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Digital nomads in Portugal: most chosen destinations
20 January 2024
Discover some of the best Portuguese places to work remotely.
Portugal is part of the list of the best countries to work remotely. In this article we tell you which destinations are favoured by digital nomads.
Remote work has brought a new professional paradigm to many Portuguese and citizens around the world, becoming an option with many advantages, namely time, geographical and even financial freedom.
The presence of more and more digital nomads in Portugal ends up having a positive impact on the Portuguese property market, for a variety of reasons:
- They promote the local economy - the fact that they are not fixed in a company means that they always need a place with internet to work, local accommodation, transport and food. This translates into an increase in the local economy as they end up investing money in local services and products.
- Local accommodation - as they need a place to stay during their time here, they are likely to use local accommodation or even rent a property in the area. This can contribute both to higher property values in certain areas, but also to stimulating construction and restaurants in underdeveloped places.
- Property investments by foreigners - some may love Portugal and choose to live here. This translates into possible foreign investment opportunities that can boost the Portuguese property market internationally.
According to Nomadlist, Portugal is very well positioned in the world ranking: Lisbon is in 1st place in the list of best destinations for digital nomads, Madeira in 5th place, Portimão in 9th, Lagos in 11th, Porto in 17th and Ericeira in 24th place.
In addition, Portugal is one of the destinations chosen for the good conditions it presents, namely for having a remote work visa; a good standard of living with regard to cost of living, health and social security; a high level of English speakers, political stability and security, great climate and low air pollution.
Here are some of the most chosen Portuguese destinations:
Lisbon
The Portuguese capital is one of the most desirable cities to live in, and where you will find many tourist and cultural attractions to explore. It is also easily accessible in terms of accommodation, transport, supermarkets and hospitals.
There is also a great diversity of local and accessible markets. The level of quality of life is very positive and balanced, with the mountains and the beach about 30 minutes away.
It is one of the cities with the most coworking spaces, and we leave two suggestions near the centre: Sitio Work Marquês de Pombal, in the centre of the capital; Idea Spaces Parque, 8 minutes drive from the airport.
Madeira
The Portuguese island that nomads love. This is where the first Digital Nomad Village is based: the Digital Nomad Village Madeira Islands, which aims to replicate the village for digital nomads, in the municipality of Ponta do Sol, in Funchal. The goal was achieved: a united community was created that welcomes nomads from various countries, who visit the island and spend long seasons here.
The island has thus provided excellent local conditions to welcome nomads: from accommodation, local catering and markets, everyone knows each other and there is a lot of interaction with the locals.
It is an increasingly attractive destination that has allowed us to combine the useful with the pleasant: working and living on one of the most beautiful Portuguese islands, surrounded by unique natural landscapes and the tranquillity of life outside the city environment, enjoying a slightly more rural and cosy atmosphere.
Portimão
It is considered the second best city to live in the Algarve. The good weather, proximity to the beach and Faro airport can be good arguments for those who want to live and work here.
It has four hospitals, the result of a very developed economy, and it is also a very attractive place for foreigners and very touristic.
Being internationally known, English is a very common language here, which is another point in favour for digital nomads, in addition to the coworking space 500 metres walk from the centre, CoCreate Coworking.
Lagos
It is one of the most popular Algarve destinations, being a very touristic coastal city, but also increasingly digital. The proof of this is that it is one of the pioneering cities in the creation of a 100% Portuguese project, to help digital nomads and those who work remotely to settle in Lagos, bringing together people from all over the world: Lagos Digital Nomads.
There are also other coworking spaces available and well located, such as Centro - Work & Event Space and Colagos - Cowork Municipal, both in the centre of Lagos.
There is also an excellent offer of local services and goods, in addition to the beautiful beaches and the peaceful pace of life.
Porto
It is considered the second largest economic centre in the country, sharing with Lisbon the cosmopolitan and city spirit, but with a slightly slower pace of life. Porto is a very economical city and ideal for living and working.
The Invicta city is contemplated by its charming historic centre, the beautiful Ribeira, the delicious Port wine and the typical francesinha. It is also known outside for the mythical Livraria Lello.
There are countless places to discover outside working hours, and you can also choose to work by the river, enjoying a full view of the city. There is a wide range of cultural and tourist attractions in and around the city centre.
You can easily find accommodation and good access to transport and places to work, of which we highlight two, right in the centre: Typographia Cowork, right in the historic centre of Porto; and Porto i/o, also in the centre, in the Ribeira area.
Ericeira
The beautiful fishing village, full of fishing villages, attracts surfers from all over the world. Beaches such as Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos are well known, not only for their beauty, but also for hosting stages of world surfing competitions.
Local tourism is strong, as well as the presence of foreigners who visit the village throughout the year. There is no shortage of good accommodation options near the beaches and local markets with fresh fish.
The privileged location close to the sea and the city, as well as the amount of local businesses, leads many to wish to stay and live here.
Among yoga spaces and other activities that bring different cultures together, we suggest WOT Ericeira and Cowork Salt, in Ericeira's historic centre.
Cascais
The favourite village of many foreign citizens to live their retirement to the fullest, and enjoy all the conditions for a peaceful and quiet pace of life.
Ideal for nomads who like to work 5 minutes walk from the beach and with a beautiful sea view. The perfect place to enjoy Portuguese fish and seafood in one of the many seaside restaurants, 30 minutes by car from the capital.
It has become a real attraction for foreign investments, as it is a place with high national and international tourist attraction.
Despite being a village, it has a hospital 15 minutes drive from the centre, local markets and several accommodation and work options. We suggest two very well located coworking spaces: Luna House & Cowork, 500 metres from the centre of Cascais and Lobo Cowork Estoril, a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Faro
It is considered the "capital" of the Algarve, and one of the most coveted tourist destinations internationally. Given the high number of foreigners, it can be a good place to live temporarily, as it brings together different cultures, various accommodation options and paradisiacal beaches with mild temperatures.
Tourism, hospitality and catering are very present and developed, being also a great option for those who work remotely in these areas. It is possible to have a healthy and peaceful lifestyle. We suggest the Faro Avenida coworking space, a 3-minute walk from the centre.
Braga
Full of cultural elements, art and history, it is a destination that leaves anyone surrendered to the northern part of the country. It is considered one of the entrepreneurial cities, due to the high number of 100% Portuguese companies based here, especially in the digital marketing areas.
Accommodation is not lacking, as well as good accessibility to supermarkets, hospitals and local markets. You can visit the various monuments and enjoy the typical gastronomy.
We suggest these two coworking spaces: Braga Business Center, in the city centre and ER Braga Coworking, in the historic centre.
Although these are the main destinations chosen by digital nomads, there are more and more coworking spaces in different cities of the country, as well as an increasing bet on the development of accommodation and various real estate options by the City Councils, to attract more nomads to Portugal, especially to the interior of the country.
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