Areas
Begur
The "St Tropez of Catalonia" — a hill village with a medieval castle, exclusive coves, and a very premium, very international second-home market.
Begur is not a beach town — it is a hill village with a medieval castle, narrow cobbled streets and a distinctly French atmosphere. The beaches are satellite coves reached by winding roads: Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, Fornells and Platja Fonda. Each is small, exquisite and, in summer, extremely busy.
For British relocation planners, Begur represents the premium end of the Costa Brava. Property prices are high, the market is dominated by second-home buyers from France, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, and the village itself is quiet in winter. Year-round living is possible but not common — the permanent population is barely 4,000 and the infrastructure is designed for seasonal visitors.
The town has a notable Cuban connection — many 19th-century emigrants returned with wealth, building the distinctive "Indian" houses that dot the village. Today, Begur's identity is chic, understated and international. Boutique hotels, design restaurants and art galleries line the main street. Catalan is the default language; English is spoken in upmarket establishments.
Who this town suits
No international school, small local school, coves are crowded in summer.
Beautiful, walkable, excellent restaurants. But limited healthcare and very quiet in winter.
Very quiet out of season. Good for focused work. Very small English-speaking community.
One of the Costa Brava's most prestigious addresses. Strong rental demand at the luxury end.
High-end market only. HUT licence required. Premium properties rent well; mid-range less so.
If the budget allows, few places on the Spanish coast match Begur's aesthetic and atmosphere.
Geography and access
- • Hill village in central Girona province, Baix Empordà comarca, Costa Brava, ~50 km east of Girona city.
- • No railway. Bus to Palafrugell and Girona. Road access via GI-653.
- • Girona–Costa Brava Airport ~50 km; Barcelona El Prat ~130 km.
- • Beaches are satellite coves 3–8 km from the village — car or steep walking required.
Local services
Healthcare
Primary care centre (CAP) in Palafrugell (~8 km). Hospital de Palamós (~20 km) or Hospital Josep Trueta in Girona (~50 km).
Schools
Public primary school in Begur. Secondary in Palafrugell. No international school nearby.
Shopping
Boutique shops, design stores, restaurants, small Spar supermarket. Large supermarkets in Palafrugell.
Admin
Padrón at Begur town hall. Extranjería in Girona.
British community
Very small. The international population is predominantly French, Belgian, Swiss and Dutch. British buyers are rare but present at the very top of the market. Most foreign residents are seasonal.
Property and rental signal
Local admin notes
Important notes and caveats
- • Population: ~4,300 (citypopulation.de 2025 estimate). Summer population 20,000–40,000.
- • British nationals: negligible (2021 census).
- • Heritage restrictions protect the historic core.
- • **Costa Brava research is based on desk research and official sources, not lived experience.** Costa Bridge has deeper on-the-ground knowledge of Terres de l'Ebre and Costa Dorada. Treat Brava guidance as informed but not field-tested.
Nearby towns you may also like
[[Pals]]
~8 km south
Medieval inland village, rice fields, golf, very premium.
[[Palafrugell]]
~8 km inland
Larger working town, services, secondary school, transport.
[[Girona]]
~50 km inland
Provincial capital, AVE station, hospital, full services.
Last updated: 2026-07-05