Vidreres is a small town that doesn’t rush to follow the tourist trends of the Costa Brava. You won’t find crowds of vacationers here; locals value their unhurried pace and the ability to handle daily matters without the chaos of a big city. In 2026, the population is approaching 9,000, underscoring the fact that you can still live the old-fashioned way here, where neighbors know each other and the nearest shop is just a five-minute walk away.
The town is conveniently located between Girona and the sea, making it attractive for those who work in a big city but aren’t ready to put up with the urban hustle. Direct access to the C-35 and AP-7 highways makes it easy to reach Girona, Barcelona, or the beaches of Costa Brava. Vidreres doesn’t have its own train station, but the nearest ones in Sils and Maçanet-Massanes are just a few minutes away by car.
The town’s infrastructure may not be impressive in scale, but everything needed for daily life is at hand: schools, kindergartens, sports complexes, a municipal library, a swimming pool, and a medical center. For specialist healthcare, you’ll need to go to Girona or Calella, but for most everyday needs, the local options are more than sufficient. The town’s cultural life centers around traditional festivals and sporting events, while nightlife is virtually nonexistent—which, according to many, is a definite plus.
Neighborhoods and Urbanizations
Where you choose to live in Vidreres has a direct impact on your lifestyle. The town center is classic: old houses, compact apartments, shops, and cafés on every corner. Life here buzzes in the mornings and on market days, and in the evenings, the streets fill with local chatter. For those who prefer not to depend on a car, the center is ideal: everything is close at hand, and the atmosphere recalls a time before the word “urbanization” appeared in the city’s vocabulary.
Aiguaviva Parc offers a different vibe entirely. This area is for those who dream of owning a house with a garden, pool, and peace. Villas and cottages dominate here, and the town center is just a few minutes away by car. You’ll need to accept that life without a car is almost impossible—shops, schools, and pharmacies are all far, but nature is right beyond your window.
Terrafortuna and Puig Vento are also popular among families seeking space and seclusion. Private homes with plots are common here, and getting to the town center is a bit quicker than from Aiguaviva Parc. The district is quiet and green, but its infrastructure is limited, making a car essential for daily life.
Prices and expenses
Vidreres stands out from neighboring towns for its lower cost of living. In 2026, the average price per square meter for housing is €1,465—almost half as much as in Girona or Lloret de Mar. Even in prestigious residential areas, home prices remain affordable, attracting families with children and those tired of sky-high coastal prices.
Everyday expenses are pleasantly moderate: groceries in supermarkets cost about the same as in other Catalan cities, and lunch at a local café will set you back €11–15. A bus ride to Girona or Lloret de Mar costs €3–5, and a municipal gym membership is affordable for most residents. Free activities such as walking around the area, joining local festivals, and attending sports events are highly valued here.
Comparison with neighbors
Many see Vidreres as an alternative to Lloret de Mar and Girona. Life in Lloret is more expensive: the price per square meter is €2,491, and restaurant and shop prices are driven up by tourist demand. It’s always lively here, and especially noisy in the summer. Vidreres, on the other hand, offers peace and stability—while you won’t have the beach outside your window, the sea is only a few minutes away by car.
Girona is a city for those who can’t imagine life without cultural events, a well-developed transport system, and a wide range of shops. But all that comes at a price: the average housing cost is €2,638 per square meter. Vidreres stands out for affordability and tranquility, but can’t match the variety of leisure options or the convenience of public transport.
Pros and cons
Life in Vidreres is a balance between affordability, tranquility, and the need for mobility. The main advantages are low housing costs, a family-oriented atmosphere, the absence of tourist crowds, and good road connections to major cities. All basic services are available, and local festivals and sporting events foster a real sense of community.
However, there’s a flip side: it’s hard to manage without a car here, especially if your home is in one of the residential developments. Those seeking nightlife or cultural events might find it dull, and for major shopping or medical care you’ll need to travel to Girona or the coast. Still, for many, these drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits of a peaceful lifestyle and cost savings.
If you didn’t know, Vidreres is a municipality in the province of Girona, located between the regional capital and the Costa Brava coast. The town is known for its traditional festivals, extensive network of residential areas, and convenient transport links to the major cities of Catalonia. In recent years, Vidreres has become increasingly popular among families and those seeking a balance between urban comfort and rural tranquility. People here value the unhurried pace of life, closeness to nature, and the opportunity to buy housing at a reasonable price.
