13 reasons to expatriate to the Costa Brava

Sunshine, proximity to France, lower cost of living... there are many reasons why the French settle on the Costa Brava.

Discover all that the Catalan coast has to offer to all those who wish to live there.

A favourable climate

One of the main reasons why couples or families expatriate to the Costa Brava is the mild climate and the duration of sunshine.

Indeed, the average annual temperature easily exceeds 20°C and in winter, it rarely falls below 13°C, not to mention the fact that the sun is present more than 300 days a year.

Proximity to France

Another advantage of settling on the Costa Brava is without a doubt its geographical location just a stone's throw from the French border.

Whether by plane (via Gerona-Costa Brava Airport or Barcelona International Airport, which is an hour away from Blanes), by train (via the LGV Madrid - Barcelona - Figueras line, which is connected to the French rail network via the LGV Perpignan - Figueras) or by car, access is as easy as travelling.

As you will have understood, visiting your family and friends or welcoming them will not be a problem.

Low cost of living

The cost of living on the Costa Brava (and also in the whole country) is much lower than ours. Prices for everyday consumer goods can be up to three times lower than in France.

As far as leisure activities, bars or restaurants are concerned, they also have much lower prices than their European neighbours.

Jobs that recruit

Specialist doctors, nursing assistants, nurses, bilingual teachers and professionals in the restaurant and hotel business generally have no problems finding employment.

Schooling

For the schooling of your children, several choices are available to you:

• local public schools: the courses are of similar quality to those in France and allow a total integration into the local culture. It should be noted that most expatriates choose this type of school.
• private schools: like the Empordà School Centre in Rosas, they have a very good reputation.
• French schools: in this case, your children will have to go, for example, to the French school in Barcelona. On the other hand, some schools (the IES Santiago Sobrequés in Girona and the Institut Ridaura in Castell-Platja d'Aro) allow a double delivery of the French baccalaureate and the Spanish bachillerato.

The beauty of the landscapes

The Costa Brava offers breathtaking and varied landscapes to nature lovers. Cliffs, rocks, sandy beaches, heavenly coves, valleys, natural parks and mountainous landscapes... there is something for everyone!

Varied activities for the whole family

In addition to swimming, the Costa Brava offers a wide range ofsporting activities (golf, tennis, sailing, stand up paddle, diving or hiking...) and cultural activities (museums, exhibitions and music festivals...) without forgetting the numerous possibilities for walks in natural sites and nearby towns such as Girona or Barcelona.

Children will enjoy the water parks (Aqua Brava in Rosas, Water World in Lloret de Mar and the water park in the sea in Empuriabrava...), the accrobranche parks (in Pals and Platja d'Aró), go-karting, mini golf and the Butterfly Park in Empuriabrava...
Whether alone, as a couple or as a family, one thing is sure you will never get bored!

Gastronomy

The Spanish gastronomy is famous all over the world. There is no doubt that you will enjoy the many Spanish specialties (paella, salmorejo, fideuà, and gazpacho...) without forgetting the Catalan specialties (escalivada, gambas de palamós, fideu and crema catalana...).

The quality of medical care

Spain, including the Costa Brava region, has high-quality hospitals and medical centres, renowned professionals and a good health system (link to article).

Proof of this is that thousands of people come to hospitals in Catalonia to receive treatment or undergo surgery.

As an expatriate, once you work in Spain you will be able to benefit from Spanish social security, as will your spouse and children.

Until you find a job and take advantage of the SNS, you can use your European Health Insurance Card.

Ease of integration

Spaniards are known throughout the world for their friendliness, joie de vivre and generosity.

On the Costa Brava, a large French-speaking community has emerged in Rosas, Empuriabrava and Santa Margarita. For example, the association "L'Amicale des Français de Rosas" is in charge of welcoming newcomers.
Thus, your integration as well as that of your children will be done without any problem.

Language

You don't speak Catalan or Castilian yet? It doesn't matter as Spanish is a relatively easy language to learn.

Moreover, as the Costa Brava is very popular with tourists, pensioners and French expatriates, you will always be able to speak your native language.

Security

Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, as is its increased fight against terrorism. So the Costa Brava, like the whole country, is a region where you will be safe.

The real estate market

The Costa Brava is full of properties at much more affordable prices than in France. Villa with swimming pool, house with sea view and apartment with mooring... on the coast or in a small village far from the coast, there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Therefore, you will have no difficulty in finding the home of your dreams!

With all its advantages, there is no doubt that you are ready to take the plunge and move to the Costa Brava.

If you wish to be accompanied for your project, we invite you to contact our real estate agency.