The 7 Best Places in Portugal for Digital Nomads
Are you eager to work remotely from Portugal but are you wondering where to go? In this blog, I share with you the 7 best places in Portugal for digital nomads. Not just places where you’ll live and work comfortably, but places where you’ll enjoy the best outdoor activities, have the fastest internet connection and find the greatest communities. Ready to get your Portugal adventure started? This is your list of the best 7 places to choose from.
Just in case you’re not entirely sure about Portugal just yet - the article below offers lots of insights for digital nomads just like you:
1. Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city has become a popular destination for digital nomads, and it’s not hard to see why. The vibrant and historic city offers lots of activities, a wonderful climate, and a thriving startup scene. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, Lisbon has plenty to offer.
One of the biggest upsides of living in Lisbon is the quality of life. The city is known for its laid-back lifestyle, beautiful weather, and excellent food. There's always something to do, from exploring the city's historic neighbourhoods to relaxing on one of its many beaches. Plus, the city has a vibrant digital nomad community, so it's easy to meet like-minded people in various coworking or coliving spaces.
When it comes to accommodation, transport and food, it´s good to be aware of the fact that Lisbon is more expensive than other places in Portugal. This could be a good reason to choose from another - somewhat quieter - city in Portugal.
2. Porto
If you’re looking for a vibrant city but slightly smaller and more affordable than Lisbon, then Porto is an excellent choice. With its rich history, lively cultural scene and friendly people, Porto offers a unique experience for remote workers looking for a change of pace. Housing costs, transportation, and food are all relatively cheap, especially compared to other Western European cities. Another advantage of living in Porto is the city's accessibility. With its international airport and excellent public transportation system, it's easy to get around both locally and abroad. Porto is also known for its relaxed lifestyle, good internet coverage and plenty of coworking spaces, which makes it easy to balance both your work and leisure time.
3. Lagos
During my 5 months working and living in Portugal as a digital nomad, I stayed in the picturesque town of Lagos. This sunny town in the southern Algarve really is one of the most laid-back and ideal locations for remote workers I’ve ever encountered.
One of the biggest upsides to living in Lagos as a digital nomad is the town's relaxed lifestyle. The warm weather and stunning coastline make it easy to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. There are plenty of wonderful beaches to find in the area, and a car makes it easy to get around and explore even more of the beautiful Algarve region. Lagos is also a popular tourist destination, which means there are plenty of amenities here, including great restaurants, cafes, and coworking spaces.
There are a few minor downsides to living in Lagos. One of the biggest challenges for digital nomads is the town's popularity among tourists. During peak season, Lagos can become crowded, and it may be difficult to still enjoy the relaxed lifestyle it offers throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, the town is relatively small, which means there may be limited opportunities for networking with other digital nomads. All in all, if you’re looking for a laid-back coastal lifestyle in a vibrant community with lots of sunshine, then Lagos is definitely a great place for you to consider.
4. Ponta do Sol - Madeira
With mild weather all year round, the sunny island of Madeira has quickly become a popular destination for both holiday-makers and digital nomads. Ponta do Sol is located on the southern coast of the island and offers a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle. It is surrounded by lush green mountains and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it an ideal destination if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. What makes this charming town even more attractive for remote workers, is the fact that it has been named the world's first ‘digital nomad village’. This means that besides great weather and a stunning environment, you’ll be provided with a free workspace, a great internet connection and a thriving digital nomad community.
If you´re looking for vibrant nightlife and a lively cultural scene, then Ponta do Sol is probably not the destination for you. It could, however, be a great option if you’re eager for a more quiet, laid-back lifestyle with lots of possibilities for outdoor activities, sunny beach days and meeting like-minded people.
5. Braga
Braga is a lesser-known gem in Portugal and offers plenty of benefits for digital nomads. For starters, it’s one of the most budget-friendly cities in the country. In addition, Braga offers a pleasant climate, is renowned for its friendly and welcoming community, and - being one of the oldest cities in Portugal - is home to quite a few historical landmarks and attractions.
Even though Braga is not located along the coast, there are still lots of wonderful outdoor activities to choose from such as hiking, climbing or biking. Furthermore, the town offers nice cafes, a couple of coworking spaces and a fairly vibrant nightlife. Not a bad choice for digital nomads!
6. Ericeira
If you're seeking a small beach town in Portugal that offers a mix of outdoor activities and easy access to larger cities, look no further than Ericeira. Known as Europe's surf capital, this charming place boasts stunning beaches and a laid-back vibe that's perfect for digital nomads in search of some adventure.
Beyond surfing, Ericeira also offers other options for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and kayaking. And as it’s located only 45 minutes from the bustling city of Lisbon, you can easily explore the best of both worlds.
Good to keep in mind: Ericeira is a popular tourist destination, which means that the town gets pretty crowded during peak season. In addition, accommodation prices tend to be slightly higher than in other parts of Portugal.
7. Coimbra
Last but certainly not least on this list is Coimbra. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Coimbra is a historic city and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. This town breathes authenticity, whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets, working from a tiny cafe or visiting one of the gorgeous cathedrals.
While it’s easy to spend all your time inside the beautiful city itself, Coimbra’s convenient location close to many rivers and hills also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. And when you’re eager to explore further, cities such as Lisbon and Porto are just a 1 or 2-hour drive away. All in all, Coimbra is an excellent location for digital nomads. And the best part? It’s still a somewhat hidden gem to many!
How to find accommodation in Portugal
Once you’ve selected your ideal destination in Portugal to work from, it’s time to get your accommodation sorted. In general, Portugal offers plenty of different options and booking platforms to help you in your search. I’ve had great results using Airbnb, while platforms such as Nomad Stays and NomadX can help you land more budget-friendly alternatives.
If you are planning to stay in one place for several months, it’s worth inquiring about discounted long-stay prices. Negotiating monthly rates usually proves to work well during the quieter winter months when demand is lower than during the high season. Are you eager to connect with others during your digital nomad adventure in Portugal? Then I encourage you to explore co-living or workation options such as Selina, Noma Village or WorkationGuru. By living and working together with fellow remote workers, you’ll have the opportunity to form lasting connections in no time.
I hope this article has brought you one step closer to starting your own digital nomad adventure in Portugal. Do you want to stay up to date on everything related to the remote work lifestyle? Then follow me on Instagram where I keep you posted on all my adventures around the world. Or simply sign up for my mailing list, where I regularly inform you about the most recent remote work blogs and articles.
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