Living on the Costa Brava all year round: where to live and what to consider

Advantages of living on the Costa Brava all year round

The Costa Brava offers a way of life tied to the sea and nature in every season. Outside the busiest tourist months, some towns regain a calmer pace while keeping their commercial, cultural and social activity.

Weekly markets, local festivals and sports activities make it possible to enjoy the area throughout the year. In addition, the coastal footpaths (camins de ronda) and natural spaces offer plenty of ways to walk, hike or cycle without depending on the beach season. To discover more ideas and learn more about the natural and cultural wealth of the area, you can visit the official Costa Brava tourism website.

A natural setting to enjoy every day

Living close to the sea makes it easy to bring outdoor activities into your daily routine. Walking along the coast, playing sports or enjoying the natural spaces are some of the options available to those who live in the area.

Gastronomy is another of its attractions. Local markets, fresh fish and seasonal produce are part of what many municipalities offer. However, commercial activity and the availability of services can vary depending on the town and the time of year.

The best towns on the Costa Brava to live in all year round

Choosing where to live on the Costa Brava all year round depends on factors such as available services, connections with other cities, commercial activity during the winter and the type of home you are looking for. Some towns stand out for their range of services and economic activity, while others offer a quieter setting, historic heritage or a closer relationship with nature.

When choosing a permanent home, it is also worth considering how each municipality changes outside the tourist season, which activities it keeps going throughout the year and what kind of life it offers its residents. Here are some of the towns worth considering.

Blanes: services and activity all year round

Blanes is an interesting option for those looking for a coastal town with well-established everyday activity. It has shops, schools, healthcare services and a varied choice of restaurants, as well as beaches and natural spaces. Its urban scale makes it possible to combine life by the sea with the everyday needs of a permanent residence.

One of its distinguishing features is its connection to commercial and fishing activity, which coexists with tourism. It is also known for the Marimurtra Botanical Garden and for the International Fireworks Competition, held during the Festa Major de Santa Anna (the town's main festival) in July. Although this event draws large numbers of visitors in summer, life in the town is not limited to those months.

Its location at the southern end of the Costa Brava can be convenient for those who need to travel to Barcelona or other coastal towns. Before choosing a home, it is worth checking the public transport connections and the distance to the services you will use most often.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols: local life and everyday services

Sant Feliu de Guíxols has a special charm that is felt in everyday life: the seafront promenade, the streets of the historic centre, the terraces where you can meet friends and the welcoming atmosphere of a town that has kept its seafaring identity. Its pace is calm, but it is far from lifeless, and that combination makes it appealing for those looking to settle on the Costa Brava all year round.

Beyond its beaches and coves, the town has a local life of its own, with shops, a market, restaurants and cultural activities that keep the centre lively in the winter months too. Its maritime history is reflected in places such as the Benedictine monastery and the emblematic Porta Ferrada, while the Porta Ferrada Festival brings an outstanding cultural programme in summer.

For those who want to live by the sea without giving up an authentic, welcoming atmosphere, Sant Feliu offers the chance to enjoy walks along the coast, take part in life in the centre and have everyday services close at hand. When choosing a home, it is worth considering the differences between the more central areas, the residential neighbourhoods and the areas near the coves, since each offers a different way of enjoying the town.

Palamós: services, commerce and maritime tradition

Palamós stands out for its fishing port and for the importance that maritime activity still has in the local identity. Unlike other municipalities whose image is more associated with residential landscapes or coves, here the port is part of economic and everyday life, with boats arriving, fish being unloaded and the fish auction at work.

The Fishing Museum and the Espai del Peix offer insight into this tradition and its relationship with local gastronomy. The town is also known for the Palamós prawn, one of the most representative products of its cuisine. These elements add interest throughout the year and reinforce the town's seafaring character beyond summer tourism.

For those looking for a permanent home by the sea, Palamós offers services, shops, a market and restaurants, as well as a range of residential settings. The choice of area will depend on each person's priorities: living close to the centre and the port, seeking more tranquillity or having easy access to the beaches and coves. It is also worth considering your regular commute if you work outside the municipality.

Begur: tranquillity and homes in a natural setting

Begur stands out for its historic centre, its medieval castle and the Indiano houses built by locals who emigrated to the Americas in the 19th century and returned with a fortune. This legacy is one of the municipality's most distinctive features and is celebrated every year with the Fira d'Indians (Indianos Fair), on the first weekend of September.

Its natural surroundings are another major attraction, with coves such as Sa Tuna and Aiguablava and various residential areas spread between the town centre and the coastline. This layout makes it possible to find very different settings within the same municipality, although it also makes it especially important to study the exact location of each property.

Begur can suit those who prioritise landscape, tranquillity and the historic character of the setting. However, before settling there all year round, it is worth checking the distance to everyday shops and services, transport needs and how accessible the property is during the months of lower tourist activity. Everyday life can differ quite a lot between living in the village centre and living in a residential development near the coves.

Services and connections for living on the Costa Brava all year round

Connections and available services are important factors when choosing a permanent home on the Costa Brava. How easy it is to get to work, take the children to school or reach healthcare services can vary considerably depending on the municipality and the residential area.

The road is one of the main links between the coastal towns and the rest of the province. Proximity to the main roads can make it easier to travel to Girona, Barcelona and other towns, although travel time will depend on the starting point and traffic.

As for rail transport, some coastal towns require travelling to stations in nearby municipalities to access train and high-speed services. So, if you need to travel frequently, it is worth checking the connections available from the property you are considering.

Before deciding where to live, it is also advisable to check how close you are to supermarkets, schools, healthcare centres and other everyday services. These factors can carry more weight in choosing a permanent home than being right next to the beach.

What to consider when choosing a home on the Costa Brava

Choosing a home to live on the Costa Brava all year round means weighing aspects that go beyond location or sea views. The layout of the spaces, insulation, energy efficiency and easy access to services are important factors for enjoying the home in every season.

Among the features worth considering are:

Energy efficiency and insulation

To maintain thermal comfort during the winter months and reduce energy consumption.

Outdoor spaces 

Terraces, patios or gardens that let you enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Layout and workspace

Especially for families or people who work from home.

Location and accessibility 

Proximity to shops, schools, healthcare services and transport links.

Home maintenance 

Aspects such as damp, ventilation and the condition of the installations, especially in properties close to the sea.

Engel & Völkers: real estate advice on the Costa Brava

Choosing where to live also means understanding the particularities of each town and assessing which area best suits your day-to-day needs. Factors such as available services, connections and the type of residential environment can make the difference when finding a permanent home.

At Engel & Völkers Costa Brava Sud, our team offers local real estate advice to help you compare options and find a property that suits your preferences and needs. Discover our selection of homes on the Costa Brava and find the ideal place to make your permanent home.

Frequently asked questions about living on the Costa Brava all year round

Are there schools and educational services for families living on the Costa Brava?

The educational offer varies by municipality. The main towns have schools, while for certain private or international options it may be necessary to travel to other towns, such as Girona. It is worth checking what is available according to your children's ages and the type of education you are looking for.

What are winters like on the Costa Brava?

Winters tend to be milder than in many inland areas, although temperatures vary depending on the town and weather conditions. It is also advisable to consider the orientation, insulation and heating of the home to stay comfortable during the colder months.

What features should a home have for living on the Costa Brava all year round?

It depends on the needs of each person or family. Energy efficiency, insulation, the layout of the spaces, ventilation and proximity to everyday services are all important. If you work from home or have children, it can also be useful to have a workspace and easy access to schools.