The Costa Brava, on the coast of Girona, has become the new preferred destination for European millionaires. Its authenticity, understated luxury, and potential for appreciation have transformed the Spanish region into a new symbol of exclusivity and safe investment.
Europe’s wealthiest investors are changing course. Instead of the traditional French Riviera, many Swiss, French, and Nordic millionaires are now choosing the Costa Brava, off the coast of Girona, as the ideal place to acquire luxury properties.
This Spanish region, along with l’Empordà, has become the new epicenter of the high-end real estate market on the continent.
This transformation didn’t happen by chance. Travel experts say that the most valuable places aren’t the most crowded with tourists, but rather those that maintain their original essence and customs.
It is precisely this authenticity that has attracted the attention of major investors, who seek exclusivity, tranquility, and long-term value.
Why the French Riviera lost ground
Barnes Real Estate, a leading firm in the sector, points to two main reasons for investors staying away from the French Riviera.
The first is the continuous increase in prices, which has reduced profitability even for the very wealthy.
The second is the excess of construction and the consequent overcrowding, factors that have taken away the charm and privacy that once defined the region.
Therefore, many buyers began looking for more balanced alternatives in terms of cost, aesthetics, and quality of life.
The Costa Brava emerged as the perfect answer, offering a rare combination of Mediterranean landscapes, modern infrastructure, and rapid appreciation.
The rise of the Costa Brava and what attracts millionaires.
The Girona coastline is experiencing what real estate agents call a “second golden age.” Hotel investment in Catalonia has grown by 90% in just one year, and the region now accounts for 25% of all hotel investment in Spain.
Furthermore, the luxury areas of Girona account for 60% of buying and selling transactions, with average values between 2 and 5 million euros.
In some cases, transactions reach 20 million. Even with high prices, profitability remains the main attraction: luxury properties appreciated by 20% in the last year.
Currently, there are around a thousand high-end properties available. This scarcity, coupled with growing popularity, explains the significant increase in prices and the competition for every available square meter.
The profile of the new buyer
Investors arriving on the Costa Brava are not looking to replicate the saturation model of the French Riviera. On the contrary, they intend to preserve the balance and revitalize what already exists.
The trend is to acquire old villages, country houses and historic properties, restoring them with respect to the local architecture.
According to Barnes, the new buyer “seeks spaces with history, privacy, discretion, and purpose.” Many are captivated by the Mediterranean design and the authentic atmosphere of the region.
Therefore, they hire young local builders and architects to reinterpret traditions with a modern and sustainable approach.
The charm of quiet luxury.
For those familiar with the area, the secret to the Costa Brava’s success lies in the concept of “silent luxury.” This is a vision that prioritizes quality, authenticity, and serenity over ostentation.
As Jordi Mercader, managing partner of Barnes Costa Brava, summarizes, “the region offers much more than spectacular views: it’s a place where each day is lived with calm, beauty, and authenticity, embracing a quiet luxury that values essence above excess.”
With information from Casa Vogue.