Why move to Calonge
Move here for the best of both worlds: a traditional Spanish mountain village and a well serviced seaside resort combine into a brilliant base that’s easy to reach and surrounded by fascinating places.
The Calonge village is a classic Spanish town of labyrinthine streets, medieval ramparts and religious architecture. Nationals speak conversational Catalan and there are many regional customs alive, such as the Feast of Sant Jordi, the Feast of San Juan and Catalan.
Well situated in the middle of the Costa Brava, the Sant Antoni marina has become a thriving tourist town. Sant Antoni beach covers most of the coastline complementing the commercial centre of shops, bars and restaurants. At the southern end, the Playa Torre Valentina walkway begins. This path continues through pine woodland past the rock-ribbed Cala del Racó dels Homes bay to the Cala Cap Roig: a cove named after the glittering red rock jutting out of the Mediterranean on the horizon.
The nightlife in both neighbouring Palamos and Playa d’ Aro is varied and runs into the early hours. The verdant national parks of Massis de les Gavarres and Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa are 30 minutes, or an hour and 20 minutes drive respectively. Girona, Barcelona, Figueres and the French border are all within driving distance, and there are plenty of mountain villages such as Pals, Monells and Madremanya to explore.
Community
The community is made up from a mix of Spanish and European residents, with many second homes belonging to Barcelona weekenders and northern European holidaymakers.
Property
This is an expensive area for Spain, but people come because it’s got a sophisticated and cultured reputation. Most buyers are after villas with private gardens and often private pools too. Even apartments here start around 2-3 bedrooms and the more expensive have sea views.
Amenities
Calonge has the benefit having of both the urbanised beachside town and the medieval village, so there are plenty of shared amenities.
Transport
The Girona-Costa Brava airport is only 35 minutes drive away, and public transport can get you there via Girona in under 2 hours. The Barcelona–El Prat Airport is further but has more frequent flights to mainland Europe and the UK. The number 44, 42 and 5 buses run between the village and the coast.
Employment
Many people who relocate from the UK to this part of Spain keep ties with British jobs. It’s 2 hours between the UK and Girona airport and a one day crossing in the car, meaning it’s easy to switch between two countries. There is work available in the immediate area, but at least a conversational level of speaking Castilian would be beneficial.
Health
The Costa Brava Medic in Sant Antoni is an international medical service, and Consultori Local de Calonge on the Plaça de la Concòrdia in the village, is a public health centre. The Hospital de Palamós is in the next town over and just a 10-minute drive from Calonge.
Schools
There are many state-run schools in the municipality and a special education school in Palamos. Saint George’s School in Girona is the closest international college.
Cost of Living
Although rent and property sales here are generally more expensive than other parts of the Spanish coast, you can still enjoy an authentic Spanish life with a higher standard of living for less than in mainland Europe.