Ten Reasons to Move to the Costa Brava

After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and the apparent dominance of France is to a large extent due to visitors in transit elsewhere. In 1996 between 1.2 and 1.3 million European tourists visited Spain. It is therefore not surprising that many of them become interested in buying a home there. Spain's property market generally has enjoyed strong growth, with the Costa Brava enjoying a particularly large rise in values. About 20% of foreign owners are more or less permanent residents of Spain, while the remaining 80% bought their property for either holidays or investment purposes.

The Costa Brava is particularly attractive because · Summer heat is less intense than further south, · Scenery is spectacular, · There are beautiful well-preserved mediaeval towns like Pals and Peratallada everywhere, · Catalonia is well run with good roads and railways · The A7 motorway is never more than a few minutes drive and connects to the French network · Barcelona is easily accessible · Golf courses are numerous and of the highest standard all year round · In winter, there is good skiing in the nearby Pyrenees · There are cheap flights to Girona/Costa Brave airport and to Barcelona and Perpignan. · Eating out is inexpensive and a real pleasure · The cost of living generally is reasonable. That is an impressive catalogue of benefits. Add that attractive property is still fairly freely available and competitively priced and you will quickly understand the popularity of the region. Many different nationalities settle here, but unlike further south they are all intermingled, with no "English" estates or "German" estates. The whole atmosphere is much more cosmopolitan. That does not suit everybody. Before buying anything, do visit the area in and out of season. Resorts that are a buzz in summer often die completely in the winter. To most Catalonians, the Costa Brava is where they go for their summer holidays; they don't live there, and they don't even visit at week-ends out of season. If you are buying just for summer rentals and/or your own summer holidays, that does not matter, but if you are thinking of permanent residence, it is a critical factor. Never assume that you may be able to rent your property in winter. It is most unlikely.

If you are thinking of semi-permanent or even permanent residence, you may be concerned that you will find it hard to make friends here, and therefore be somewhat isolated. This is generally not so. Most residents are retired or semi-retired and it is fairly easy to meet new people, particularly of course if you play golf. Incomers tend to be of a similar age and background, even if from different countries. They too want to make new friends.

This may be an advantage or a disadvantage! You will also suddenly find that you have many friends in England wanting to visit you. Some of them may be friends that you thought of only as acquaintances. It can also be difficult for visitors to understand that you are not there just to entertain them, but have your own life to lead as well.

All in all though, the Costa Brava is a terrific place to holiday or live as long as you have thought through your purchase correctly. Our experience comes as part of the package, and our job is to make sure that you make the right decision for you. This is not the Costa del Sol either in terms of weather or life style, but it is culturally rich, welcoming, and offers a great life to those that respond to what it offers.

This article and more can be found at: Costa Brava Homes

© Costa Brava Homes 2004

Christopher B. Longmore - Costa Brava Homes Sales Director

---

Choosing a Maui Condo Rental Agent

Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More

Earning Rental Income from a Gatlinburg Cabin

Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More

Why The Vacation Home Sale Market Is Unsustainable

The rental market and Vacation Home sale market is unsustainable.... Read More

A Fabulous Guide to Floridas Best Rentals: Condos for Rent, Rental Houses, and Rental Condos

A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More

Amazon Expeditions with Time Magazine ?Hero of the Planet Year 2000? - Dr. Marc van Roosmalen

The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her... Read More

Orlando Vacation Accommodation - Unforgettable Accommodation

As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998,... Read More

Vacation / Honeymoons 101 - Planning for Perfect Weather on Your Trip

Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More

Villa Rentals on South Carolinas Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More

Guide for Selecting a Villa Near Disney in Orlando Florida

This article is meant to be a guide for those... Read More

Thailand Golf Packages and Thailand Hotels Reservation

Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More

Ormond Beach, FL: A Small Piece of Paradise

Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More

Hampshire - Mild, Convenient, and Full of Variety

The southern English county of Hampshire is only two hours... Read More

Pigeon Forge Hotels

Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More

Chiang Mai Guesthouses - What To Expect

No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More

Privately-Owned Vacation Property Offers Outstanding Value to Renters

In November, 2004, my wife Terry and I visited Paris... Read More

French Property - Looking to take a holiday in France ?

Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More

Costa Rica has been Called the Hawaii of Central America

Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More

Finding Travel Deals

If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More

Costa Rica - A Paradise in Central America

Family Vacation in Costa RicaYou will not have any problem... Read More

Consider A Private Kauai Vacation Rental For Your Next Getaway

There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More

What are the Lodging Options when Visiting Orlando Florida for Our Family Vacation

Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FLThere are numerous choices for lodging... Read More

The Natural Beauty of Havasu Falls

Three major cascades at Havasu Creek create a landscape that... Read More

Desiya ? Smart Travel Engine Making Indian Sojourn Memorable

India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More

Keys to Contentment

Most of us take vacations for the express purpose of... Read More

Zambia... What an Amazing Country!

When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you... Read More

The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica

Whether you've saved up for years for a fun family... Read More

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina ? Is It A Family Or Golfers Vacation Destination?

Before finding the answer to this dilemma, let's take an... Read More

Florida Beachfront Rentals - Finding Florida Beachfront Vacation Homes

Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More

Vacation Rentals on Lake Tahoe?s South Shore

South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are particularly in demand with... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel: Tip #3 Insurance

Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More

Living and Retiring in Bolivia

A beautiful and inexpensive place without a tourist in sight.... Read More

Where to Find Lodging and Accommodation in Whistler, BC

Are you thinking about a great place to go for... Read More

Ditch The Hotel For A Villa Or Vacation Home

Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown.... Read More