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Find your place in Girona

From medieval old town character to peaceful countryside calm — each area of Girona and the Costa Brava offers a genuinely different way of life. Here's what to expect from each.

The big picture

Girona is more than one place

The Girona area spans a compact medieval city, quiet residential suburbs, the dramatic Costa Brava coastline, and sleepy Catalan villages — all within 30 minutes of each other. Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions of your relocation.

City living

Walkability, culture, cafés, and community in a compact, human-scale medieval city.

Family suburbs

Quieter streets, bigger homes, good schools, parks — within cycling distance of the centre.

Coast towns

Sea views, beach access, and that dreamy Costa Brava light — with Girona 30 minutes inland.

Countryside villages

Stone farmhouses, olive groves, total peace — with the city close enough for everything you need.

Areas in detail

Every area, honestly explained

We don't oversell. Here's an honest breakdown of each area — vibe, ideal residents, and real trade-offs.

City centre

Girona City Centre

"Buzzy, walkable, and alive at all hours"

The modern centre — Eixample and surrounding areas — is where most of daily life happens. Markets, restaurants, gyms, co-working spaces, and excellent transport links. A 10-minute bike ride from Old Town character, without the tourist density.

Ideal for Remote workers, couples, younger expats, professionals
Pros Walkable, great cafés, good value rentals, local feel
Trade-offs Some traffic noise, less green space, smaller apartments
Rent range €900–€1,600 / month
Old Town

Barri Vell (Old Town)

"Medieval streets, golden light, and a story on every corner"

Girona's stunning old town, with its cathedral, coloured houses, and Roman walls. Living here means cobblestones outside your door, the best restaurants and bars nearby, and an atmosphere that never gets old. A truly unique urban experience.

Ideal for Couples, creative workers, short-term stays, cultural enthusiasts
Pros Unique atmosphere, central location, strong character
Trade-offs Noise in summer, some tourist footfall, no parking, premium pricing
Rent range €1,100–€2,200 / month
Family areas

Family Residential Areas

"More space, calmer streets, better schools — still 10 minutes from everything"

Neighbourhoods like Montjuïc, Font de la Pólvora, and the Sant Narcís area offer larger apartments and houses, quieter streets, proximity to parks and schools, and a genuine neighbourhood feel. Popular with families and those wanting more square metres.

Ideal for Families with children, retirees wanting space, long-term movers
Pros Larger homes, parks, good schools nearby, community feel
Trade-offs Car useful, less vibrant nightlife, fewer international restaurants
Rent range €850–€1,500 / month
Coast

Costa Brava Towns

"Sea air, craggy coastline, and a slower Mediterranean rhythm"

Towns like Begur, Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Platja d'Aro sit on one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. Remote workers and retirees increasingly make these their base — especially with Girona airport and city just 30–40 minutes away.

Ideal for Remote workers, retirees, beach lifestyle, second-home buyers
Pros Stunning scenery, beach access, cleaner air, relaxed pace
Trade-offs Quieter in winter, car essential, fewer urban amenities year-round
Rent range €1,000–€2,500 / month (seasonal variation)
Inland towns

Banyoles & Inland Towns

"Authentic Catalan life, a lake view, and half the price"

Banyoles, with its beautiful lake and market town atmosphere, sits just 20 minutes from Girona. Along with towns like Olot and Besalú, these areas offer authentic local living, excellent value, and a genuine connection to Catalan culture — without the expat crowds.

Ideal for Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking authenticity
Pros Excellent value, authentic culture, beautiful nature, lakes and parks
Trade-offs Limited English-speaking services, smaller expat community, car needed
Rent range €700–€1,200 / month
Rural

Countryside Villages & Mas

"Stone walls, olive trees, and a silence that resets you"

The Alt Empordà and surrounding countryside is dotted with traditional Catalan farmhouses (masies) and tiny villages where time moves differently. For those craving space, nature, and genuine peace — with Girona still accessible when needed.

Ideal for Artists, writers, retirees, families wanting land, nature lovers
Pros Privacy, space, character properties, fresh air, total calm
Trade-offs Car essential, limited local services, can feel isolated in winter
Rent range €800–€2,000 / month (varies hugely)
Not sure where to live?

Let us match you to the right area

Our area matching service goes beyond a map. We talk through your lifestyle, priorities, and deal-breakers — then give you a clear, honest recommendation with reasons why.

Book a free call See area matching service
Life in Girona

What daily life actually feels like

Beyond the property listings and neighbourhood guides, here's what makes Girona the kind of place that gets under your skin.

Café Culture

Coffee here is a ritual, not a transaction. You'll have a favourite terrace within a week. The Rambla, the old town squares, and the riverside path are all made for lingering — with an excellent cortado in hand.

Cycling Capital

Girona is one of Europe's top cycling destinations — a training base for pro cyclists and a weekend joy for everyone else. The roads into the Pyrenees are legendary, and the city itself is very bikeable.

Gastronomy Hub

With Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca just outside the city, Girona punches way above its weight for food. From market stalls to excellent neighbourhood restaurants, eating well here is effortless.

Ready to find your area?

We'll guide you to the right corner of Girona — one that matches your lifestyle, not just your budget.

Start with a free call