En los meses más fríos del año, muchas personas acostumbran a viajar al sur – a segundas residencias o, simplemente, de vacaciones – para escapar de las bajas temperaturas. Sin embargo, hoy en Culmia queremos darte buenas razones para comprar un piso en Guipúzcoa y querer vivir durante todo el año en una de las provincias situadas más al norte de la geografía nacional.

Want to know why this historic region of the Basque Country is perfect for enjoying winter and fall? Keep reading carefully and you’ll find out!

Characteristics of Guipúzcoa

Guipúzcoa, also known by its Basque name (Gipuzkoa), is one of the three provinces that make up the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. Interestingly, it is actually the smallest province in all of Spain, covering just 1,997 km². This does not prevent it, however, from being among the most populous half, as it ranks 21st (out of 52) in this ranking, with 720,592 inhabitants (2018).

In total, it is divided into seven regions: Bidasoa, Donostialdea, Deba Behea, Deba Garaia, Urola-Kosta, Goierri, and Tolosaldea. And in the second of these, Donostialdea, lies its capital, San Sebastián. Not surprisingly, it is also known as Donostia, and it is a city that accounts for approximately one-fourth of the province’s total population: 188,000 residents.

In addition to its main urban center, other towns such as Zarauz, Éibar, Hondarribia, Beasáin, Mondragón, Azpeitia, Tolosa, and Oñate are also worth noting. Some of these towns are fortunate enough to have beaches, as there are 36 in total in the province; however, the most popular and spectacular one is La Concha, located in San Sebastián.

And what about the climate? Here, the influence of the Cantabrian Sea is evident, as the climate is oceanic, with mild temperatures during the warmer months and somewhat cooler temperatures during the colder ones. In fact, it can be said that there isn’t a large temperature range throughout the year; in January—the coldest month— the average is 9.1°C, and in August—the hottest month—the average is 20.3°C. These temperatures are typically accompanied by abundant rainfall, which is generally well distributed throughout the year.

Advantages of Living in Guipúzcoa

• High quality of life: Living in the Basque Country is synonymous with enjoying a high quality of life. According to data from a study by the European Spatial Planning Observatory Network (ESPON), Guipúzcoa ranks second nationally in this area, trailing only its neighbor, Vizcaya.
• Job opportunities: Yes, Guipúzcoa is also an excellent place to work. According to data from the third quarter of 2022, it is the second Spanish province with the lowest unemployment rate (5.98%), trailing only the Balearic Islands (5.79%). And this does not appear likely to change in the medium term, as the Basque Country’s labor market is projected to need 143,000 new workers over the next decade.
• Healthy Environment: In 2020, the city of San Sebastián stood out in several key environmental indicators, such as air quality, water quality, and low noise levels.
• Natural areas for walking: The Basque Country has a total of 10 greenways, and Guipúzcoa is the province with the most—5 in all. These are former railway lines that have been converted over the past three decades to make them suitable for hiking and cycling. So in this province, it’s very easy to unwind for a few hours and enjoy nature!
• Good healthcare services: The Autonomous Community of the Basque Country has the best healthcare services in Spain, according to data from the 2021 report by the Federation of Associations for the Defense of Public Healthcare (FADSP).This is understandable, considering that it is also the region with the highest per capita spending on healthcare (2,544 euros per year).
• A peaceful life: Are you concerned about safety? We have some good news for you, too, since, according to a survey by the Sondea Institute, the Basque Country is the safest autonomous community in Spain.
• High investment in education: Although the data from the latest PISA report did not rank the Basque Country among the Spanish autonomous communities with the best education systems, this “portfolio” remains one of the local government’s top priorities. This is evidenced by the fact that the government is set to increase its investmentin education in 2023 compared to the previous year, for a total budget of 3,477 million euros.
• Exquisite cuisine: Guipúzcoa, like its neighboring provinces, is sure to win you over with its flavors. Dishes such as pintxos, cod al pil pil, marmitako, and txangurro are internationally renowned and guarantee top-notch culinary experiences.
• Beach or mountains: Whether you prefer one or the other, you’ll feel right at home in this province. We’ve already mentioned that the Basque Country has more than thirty beaches; and now we can also point out that it offers more than twenty peaks to conquer. You’ll have plenty of hikes and trails to enjoy for a long time!

Find Your Place in Guipúzcoa with Culmia

With all the advantages we’ve just outlined, you’re probably already convinced that Guipúzcoa is the place to live. So we want to make this process even easier for you, and we’d like to introduce you to our new-construction development in the province.

It is Culmia Harribitxi Donostia, the “jewel” of Donostia.This historic, renovated building features 15 exclusive 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes, each with a storage unit, direct-access garage, and commercial spaces on the ground floor. These homes also stand out for their optimized floor plans, carefully selected materials, and top-quality finishes.

It is located at Plaza Gipuzkoa No. 2, on the corner of Elkano Street, in an area known for being the city’s romantic district and for its elegant yet eclectic style. What’s more, this square is home to the spectacular and iconic garden designed by Pierre Ducasse, which features a beautiful pond with ducks and swans.

So, if you choose this place, you’ll be living right in the heart of the city, with the added bonus of having some of its best beaches (like La Concha or Zurriola)… just a 3-minute walk away!

What do you think? Find out more and take the first step toward your new life at Culmia Harribitxi Donostia!

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