Best Places to live year-round in the Costa Brava

The appeal of the Empordà

The Costa Brava sounds almost too good to be true – so what is the catch? Focusing on the Baix and Alt Empordà areas which stretch from the French border down the coast and inland towards Girona, the quality of life in this area has an incredible appeal. Balancing swathes of protected forests with coves that rival those of the Balearics, properties that range from historic stone farmhouses set amidst thousands of square feet of land to modern, new build villas overlooking the sea, and easy access to Barcelona in 1.5 hours via car or train, it all sounds quite idyllic.

And we haven’t even touched upon the rich culture and history, from Dalí to the Romans who all left their mark. These factors also explain why many foreigners have started to buy in the region, a trend accelerated by Covid and a general desire to be living in the countryside.

If you’re considering moving to the Empordà, doing your research and speaking to an advisor prior to choosing your new home is essential. Seasonality can play an important role when you are deciding where to buy in the Empordà for year-round living.

Understanding the Empordà’s seasonal nature

The Empordà has a range of tourists come summer – those from Barcelona who spent their winters in La Cerdanya head to their summer homes in the Baix Empordà, whilst many Dutch, English, French and Germans families also wind their way down Europe to second residences. But wherever they may be coming from, the tourists’ arrival from around April onwards creates clear differences in the area with regards to high season and low season.

Many of the towns, especially along the coast, spring to life during summer in a flurry. Concerts bring artists ranging from Rod Stewart to Amadou and Mariam or Ben Harper, restaurants are booked weeks in advance, beach restaurants (chiringuitos) pop up from the sand and the area is buzzing.

Then, come winter, the chiringuitos are quietly packed away again till warmer days, many restaurants take a well-deserved rest – albeit normally for a month or two, and the towns and beaches might only see a few visitors, rather than a few hundred.

Finding the right fit for year-round living

Speaking with many people looking to move to the area, or even browsing “expat groups” on Facebook, one of the most common questions is:

“Where is the best place for year-round living?”

The truth is all the towns within the Empordà are apt for year-round living. Amenities such as schools, doctors' offices and supermarkets or after school activities for kids like music or sports classes, are easily found in most towns or at least within a 10 to 15-minute drive.

However, if what you are looking for is a town in which your neighbours are most likely to live there all year, with restaurants and bars that stay open throughout the winter season, and that has a similar energy whether it’s July or January, there are certain towns which are more suited to you than others.

Towns with more year-round activity

Generally speaking, the closer a town is to Barcelona, the more likely it is to have a lively, year-round atmosphere. Platja d’Aro, for example, embraces its “365 days” slogan, reflecting its commitment to staying vibrant throughout the year. Similarly, towns like Palamos, Sant Feliu de Guixols, and S’Agaro attract both local residents and long-term foreign families, creating a steady, year-round community.

Further north, towns such as Torroella de Montgrí, La Bisbal, Palafrugell, and L’Escala also offer year-round living, though on a smaller, more relaxed scale. These towns remain open throughout the year but tend to have a quieter pace compared to their southern counterparts.

Sleepy winter towns in the Costa Brava

If you're considering a town for year-round living, some quieter spots in the Empordà may not offer the same level of amenities or activity during the off-season. Towns like Pals, Begur, Roses, Cadaqués, and Calella de Palafrugell can feel almost deserted in the winter months, with many businesses and restaurants closing for the season. This creates a stark contrast to the bustling energy of summer, leaving these towns much quieter and less vibrant.

Further inland, places like Peratallada can feel - in the depths of winter - like ghost towns. You know it’s a quiet spot in Spain when there isn’t a single place open to even buy a cortado.

Whilst these towns are are brimming with charm and perfectly suitable for a slower pace of life, if you are after a lively, year-round atmosphere with plenty of things to do at your doorstep, these towns might not be the best fit for you.

Adapting to a new lifestyle

Most importantly, a move to the area – depending on where you are moving from – may require a shift in your mindset or lifestyle to make the most of living locally.

From the basics such as learning Spanish or Catalan to help with integration, to using social media to find your own network and start to build community all help with the adaptation process. Life here in the Costa Brava is about slowing down the pace, soaking in the nature and beauty of the region, and creating a like-minded community around you no matter which town you end up choosing.

If you're considering making the Costa Brava your year-round home or need more information on the best towns for permanent living, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to help you with expert advice, property searches, and insights into the local lifestyle.