It’s been a year now since we were able to travel freely – if at all. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and some day we really will be able to pack our bags and reach for our passports again. While we wait, our local agents remind us of what we’re missing.

It’s certainly quieter than usual in Girona’s beautiful city centre where normally there would be the buzz of local shoppers and visitors exploring the magnificent cathedral and medieval squares. Outside the city however, life in the surrounding countryside can seem remarkably normal.

This area has always been a popular second home market for upmarket Catalans from Girona and Barcelona. International buyers discovered it more recently and soon fell for the rural lifestyle, buying stone farmhouses close to picturesque medieval villages such as Peratallada and Monells.

Wealthy Spanish buyers concentrate on prime areas of the Baix Emporda, between Girona city and the coast, but anyone willing to travel a little further north and west, around Banyoles and its magnificent lake, for example, will find equally wonderful country homes and really interesting value.

The appeal is simple. Throughout the region people value tradition and you find authentic culture and wonderful countryside. The location is key, close to Barcelona and the pine-backed beaches of the Costa Brava with winter skiing within 90 minutes. The increased demand for outdoor space, fresh air and rural beauty that we’ve seen across Europe as a result of the pandemic is perfectly met in the rolling hills and medieval stone hamlets.

Under current rules, I take the children to school and start the day with a coffee in my local village square before heading to work and my weekends still feature a long cycle ride, a walk in the hills or a hike along the beautiful coastal path.

This area of north-eastern Spain has a serious focus on active, outdoor living and that’s helped many of us through the past year. There are 125 miles of coastline, 17 marinas and 15 golf courses but more than anything, this area is mad about bikes.

Girona is a global centre for cycling with the largest concentration of professional cyclists worldwide. The year-round good weather, flat roads and access to the mountains make it a hit with enthusiastic amateurs too. I would estimate that 50-60 per cent of international clients who want a home in or close to the city have some link to cycling.

The region’s other knock-out reputation is for its exceptional gastronomy. Girona was home to El Bulli, awarded ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ status four times, and is now where you’ll find three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. Locally there are 15 Michelin starred restaurants but it’s easy to eat well across any price point. Restaurants and bars are currently operating within restricted hours but thankfully, they remain open.

We are all looking forward to life returning to its more usual pace. My children are planning their first trip of 2021 to the beach – Aiguablava or Sa Tuna perhaps – and I know my wife longs to soak up the culture and vibrancy of Barcelona.

I dream of a return to lengthy Sunday lunches with groups of friends in a rustic restaurant in the hills where there’s no menu but dish after dish of fresh locally sourced food is brought to you: Spanish ham, beautifully roasted artichokes, mushrooms picked that day and wonderful rice dishes all washed down with a glass or two of local wine. Salud!

• Tom Maidment is a partner at Lucas Fox, Savills associate in Spain.

Further information

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• Tom Maidment and the global residential team are available remotely for any questions about the market or to simply share stories about their beloved locations.