Where to Buy a Country House in Catalonia: 11 Best Areas

In this article, you’ll find:

• Why Girona province has the largest country house market in Catalonia

• An honest breakdown of the 11 most sought-after regions

• Three real sales that show how different buyers choose different regions

• The legal complexities that catch buyers off guard – and why working with a specialist makes a difference

Thinking of buying a country house in Catalonia? Book a consultation with Angels Sabater to review Cottage Properties' current portfolio – including private listings not published online.

Why Girona has the biggest country house market in Catalonia

Since 2010, every municipality in Catalonia has been required to maintain a catàleg de masies i cases rurals. It’s an official inventory of the country houses and masias within its territory. These catalogues are the definitive record of the rural property market in each area, and they tell a story that surprises many buyers.

At Cottage Properties, we reviewed 417 municipal catalogues and found that Girona has the largest rural property market in Catalonia, with 8,696 masias and country houses listed. Barcelona province follows with 8,226, while Lleida and Tarragona trail significantly with 3,206 and 2,839, respectively. 

This matters for most buyers as a larger catalogue means more choice – but also more competition. Prices rise in the most desirable areas, but so does market activity.

That’s why most of the regions in this guide are concentrated in Girona province.

The 11 best areas to buy a country house in Catalonia

At Cottage Properties, I work with buyers from all over the world. The regions they ask about are remarkably consistent.

Below, I’ve ranked the 11 most popular comarcas based on what our clients request, and rated each one across five factors:

• Landscape – the natural beauty and character of the surroundings

• Accessibility – proximity to airports, motorways and cities

• Price – affordability relative to other regions (★★★★★ = most affordable)

• Supply – volume of country houses and masias available to buy

• Lifestyle – quality of local life: food, culture, community and services

1. Baix Empordà

There is a reason the Baix Empordà sits at the top of almost every buyer’s list. It offers a rare combination of landscape, culture and prestige that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Catalonia.

Many of my clients say it reminds them of Tuscany. It does. But the food is better, the culture feels entirely its own and the light in the evenings is something you simply have to see.

The interior is where true luxury lies. Around 20 minutes inland, properties offer more land, more privacy and complete seclusion – something buyers consistently prioritise.

This is also one of the most culturally rich regions in Catalonia, historically associated with artists, intellectuals and the Catalan bourgeoisie.

Country houses here range from modest stone farmhouses requiring full rehabilitation to grand masias with pools, guest cottages and working land.

Supply is strong, and the market is highly active. But prices reflect that demand. This is the most expensive rural property market in Catalonia, so buyers need to be realistic about what their budget can achieve.

Typical properties in Baix Empordà include:

• Fully restored luxury masias with pools, guest houses and landscaped gardens

• Large estates with hectares of land and forest

• Traditional stone farmhouses in medieval villages

• High-end rural tourism properties

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Baix Empordà here.

From Los Angeles to Sant Julià de Ramis

One of the most memorable properties I have sold in the Baix Empordà was Can Donjó, also known as Mas Mató, in the village of Regencós.

This is no ordinary masia. It served as a military headquarters during the Carlist Wars and is listed in Catalonia’s official architectural heritage register.

The sale was featured on TV3, Catalonia’s leading television channel, highlighting the property’s historical significance and unique character.

It embodies everything the Baix Empordà stands for – history, landscape and a lifestyle that draws buyers from around the world.

2. Maresme

The Maresme stretches along the coast from Badalona to around Malgrat, with the Mediterranean on one side and mountains on the other.

This geography creates a unique microclimate. The sea moderates temperatures, while the mountains protect the region, resulting in a mild, almost tropical climate year-round.

It rarely gets extremely hot or cold – one of the reasons it’s so popular with buyers. The interior is where the country houses are found, hidden among hills, vineyards and forest.

It’s one of the best options for buyers who want rural living with direct access to Barcelona.

Typical properties in Maresme include:

• Country houses with sea views and hillside plots

• Renovated homes within commuting distance of Barcelona

• Small estates with vineyards or agricultural land

• Traditional masias with modern upgrades

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Maresme here.

3. Alt Empordà

The Alt Empordà is the wilder, more dramatic counterpart to the Baix Empordà – and for many buyers, that is exactly the appeal.

This is a landscape shaped by contrast. Wide plains stretch toward the Pyrenees, while the Costa Brava cuts sharply into the Mediterranean. The Tramuntana wind defines the region, and the light has drawn artists here for generations.

Salvador Dalí lived and worked here and you can still feel it.

Prices are noticeably more accessible than in the Baix Empordà, while still offering space, character and strong long-term value.

Typical properties in Alt Empordà include:

• Large rural estates with extensive land and mountain views

• Traditional masias requiring partial or full rehabilitation

• Renovated country homes with strong rental potential

• Properties close to the French border or coastline

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Alt Empordà here.

4. Gironès

The Gironès is often overlooked – and that’s exactly why it represents such strong value.

Centred around Girona city, this comarca offers something rare – true countryside within minutes of a thriving, international city.

The connectivity is exceptional – high-speed rail to Barcelona, an international airport and strong infrastructure.

And yet, just outside the city, the landscape opens into rolling countryside, historic farmhouses and quiet villages.

Typical properties in Gironès include:

• Renovation projects with strong investment potential

• Country houses near Girona with excellent accessibility

• Medium-sized estates with agricultural land

• Rural homes suited for tourism development

From Los Angeles to Sant Julià de Ramis. One of the most memorable recent sales I completed in this comarca was to an American couple who had lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires.

They arrived in Catalonia looking for a complete change and initially focused on the Baix Empordà. But when we explored what their budget could achieve just inland, in Sant Julià de Ramis, the picture changed entirely.

They purchased a masia they now plan to rehabilitate for tourist accommodation while living on the property. The papers were signed just weeks ago.

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Gironès here.

5. La Selva

La Selva sits in a geographically privileged position, between the Montseny massif, La Garrotxa’s volcanic landscape and the Costa Brava.

The result is a comarca of remarkable variety – dense forests, rivers, natural parks, spa towns – all within easy reach of the coast and the AP-7.

Santa Coloma de Farners is the regional capital. The comarca also includes inland areas behind Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Blanes, often overlooked by visitors.

Country houses here appeal to buyers seeking seclusion and nature, with lush, forested landscapes that feel very different from the open, Mediterranean Empordà.

Prices reflect the region’s lower international profile, which creates a clear opportunity for buyers.

Typical properties in La Selva include:

• Forest-surrounded country houses with complete privacy

• Rural estates near natural parks and rivers

• Renovation projects in quieter inland areas

• Large plots with agricultural or woodland use

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in La Selva here.

6. Pla de l’Estany

Pla de l’Estany is one of Catalonia’s smallest comarcas – and one of its most underestimated.

Centred on Banyoles and its remarkable natural lake, the area has quietly built a strong reputation for rural tourism and outdoor living. The lake hosted rowing events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and remains one of the most beautiful in the region.

The surrounding countryside is gentle and pastoral, with farmland, woodland and villages that have changed little over generations.

Prices here are among the most accessible in Girona province and the rural tourism market is active and growing.

This is a comarca for buyers with a clear vision, whether that means a retreat, workshop space or a small rural hospitality project. It lacks the glamour of the Baix Empordà, but for buyers building something of their own, the value is exceptional.

Typical properties in Pla de l’Estany include:

• Affordable country houses ideal for tourism projects

• Masias suitable for retreat centres or workshops

• Renovation properties with strong ROI potential

• Rural homes near Banyoles lake

Building a retreat at Can Morgat. We sold the historic Can Morgat, also featured on TV3, to a couple with a clear vision for a rural hotel and retreat centre.

They wanted a masia near Banyoles where they could host workshops and wellbeing guests. They had seriously considered the Baix Empordà, but realised it wasn’t the right fit for their goals or budget.

Prices were higher, the market more competitive, and their concept aligned better with this quieter, more affordable part of Girona province.

Can Morgat provided them with the space, location and history to create something genuinely special.

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Pla de l’Estany here.

7. La Garrotxa

La Garrotxa is one of the most visually dramatic comarcas in Catalonia.

The Zona Volcànica natural park surrounds Olot with ancient craters, beech forests and lava flows. This creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Iberian Peninsula.

It’s the kind of place that stops buyers mid-sentence.

The medieval village of Santa Pau sits at the heart of the park, surrounded by volcanic cones and farmland of exceptional fertility. The volcanic soil is among the richest in Catalonia and the local food culture reflects that abundance.

The comarca also has a strong artisanal and creative community, with a character that feels very different from the coast.

For buyers who prioritise landscape above all else, La Garrotxa is difficult to beat at its price point.

Typical properties in La Garrotxa include:

• Stone masias surrounded by forest and volcanic landscape

• Rural homes with strong agricultural potential

• Renovation projects in protected natural areas

• Unique properties with architectural character

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in La Garrotxa here.

8. Vallès Occidental

Vallès Occidental sits just north of Barcelona and includes Sabadell and Terrassa – two of Catalonia’s largest cities outside the capital.

It is primarily an urban and industrial comarca, so buyers seeking traditional countryside will find limited supply.

But it shouldn’t be overlooked.

For buyers who prioritise proximity to Barcelona, Vallès Occidental offers a rare combination of accessibility and value.

Genuinely rural pockets exist in the northern areas, and the commute – 20-30 minutes by road or rail – is difficult to match outside Maresme.

This is a practical choice rather than a romantic one. But for the right buyer, that practicality represents real value.

Typical properties in Vallès Occidental include:

• Country houses within commuting distance of Barcelona

• Smaller estates with limited land availability

• Renovation properties in semi-rural settings

• Practical homes suited for full-time living

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Vallès Occidental here.

9. Bages

Bages has been quietly gaining attention from buyers priced out of Girona but unwilling to compromise on landscape.

Centred on Manresa, it sits at the heart of Catalonia, surrounded by pre-Pyrenean mountains, with Montserrat rising dramatically to the south.

The DO Pla de Bages wine region produces respected wines from Picapoll, a rare local grape variety.

The medieval town of Cardona, with its castle-turned-parador overlooking a salt mountain, adds unexpected historical depth.

Country houses here are considerably more affordable than in Girona, while still offering strong landscape and long-term value.

It is not a comarca that announces itself, but buyers who discover it tend to stay.

Typical properties in Bages include:

• Affordable country houses with large land plots

• Vineyard estates and agricultural properties

• Renovation masias with strong upside

• Rural homes with mountain views

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Bages here.

10. Berguedà

Berguedà marks the point where the Bages ends, and the Pyrenees begin.

This is pre-Pyrenean Catalonia at its most elemental, defined by rocky ridges, ancient forests and river valleys inhabited since before Roman times.

The regional capital, Berga, hosts La Patum, one of Europe’s most extraordinary fire festivals and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Country houses here are often remote and may require investment in water, access roads and power infrastructure.

But for buyers seeking seclusion, landscape and identity, Berguedà offers something genuinely rare at a much lower price point.

This is not a comarca for occasional use. It rewards buyers who are fully committed to being there.

Typical properties in Berguedà include:

• Remote country houses with large land holdings

• Properties requiring infrastructure investment

• Traditional masias in mountainous terrain

• Off-grid or semi-off-grid properties

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Berguedà here.

11. Ripollès

Ripollès is the most northerly comarca on this list and the most distinctly Pyrenean.

Centred on Ripoll, home to the Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria, the landscape rises into valleys leading to Vall de Núria and Camprodon.

Winters here are true mountain winters – cold, sometimes harsh, and requiring preparation beyond what most Catalan regions demand.

But the reward is a landscape of exceptional beauty, with forests, rivers, medieval villages and air that feels genuinely clean.

The rural property market is niche and relatively limited.

Buyers who choose Ripollès and are ready for its climate and remoteness usually find exactly what they were looking for.

Typical properties in Ripollès include:

• Mountain masias with dramatic views

• Remote properties with strong seasonal use

• Renovation projects in alpine settings

• Traditional stone houses in historic villages

You can view our current portfolio of country houses for sale in Ripollès here.

Honourable Mentions

Several other comarcas deserve consideration for specific buyer profiles, even if they do not feature in the main ranking.

These areas may not be the most requested, but for the right buyer, they can offer excellent opportunities.

Garraf: This coastal comarca south of Barcelona, centred on Sitges, has a small but active rural property market in the surrounding hills. Prices are elevated due to Sitges’ strong international appeal, but buyers value its proximity to Barcelona and the sea.

Alt Penedès: The heart of cava production, Alt Penedès offers vineyard landscapes, strong transport links and traditional masias surrounded by wine estates. Prices are reasonable, and the lifestyle is rooted in wine, food and a strong agricultural identity.

El Priorat: A world-renowned wine region, known for its dramatic slate terraces and prestigious wines. Supply is limited, and the landscape is more rugged than picturesque. But for the right buyer, it is unforgettable.

Lleida and Tarragona provinces – Both offer active rural markets with significantly lower prices than Girona or Barcelona. Lleida ranges from semi-arid plains to Pyrenean foothills, while Tarragona includes wine regions such as Terra Alta.

For buyers willing to look beyond the most popular regions, these areas can represent exceptional value.

The legal complexities of buying a country house in Catalonia

Understanding which comarca suits you is the first step. The second – and the one that catches buyers off guard – is understanding the legal landscape for rural property in Catalonia.

Country houses here are governed by a web of regulations that have no equivalent in most European property markets.

Before committing to a purchase, you need to understand the following:

• The catàleg requirement: If a property is not listed in the municipal catàleg de masies i cases rurals, rehabilitation and legal use become extremely difficult.

• Water access: Many rural properties rely on wells or springs, and legal rights must be verified before exchange.

• Power supply: Grid connection is not guaranteed, and off-grid solutions can significantly affect costs and timelines.

• Land and boundary registration: Discrepancies between the Cadastre and actual boundaries are common and must be resolved before completion.

• Rehabilitation permits: What can be built or altered is strictly regulated, especially for heritage or listed properties.

• Pricing: Rural properties are difficult to value without specialist knowledge of the local market and comparable sales.

Each of these issues is manageable with the right guidance – none of them is manageable without it.

If you are at the beginning of your search, the most valuable step is speaking with a specialist before committing to a property. Book a consultation with Angels Sabater now.

Find your country house in Catalonia with Cottage Properties

Knowing which region to look in is only part of the picture. The other part is having someone beside you who understands the market, the risks and the opportunities before you commit.

Àngels Sabater has been co-director of Cottage Properties since 2016 and is a registered real estate agent in Catalonia. She works directly with international buyers across all eleven comarcas and has appeared on Canal Decasa and TV3 discussing masia restoration and rural property sales.

Her experience spans some of Catalonia’s most iconic properties, from Carlist-era military headquarters to remote Pyrenean farmhouses.

A consultation gives you access to the current portfolio, including private listings not published online. You will also receive clear, honest recommendations on which comarcas and properties are worth your time, based on your goals and budget.

You can explore our services for buyers on our website. You can also contact us directly on 627 41 95 99  to arrange a consultation or submit an enquiry form.