Package holidays first put this corner of Spain on the map but its endearing natural charm soon became its main draw. Unspoilt beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, beautifully preserved villages and the rich Catalan culture are what attract house-hunters these days. Just try and resist…

Location and landscape
The Costa Brava, part of Catalonia, is the most northerly stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. It begins at the resort of Blanes, around 50 minutes north of Barcelona, and ends at the French border. Split into two halves, the northern section is known commonly as Alt Empordà and includes the Bay of Roses. Much of the coast is fringed by dunes and a sweeping beach, as well as the protected Cap de Creus peninsula, a stirring lunarscape that inspired the area’s most famous native and a long-time resident, surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.

The southern half is part of the Baix Empordà, home to the largest and most established resorts as well as the most exclusive property spots. The jewel in the crown is the stretch between Begur and Palamós, where the coastline is a stunning string of coves, overlooked by towering pine-clad cliffs and dotted with bijou resorts. Wooded hills running down to rocky headlands and sheltered bays are typical of the Costa Brava, hence its name, which means ‘Rugged Coast’.

Meanwhile, the majestic Pyrenees provide a dramatic backdrop, especially in the northern part, where snow-capped peaks are visible on clear winter or spring days.

Notable buying spots
The most popular areas with British buyers include the countryside and coast around the historic walled towns of Begur and Pals, where houses five minutes inland are as popular as sea-facing apartments. The small bays running south from there, which include Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell (main picture), are also sought after if not more exclusive. Equally favoured and with a larger choice of property are the Palamós and Calonge areas, and the larger resorts of Platja d’Aro, including the inland Santa Cristina community, not forgetting the pretty resort of Tossa de Mar and well-known hotspot of Lloret de Mar.

Slightly less on the radar, British buyers in the northern part tend to head to the Bay Roses, either to the resorts of Roses, L’Escala or waterfront community of Empuriabrava, or L’Estartit just to the south. More arty types are attracted to the picture-postcard fishing town of Cadaqués, Dalí’s old stomping ground.

The lifestyle
The Costa Brava really offers something for everyone. There are dozens of picturesque bays for those who like sheltered beaches, but equally the open stretches of sand, such as at L’Estartit and San Pere Pescador (Bay of Roses) offer fantastic conditions for water sports, particularly kite and wind-surfing. Marinas and nautical centres are plentiful too, with the craggy coastline making it great for diving, especially around the protected Medes Islands. Most resorts started life as fishing towns and today have pretty and historic centres, with excellent restaurants, boutique shopping and a town square for enjoying an evening drink or two.

Catalan cuisine has become world-famous in recent decades, helped by the famous Barcelona chef Ferran Adrià and his El Bulli restaurant on the Bay of Roses and more recently El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, recognised as one of the world’s finest restaurants.

The region’s active, outdoorsy lifestyle isn’t limited to the water. Coastal paths link many neighbouring resorts and, away from the beach, five minutes inland you’re in ancient farming villages, typically linked by trails geared towards walkers and cyclists.

There are world-class golf courses, such as at Pals and PGA Catalunya near Girona, and all sorts of mountain-based activities, including skiing, are short drive away in the Pyrenees. Just remember, the northern Costa Brava in particular gets chilly in winter.

Property
Expect to spend €130,000-€200,000 for a resale two-bedroom apartment in good condition and within walking distance of the beach and amenities. Budget from €250,000-€350,000 for newer properties with a shared pool or an especially desirable area. Small resale detached villas start from circa €300,000 but €500,000-plus is not uncommon for a larger property with pool and garden in a sought-after resort. In exclusive areas, reformed country houses just inland or modern cliff-top villas with sea views can easily be €1million-plus.

Getting there
Barcelona Airport, typically between an hour and 90-minute transfer via the motorway, has endless low-cost flights from a range of UK airports. More convenient is Girona Airport, feasibly 30 minutes’ transfer, but flight options are limited. Flying into Perpignan in France could also be an option. Otherwise, drive time to the Costa Brava from the UK, via the ferry/ Channel Tunnel, is no different to the French Riviera – a journey that can be done in one day or night, or broken up with an overnight stop.