Living all year round on the Costa Brava has become a dream for many, but making it a reality means choosing the right location. Not every town offers the same kind of life outside the summer season, and the right decision depends on your priorities: active services, local community, connections to nearby cities, or proximity to the sea.
At Corredor Mató, we know every area in depth and understand their unique characteristics. In this guide, we’ll help you identify where to buy a home according to your lifestyle, with practical insights on connectivity, local life, and real estate opportunities.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Ideal Area
Before deciding on a specific location, it’s worth analyzing three key factors that determine quality of life throughout the year:
Accessibility, Schools, and Active Services
If you plan to live here permanently, you’ll need an area with good road connections and services that remain open beyond the summer months.
The Costa Brava has an excellent road network through the C-31 and AP-7, which provide quick access to Girona, Barcelona, and France, as well as the Girona-Costa Brava Airport, offering direct flights to major European capitals.
In terms of education, the region offers a wide range of public, semi-private, and private schools, along with several international schools providing bilingual programs or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some of the most notable include St. George’s British School (Fornells de la Selva), Bell-lloc del Pla (Girona), Montessori Palau International School, and the International School of Catalunya (La Garriga). This educational network allows families to maintain an excellent academic level without giving up the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Regarding healthcare and daily services, the area has private clinics and renowned hospitals in Palamós and Girona, as well as a growing range of shops, restaurants, and sports centers open year-round, particularly in towns with a strong residential base.
Local Community and Off-Season Life
Some coastal towns become quiet in winter, while others keep a balanced atmosphere thanks to an active year-round community. This is an essential factor if you’re looking for social life, cultural activities, or simply neighbors who live here permanently.
Towns like Palafrugell, Calonge, Sant Feliu, and Platja d’Aro maintain steady activity even during the quietest months, with local associations, cultural events, and weekly markets that keep the streets lively throughout the year. This balance between authenticity and vibrancy makes them ideal for permanent living.
Recommended Areas for Year-Round Living
Here’s a selection of the most suitable areas for those looking to buy a property and live on the Costa Brava all year round.
Palafrugell, Calella, and Tamariu – Balance Between Sea and Town Life
Palafrugell is one of the most complete towns on the Costa Brava. It offers schools, shops, markets, and an active local community all year long. Its coastal villages – Calella, Llafranc, and Tamariu – make it possible to live by the sea while staying close to urban amenities.
It’s ideal for families or anyone seeking a peaceful environment with a genuine local lifestyle.
Its excellent connection to Girona via the C-31 and the presence of restaurants open year-round make it one of the most balanced residential destinations on the Costa Brava.
Begur and Aiguablava – Exclusivity and Privacy
Begur combines the charm of a historic village with a high-end residential offer. Its developments, such as Aiguablava, provide privacy, sea views, and beautifully designed homes. Although quieter in winter, it maintains a stable international community and quick access to services in Palafrugell.
Perfect for those who value tranquility and architectural quality.
Calonge and Sant Antoni – Family Life and Active Community
Calonge has successfully reinvented itself as a residential town with a strong local community and projects that promote year-round living. Its coastal area, Sant Antoni, offers an excellent mix of beach, services, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Its location between Palamós and Platja d’Aro allows easy access to a wide range of commercial and gastronomic options without long drives.
Sant Feliu and Platja d’Aro – Year-Round Services and Urban Lifestyle
If you prefer a more dynamic lifestyle, Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d’Aro are the most complete choices.
Both towns have private and semi-private schools, such as Escola Gaziel and Fanals d’Aro, as well as a wide commercial network that remains open all year. Platja d’Aro, in particular, keeps over 80% of its businesses open in winter, ensuring active social life even off-season.
These are highly connected areas, just 30 minutes from Girona and one hour from Barcelona, ideal for remote workers or anyone who wants to combine beach and urban life year-round.
Recommended Property Types for Permanent Residence
When searching for a home to live in all year, it’s important to consider factors beyond location.
Homes with good insulation and efficient heating ensure comfort during colder months and help reduce maintenance costs.
South- or southwest-facing houses benefit from natural light and better solar exposure.
Properties in active communities are also a plus – if you choose a residential complex, make sure it offers year-round security, maintenance, and services.
These features make the difference between a holiday house and a true home.
Buying with Vision – How to Make the Right Choice
Buying a home on the Costa Brava is not just about location but perspective. Choosing an area with year-round life increases the value of your investment and guarantees a far more rewarding living experience.
The guidance of a local expert is essential to assess factors not always visible at first sight: microclimates, orientation, urban development trends, or future demand.
Think with Your Head, Buy with Your Heart
Living year-round on the Costa Brava is much more than a lifestyle choice – it’s a commitment to balance between nature, well-being, and connection. Choosing the right area will allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean 365 days a year in comfort and quality of life.
At Corredor Mató, we help you find the perfect home to match your life project, with local expertise, market knowledge, and a curated selection of properties.
Discover our available homes in the best areas to live year-round on the Costa Brava.
