicknamed « Côte Sauvage » due to its rugged coastline, the Costa Brava is a coastal region of Catalonia located in the north-east of Spain. It stretches for around 120 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea, from the French border at Port-Bou to the seaside resort of Blanes.

The Costa Brava coincides with the coast of the province of Girona. The region has been a place of passage and settlement for many peoples and cultures over the centuries. Côtier towns such as Rosas, Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar have been inhabited since pre-Roman times, and later came under Roman, Visigoth and Visigoth domination.

Historically, this part of the Spanish eastern côte was almost unknown to tourists until the 1920s. It was in the 1950s that it was identified by the Spanish government and local entrepreneurs as a suitable location for tourism development, mainly for European holidaymakers. The name « Costa Brava » was officially recognised and promoted in the 1960s, although other names had been suggested previously. These included Costa Grega (Greek Coast) and Costa del Corall (Coral Coast).

Tourism soon replaced fishing as the region's main economic activity. As a result, many foreigners began to take an interest in this Catalan côte. Others have decided to settle here permanently, without the language barrier being an obstacle to their plans. Catalan and Spanish (Castilian) are in fact the two official languages on the Costa Brava.

Costa Brava: the advantages of the Catalan côte

If many expats choose to move to the Costa Brava, it's largely because of its many advantages. The Mediterranean climate is one of the most important. Most people choose this destination because of its warm summers and mild winters. These allow you to enjoy outdoor activities to the full all year round. The region is also famous for its varied landscapes (pristine beaches, secret coves with turquoise waters, vertiginous cliffs…) which offer a spectacular natural setting for relaxation and adventure.

The gastronomy is another major asset of the Costa Brava. With its cuisine rich in flavours and traditions, this region of Catalonia (Barcelona) has plenty to surprise you. Fresh seafood, typical Catalan dishes, tapas and local wines are just some of the delights to be discovered. The Costa Brava's proximity to France is also a considerable advantage, making travel and cultural exchanges easier. The Costa Brava has excellent road and rail links. Your cross-border escapades will be all the more enjoyable and attractive.

Culturally, the region is steeped in history and art, with remains ranging from Roman times to the œuvres of Salvador Daliacute;, a native of the region. The traditional festivals, popular fiestas and remarkable architecture are all reasons to move to the Costa Brava, Spain.

What should you consider before moving to the Costa Brava?

Before moving to the Costa Brava, consider the Mediterranean climate, cost of living, access to healthcare services, housing options and employment opportunities. This Spanish region, renowned for its beaches and culture, attracts with its pleasant living environment.

Jobs

Job hunting on the Costa Brava can be influenced by seasonality, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Check out the Oficina de Treball for more stable and diverse opportunities. Jobs in the health sector (specialist doctors, nurses, care assistants…) as well as bilingual teaching positions are generally more accessible.

If you are thinking of starting your own business or a small business, tourist towns are not recommended. They are much more suited to leisure businesses such as bars or nightclubs. On the other hand, you can start your business in a town whose economy is less dependent on tourism.

The school system

The Spanish school system is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, but it is the regional governments that run the establishments within their territory. There are state, semi-private and public schools, offering a varied choice for families. Education is compulsory and free from the ages of 6 to 16 in Spain and on the Costa Brava. However, there are no French schools in the region. You'll have to travel to Barcelona to find one.

If you don't want to make the journey, you can enrol your children in a school that offers Bachibac. This is a programme that awards both the French baccalauréat and the Spanish bachillerato. This is one of the many advantages of Spain for French expatriate families on the Costa Brava.

The health system

The Costa Brava benefits from a quality health system with services accessible to residents. There are excellent hospitals and medical centres in the region. So you have nothing to worry about in this respect. However, find out about health cover and any private insurance to ensure you get the best deal.

The cost of living

The cost of living on the Costa Brava is generally lower than in France, with affordable prices for food, public transport and leisure activities. However, prices can vary from town to town. This is one of the reasons why it can be so attractive to live retire on the Costa Brava or simply work there. Some areas are more affordable than others. We therefore advise you to do somein-depth research to establish a realistic budget.

Living on the Costa Brava: what are the activities?

Stunning nature, gastronomy and architecture aren't the only things that appeal to visitors and expats on the Costa Brava. It also offers a wide range of activities for every season.

The beaches and secret coves are the Costa's main attractions in summer. They invite you to relax and enjoy water sports such as kayaking or diving. The fine sandy beaches of Platja d'Aro and Llafranc are particularly popular. The same goes for secluded coves such as Cala Estreta or Cala del Crit. Are you a nature-lover and hiker? Exploring the paths of the Cap de Creus Natural Park or the coastal paths could be an excellent idea. They offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

There are also plenty of activities on the Costa Brava in winter, whether with family or friends. For example, you can go to the Girona Pyrenees to ski. There are up to 6 resorts easily accessible in this region of Catalonia. You also have the option of strolling along the beaches or streets of the Costa Brava. There's so much to discover on the Costa Brava, from museums to hilltop villages like Pals or Perratallada and local markets. Festivals also offer a taste of Catalan culture with tastings of regional products.

What should you know about accommodation on the Costa Brava?

If there's one thing you should necessarily find out about before living on the Costa Brava, it's accommodation. You need to have an idea of where you'll be staying once you get there. Among other things, you need to consider whether to buy a property or rent a flat. Find out more about the specifics of the property market on the Costa Brava.

The different types of accommodation on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava offers awide range of accommodation options for French expats, depending on their preferences, needs and budget. Beachfront flats are very popular on the Catalan coast due to the stunning views they offer and easy access to beaches.

If you need comfortable and spacious accommodation, villas are great options for families. Traditional Catalan houses are perfect if you're looking for a more authentic experience. Seasonal rentals are available. These offer plenty of flexibility for people who don't want to make a long-term commitment. Each type of accommodation also offers a unique insight into life on the Costa Brava, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you don't want to take a lot of risk and buy or rent a property from France, the ideal option is to opt for temporary accommodation while you get the lay of the land. Choose the right location where to invest on the Costa Brava, but also find the right estate agency. This will help you succeed with your investment. You can contact Immo365 to buy and live on the Costa Brava. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the Spanish property market, we can help you find the home that meets your needs and budget. Our professionals can also give you advice on how to successfully integrate into life on the Costa Brava.

Real estate investment: where to buy and live on the Costa Brava?

The purchase of a house on the Costa Brava is a good idea if you are planning to live on the eastern coast of Spain for the long term. However, you shouldn't choose the first property you see. Some parts of the Costa Brava are better for property investment than others. The hilltop town of Begur with its panoramic views, for example, is popular for its authentic village houses and luxury villas.

The commune of Llançà, with its proximity to the French border and its labelled beaches, is a perfect place to buy and live on the Costa Brava. The same goes for the town of Cadaqués, famous for its bohemian charm and Salvador Dali's House Museum. Many expatriates from France and elsewhere have settled here. Towns such as Empuriabrava, S'Agar, Cadaqués and Rosas are also good places to buy a house.

The advantages of investing in Rosas, Costa Brava are in fact numerous. The excellent quality of life, the pleasant climate, the breathtaking setting close to nature and the many properties available are just some of the advantages of this town. House prices are also particularly attractive. To buy a home in Rosas, you can expect to pay between €2,597 and €2,969 per square metre.

What administrative formalities need to be completed to live on the Costa Brava?

Expatriation involves completing a certain number of administrative formalities, regardless of the country you decide to move to. Before buying and living on the Costa Brava, you should therefore be aware of all the steps required to expatriate legally to Spain.

Obtaining the NIE

The NIE (Foreigners' Identification Number) is issued to foreigners residing in Spain. It is essential for opening a bank account, signing a lease, buying property and carrying out any major financial transaction. Obtaining the NIE requires submitting an application to the police station or foreigners' office.

Visas and residence permits for living on the Costa Brava

EU nationals do not need to complete any special formalities to live on the Costa Brava for less than three months. If you plan to move to the Catalan coast for a longer period, you will need a Tarjeta de Residencia, a residence card valid for 5 years and renewable. The same applies to non-EU nationals.

The residency card can be obtained from the Spanish consulate in France or in your country of origin. If you are already in Spain, you can apply at the local Aliens Office.

Registration in the population register

The empadronamiento (census) or registration in the Padrón (municipal population register) is an important step for residents in Spain. It allows you to be officially registered as a resident in a specific municipality. Registration also gives you access to certain public services such as healthcare and education. You'll also be able to vote in local elections on the Costa Brava.

Other administrative formalities

Want to drive your own car on the Costa Brava? You'll need to register it with the Dirección General de Tráfico de Girona within 1 month of your arrival in Spain.

We also recommend that you subscribe to private health insurance or register with Spanish Social Security once you're here. These various tips will enable you to buy and live on the Costa Brava without breaking any Spanish laws.