13 reasons to retire on the Costa Brava

Several thousand French people have already chosen to settle on the Costa Brava to spend their retirement there. 

Sun, proximity to France, cost of living ... there are many reasons why they buy real estate on the Catalan coast to spend peaceful days. 

If this is your project, discover all the advantages of retiring in this region.

A mild climate

The favorable climate is certainly the first reason that pushes retirees to settle on the Costa Brava.

Indeed, with more than 300 days of sunshine and an annual temperature of around 20 ° C, seniors are attracted to the Spanish coast.

Proximity to France

French retirees who settle on the Costa Brava are a few steps from the French border and therefore relatively close to their family and friends.  

Whether by car, plane or train, you can easily visit or welcome your children and grandchildren.

Accessibility 

The Costa Brava has excellent communication systems: air, rail, road and sea transport. It is therefore easy to move quickly on the entire coast, in the territory and to other countries.

First of all, Girona-Costa Brava airport located 12 km from the city of Girona (or Barcelona international airport which is one hour from Blanes) will allow you to reach different European cities. 

In terms of rail transport, the Figueras - Vilafant and Girona stations will allow you to reach major Spanish cities using the Barcelona - Girona - Portbou line or the Madrid - Barcelona - Figueras LGV line.

For retirees who prefer to take the bus, many regular lines serve the Costa Brava connecting the coast to the hinterland and mountain regions.

Finally, the coast is also the starting point for cruises or regular lines allowing access to beaches or ports.

The beauty of the landscapes 

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

Varied activities

The retreat is also the time to discover new cities, go out, practice sport and cultivate ...

And precisely, the Catalan coast allows retirees to enjoy the many cultural activities with its museums (in particular the Dalí theater-museum: one of the most visited Spanish museums), its exhibitions and its festivals of classical music which will appeal to lovers of culture.

The Costa Brava also offers a large number of sports activities, especially for the most active seniors, such as golf, tennis, sailing, stand up paddle or hiking (for example on the GR 92 which crosses Catalonia along the coast) ...

Finally, you can also visit natural sites as well as nearby cities like Girona or Barcelona.

Gastronomy 

Spanish gastronomy is renowned worldwide. There is no doubt, you will enjoy the many Spanish specialties (paella, salmorejo , fideuà , and gazpacho ...) without forgetting the Catalan specialties ( escalivada , gambas de palamós , fideu and la crema catalana …). 

The quality of medical care

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

Evidence of thousands of people come to hospitals in Catalonia to receive treatment or undergo surgery.

As a retiree, you have several choices:

1.                             You remain affiliated to the French social security system: in this case, you can return to France for treatment and benefit from the reimbursement of health costs. 
2.                             You transfer your rights to Spanish social security in order to have access to reimbursements for medical consultations in your host country.
3.                             You use your European health insurance card while waiting to make arrangements with the SNS.

Ease of integration

The Spanish are recognized worldwide for their friendliness, their zest for life and their 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 responsible for welcoming new arrivals.

Thus, your integration will be done without any problem.

Language

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

In addition, as the Costa Brava is very popular with tourists and French retirees, you will still be able to speak your native language.

Security

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

Lower taxes

If you receive a private retirement pension and have lived in Spain for more than 183 days (deadline to be considered a Spanish national), you will pay taxes in the country where they have the advantage of being lower than in France.

Low cost of living

One of the other advantages of retiring on the Costa Brava ( and also throughout the country) is the cost of living, which is much lower than ours. 

Food and basic necessities, public transport, clothing, leisure, restaurants… everything (except telephony and internet access) is more attractive than in France.

On average, prices are 26% lower than in our country.

Thus, your purchasing power will improve considerably.

The real estate market

The property market on the Spanish Mediterranean coast offers a wide variety of properties (villa with swimming pool, house with sea view and apartment with mooring ...) at more attractive prices than in France, which makes all retirees happy for live peaceful days there.

You will understand, buying a property on the Costa Brava to spend your retirement is a wise choice.

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