Category Archives: Beaches

La inauguración del AVE de Barcelona a Francia impulsará las ventas en el sector inmobiliario

Después de muchos años de demoras, finalmente ya ha entrado en servicio el último tramo de la línea ferroviaria de alta velocidad entre Barcelona y Francia. A partir de hoy habrá nueve trenes diarios del AVE desde Barcelona a Girona y a Figueres, dos de los cuales servirán de enlace con el TGV francés que va a París, donde también hay los trenes Eurostar, que enlazan con Londres y Bruselas. No obstante, las conexiones directas entre Barcelona y Francia no estarán en funcionamiento hasta abril, ya que durante los próximos tres meses los pasajeros con destino a Perpiñán tendrán que cambiar de tren en Figueres. La duración del trayecto del AVE de Barcelona a Girona será de 39 minutos y de Barcelona a Figueres será de 55 minutos. Habrá tarjetas con descuentos para 10 trayectos, lo que significa que el trayecto costará solo 6,91 € (Barcelona-Girona) y 8,89 € (Barcelona-Figueres), aunque será más caro para los viajeros ocasionales.

Esta infraestructura llega casi 21 años después de la primera línea de alta velocidad entre Madrid y Sevilla, de casi 3.000 kilómetros. España cuenta con la red ferroviaria más extensa en el mundo después de China. Finalmente, la península ibérica quedará conectará por tren de alta velocidad con el resto de Europa, mientras que las cuatro capitales de Cataluña -Barcelona, Girona, Lleida y Tarragona- también estarán conectadas entre sí.

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Boost for property sales as last High Speed railway stretch between Barcelona and France finally unveiled

After years of delays, the last stretch of the High Speed railway linking Barcelona and France is finally in service. There are now nine daily AVE fast-trains from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres, two of which will connect with the french TGV fast-trains to Paris, where Eurostar trains link to London and Brussels. Direct connections between Barcelona and France will still have to wait until April, as during the next three months passengers will have to switch trains at Figueres if they want to continue to Perpignan. AVE trains from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres will have journey times of 39 minutes and 55 minutes respectively and 10-journey tickets will be issued for daily passengers which mean that the rides will cost only €6.91 and €8.89, although they will be more expensive for occasional travellers.

This infrastructure arrives almost 21 years after the first High Speed Train line between Madrid and Seville was unveiled and after nearly 3000 kilometres of railroad has been constructed. Spain now has the world’s second largest rail network after China. Spain will finally be connected by High Speed Train to the rest of Europe whilst Catalunya’s four capitals – Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona – are also linked between themselves.

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Setting sail from Barcelona

Since the 1992 Olympic Games and the increasing profile of the Barcelona World Race, sailing in and around Barcelona has undergone something of a resurgence in the last twenty years or so and has opened up the city to the sea. It may come as a surprise to some that sailing is the sport which has given Spain the most Olympic medals. Barcelona boasts two yacht clubs – the Real Club Nautico and the Real Club Maritimo – and four well equipped marinas – Port Olimpic, Port Forum, Marina Badalona and Port Vell – the latter of which is in the process of being re-modeled to accommodate SuperYachts up to 160m.
For many the attraction of Barcelona as a sailing base lies in its climate. Compared to other sailing bases, you can get onto the water practically the whole year round. This, in addition to low rents in the winter months means that the likes of the Catalan capital remain attractive to boat owners outside high season. “Barcelona was a well kept secret as a locatin to keep your boat all year,” explains John Audabran of Barcelona Private Yacht Services “Prior to creating my own Company I used to head the Marketing department of Marina Port Vell and over the years a large community of sailors from many parts of the world decided to live onboard in the old port. Lots of couples from the UK moved there – they even created their own radio station. The saying was ‘with more than 300 days of sunshine why go back to rainy England to be cold and miserable’. It’s also a lot cheaper to live here”

Sailing from Barcelona offers many possibilities. For those who fancy a day-trip, you can sail south of Barcelona to the vibrant town of Sitges and its long sandy beaches. If you are feeling more adventurous, sail further south to historic Tarragona or even Valencia, but allow at least a week for your trip. Sailing north you can discover the breathtaking bays and coves of the Costa Brava with its numerous stop-off points including AiguaBlava, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, L’Estartit, the bay of Roses and the stunning town of Cadaques on the Cap de Creus Peninsula “A trip up to the Costa brava will take a good 18 hours of sailing time,” warns John Audabran “but who needs to rush? A four day trip would be better.”
The Balearics is also a popular destination. The sun-kissed ancient Mediterranean Port of Palma provides an excellent base for discovering the Balearic capital. If you have a week or more to spare, you can discover Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera…

If you are thinking of registering a sailing boat, you’ll need to do so if the vessel spends more than half the year in Spanish waters. The majority of the Maritime Authorities are able to register (or re-register) vessels. The cost of registration includes a matriculation tax of 12 percent of the vessel’s value. “To charter a yacht in Spain the boat needs to be commercially registered and paperwork indicating that the VAT was paid on the hull,” explains Audabran. “Then a lengthy process of bureaucracy begins with the application for a Charter permit”
A sailing permit (titulo de recreo) is not needed to sail the likes of motor boats of up to 4 metres in length and power less than 10Kw, sailing boats up to 5 metres in length, kayaks and canoes. All other vessels, however, can only be handled by a person holding the appropriate licence. Failure to have a licence may result in the vessel being confiscated or a hefty fine, so it is advisable to do your homework before setting sail…

Check out some Lucas Fox luxury properties close to the Barcelona’s Marinas below

Ultra modern penthouse apartment in Villa Olimpica with private terraces and sea views just 500m from the beach

Duplex apartment in Villa Olimpica with stunning sea views

Unique house in Villa Olimpica just five minutes walk to the beach. Private and tranquil with excellent natural light and private terrace. Reduced price.

25th floor duplex penthouse apartment in Diagonal Mar. Barcelona property to buy with panoramic sea and city views in an exclusive beachfront area.

The best penthouse apartment in Diagonal Mar, Barcelona with incredible views over the Mediterranean. This duplex flat is one of Barcelona’s finest properties. Reduced price.

Designer loft in a renovated factory in El Borne. Great space, high ceilings, original features, and lots of light. Walking distance to Port Vell.

If you are interesting in viewing any of the above properties or any other property on the Lucas Fox website please contact the office on (+34) 933 562 989 or via email info@lucasfox.com , or please Click Here

If you are interested in chartering a yacht please you can contact John Audabran of Barcelona Private Yacht Services on +34 606118242 or via email audabran@bpys.es

Hidden Gems of Costa Brava – Part 2

For buyers interested in property for sale in Costa Brava, we spoke to some local businesses about what parts of the coastline they love the most. You can also read our September article about luxury real estate in Costa Brava for the first part of our hidden gems of the coast.

Silvia Portavella operates Begur Boats, a boat rental business in Costa Brava. We asked her about hidden Costa Brava gems while she prepared for a trip to the Ukraine to learn Russian. “I love the clear waters of Cala Marquesa. It’s one of the coast’s smaller beaches that can only be reached by boat,” Ms Portavella shared with us.

Throughout the summer months in particular, many visitors staying in the area combine a short-term housing rental with a chance to get out in the seas on a boat. One recent renter shares: “We rented a boat for 10 days, which was the full time we spent in the area. During the holidays, Begur Boats came to perform maintenance and cleaning of the boat continuously; also they provided all the extras we asked for. It was the first time we were boating in this coast and enjoyed it very much!”

Boat renters must have a nautical licence, although Ms Portadella can arrange a professional skipper with enough notice.

Eloi Ruart is a familiar name to many Lucas Fox clients, as his architecture firm has been eagerly sought after by buyers looking at property for sale in Costa Brava who intend to remodel their new homes. One of Mr Ruart’s favorite areas of Costa Brava is the Cami de Ronda, a walkway that stretches along the coastline and makes for an ideal exercise and relaxation route for anyone visiting the area.

“But really, the best thing about Costa Brava is the lack of massive developments. Everything has been kept at a low scale,” Mr Ruart explains. “This is now one of the most valuable aspects for prospective buyers looking for quality places. Development hasn’t been as aggressive as in the other Costas and now everyone realizes it’s an asset that building has been in line with the landscape.”

Tom Maidment – a Director with Lucas Fox Costa Brava – agrees with Mr Ruart about the area’s natural beauty: “The area is very green which always surprises people when they visit for the first time. Most people visiting to see property for sale in Costa Brava expect the landscape to be dry and arid and are surprised to find it so lush.”

For Josep Marin of Banco Sabadell, the Cami de Ronda is also a standout that few tourists and new buyers know about before they arrive. “At Banco Sabdell we work with buyers in their preferred language and can support you throughout the purchasing process where financial documentation including contracts, tax declarations and customs may be necessary,” Mr Marin explains.

“Walking routes are parallel to the coast, usually on foot paths, and sometimes difficult, but they offer the best scenery and access to deserted beaches.”

Visitors can enjoy these gems of Costa Brava all year round, according to Mr Maidment: “It doesn’t get too cold in the winter. You can still sit outside in shirt sleeves for lunch on the beach in January, for example.” According to our interviewees, the reliable climate, beautiful scenery and range of leisure activities make the area ideal to visit all year round for anyone looking at property for sale in Costa Brava.

Luxury Property For sale | LFB 107

Take a look at this video of this luxury Country Villa on the Island of Ibiza, Spain.

Click below to view more picture on this property.

Escape to a hidden gem in the Costa Brava; Aiguafreda

With summer just around the corner, sun is on the mind and idyllic images of beaches linger in the fore front of our thoughts. Wonderfully azure blue seas, topped off with fabulously fresh servings of sea food and other summer associated thoughts and smells; be it sangria, a crisp glass of white wine or for those truly British amongst us, it will no doubt be an evening with a glass of Pimms in hand.

People always seem to have their favourite ‘beach spot’; that idyllic long beach or small cove; pebbly or sandy; yet something always remains the same…the feeling that is conjured up; that feeling of isolation and switching off….relaxation.

Just north of Barcelona is the Costa Brava; an area we are hearing a lot more about, appearing to trump many Spanish coastlines in recent write ups and is home to many wonderful hideaways. With ‘no frills’ airline, Ryan Air flying frequently to Girona, there really is no excuse not to visit! The Costa Brava has the ability to conjure up thoughts of the perfect one off holiday destination for some people, or that ideal place to purchase that long awaited arrival of the idyllic holiday home within such easy reach of international airports; Barcelona and Girona….

Where to start with regard to where to head to find the real gems…well, it must be Aiguafreda; described by the author of the Lonely Planet as one of the “most exceptionally beautiful beaches in Spain”. This, combined with the further accolades expressed by The Sunday Times last year, guarantees that Aiguafreda really is somewhere truly special. Last January it was named amongst ‘The 20 hottest European beaches for 2010 ‘ and back in 2008 it also featured in ‘The 10 best beaches in the world’ ; being idyllically described with “flat rocks as warm as electric blankets, and tiny rock pools that make perfect wine coolers. Wrapped in pine woods and sheltered from the tramontane wind, it smells intoxicatingly of ozone and resin, and is lapped by waters as clear as Bombay Sapphire.”

Put yourself in the enviable position of owning a home in the Costa Brava area within easy reach of all that this idyllic region can offer. This opens the door to immersing yourself here at any time throughout the year; unwinding for weeks on end during the summer period or perhaps a last minute top up of sun, sea and relaxation for a long weekend. Which ever way you chose to embed this lifestyle into your current way of life; the Costa Brava is somewhere to consider when that thought crops up of indulging in a holiday home abroad.

To imagine yourself living the life you dream about, have a look at this 6 bedroom property near the town of Begur on a fantastic hill side location. A feature of this property well worthy of a mention; creating true feelings of excitement is the enviable fact that this property actually overlooks the bay of Aiguafreda…..and is a mere 7 minute walk to this sheltered, rock pool scattered gem in the Costa Brava. Or perhaps you jump at the chance of buying a plot of land in the exclusive bay of Aiguablava; if so then this is a fantastic first line plot of 2668m²

For more information about buying homes abroad or about other properties for sale in the Costa Brava area, please contact us at Lucas Fox and we will be more than happy to help.