Moving to Santa Cristina d’Aro
Matthew’s article this week concentrates on moving to Santa Cristina d’Aro.
Image ©Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva via Creative CommonsMoving to Santa Cristina d’Aro: Charming Catalonia
Ups
When you think of the average inhabitant of Spain’s Costas, you might well think of a middle-aged Middle-Englander. That’s not always the case, however. Take the original Costa for example, Costa Brava, which remains relatively unspoilt; especially if you head inland to the likes of the green and pleasant land of Santa Cristina d’Aro.
Downs
If you’re partial to a Spain which is a little rough around the edges, you might find Santa Cristina d’Aro to be a tad too smooth. This is theme park Catalonia at times, particularly the tourist information office, which is located in the the former Carrilet station which connected Santa Cristina to Girona.
Ins and outs
The nearest airport to Santa Cristina d’Aro is Girona which you’ll reach in less than half an hour. Times that travelling time by three if you’re flying into/out of Barcelona’s El Prat airport.
Education
On the international-school front, Saint George’s School in Fornells de la Selva will require a daily commute of around 50 minutes. It’s a similar journey time to and from Girona’s Complex Cultural i Esportiu Montessori-Palau. The Montjuïc Girona International School, however, is the other side of the provincial capital and will add on an extra 20 minutes to your trips there and back.
Shop until you drop…
The good folk of Santa Cristina d’Aro are ecologically sound. So, as well as finding a branch of green supermarket Esclat in the town (on Carrer Jacint Verdaguer), you’ll be able to locate Organic Cotton Colours. This Carrer Teulera establishment sells natural cotton in various shades by the metre as well as a range of chic cotton clobber for men, women, and children.
Property in Santa Cristina d’Aro
Santa Cristina d’Aro is known for its green spaces which makes it a hit with hikers. There’s plenty of land to buy out of town if you want to build your own rural idyll. Along with flats and houses in Santa Cristina itself if you prefer to go urban.
Market watch
Land starts at 45,000€ in Santa Cristina d’Aro with the cheapest flats going for double the amount.
In Praise Of
“Santa Cristina d’Aro enjoys an ideal location, set back from the Costa Brava coast. So you have all the benefits of the beaches and larger shops, but you’re sufficiently distant and can take advantage of a relaxing, quiet place to live. The town is big enough to have its own Festa Major in the summer and carnival over February and March though.” – David Allen Wizardgold (Good & Geeky).
- Are you an expat living in Santa Cristina d’Aro? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
