Accommodation in Girona

Renting

• You don't necessarily need a Spanish contract or NIE to rent an apartment; some agencies accept foreign contracts (e.g., Dutch contracts).
• Where to look: Idealista is a commonly used platform for finding apartments. What else? Habitaclia? Local letting agencies?
• Rentals can be difficult to find, and many people ask in WhatsApp/Facebook groups.
• May & June availability is usually tight, so ask early.
• Short-term rentals can be tricky to find, but asking in expat groups can help. Short-term rentals for a month or less are harder to find, but community groups often share listings.
• Long-term rentals are competitive, and it’s best to start searching early.
• Facebook group for finding rentals in Girona: Girona Flats & Rooms Facebook Group

Areas of Girona

• Barri Químics – Used to be quiet but recently reported some crime concerns.
• Devesa Park Area – Safe and scenic but recently had incidents of people sleeping in parking garages.
• Migdia –
• Mercat del Lleó – Central market area

Barcelona

• Sant Jordi Hostel Gràcia (~30€) – Budget-friendly option with bunk beds.
• Couchsurfing – Another option for cheap stays.

Legal & Building Advice for Buying a Masia (Rural Property)

• Get an urbanistic certificate from the local council to check legality.
• Verify outstanding IBI (property tax) fees before purchasing.
• Ensure you get a proper valuation to avoid unexpected tax increases.
• Check with an electrician & land inspector to avoid unexpected costs.

Renting out a property to tourists

• A tourist license is required to rent properties to visitors.
• New licenses haven’t been issued since 2018 (but some towns still allow them).