CANARY ISLANDS - 2024'S MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
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With 2024 right around the corner, the world is wide open for slow travelers and people who work remotely. Digital work is more common than ever, and chances are high that no matter what field you work in, there will be some option or extension that will allow you to live this lifestyle.
Anyone who dreams about traveling and living on their own terms (and in control of their own time!) will probably find that this way of life is perfectly designed for them. Consider the options: you could be polishing off your next project while sitting on a beach halfway around the world. Who can argue with that?
Let’s take the example of the Canary Islands. A famous tourist destination, the “sunshine center of Europe”, this Spanish island community is mild and scenically beautiful, with volcanic terrain, beaches, forests, and stunning cliffs. Why not consider working from here? The reasons for it are pretty strong and have only been getting stronger as the islands continue to set up infrastructure for traveling workers. Let’s take a look!
Climate and Scenery
As mentioned, the climate of the Canary Islands is about as close to perfect as it gets. Year-round, the average high never exceeds 30 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low doesn’t dip below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). You might need a light sweater during the early and late months of the year, but most of the year can be comfortably spent in a t-shirt.
The archipelago also provides some absolutely stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring. If you’re the type of person who likes to get out there while you’re traveling, you’ll love what the Canary Islands has to offer.
Cost of Living
Always a consideration when finding a place to settle down for an extended stay, you’ll be pleased to know that the cost to live in the Canary Islands is surprisingly reasonable. You can find an apartment for around $1,000 USD per month, with utilities coming in well under $100 per month on average and phone plans somewhere around $20 per month. Compared to a lot of other European destinations, and certainly compared to the United States, this is pretty good! Public transportation is relatively cheap, taxis fares are not exorbitant, and even sports and leisure activities are, on-average, quite affordable. You aren’t going to be able to throw all financial caution to the wind, of course, but if you stick to your usual budget, chances are you’ll be able to put a little bit of money aside at the end of the month.
Internet Infrastructure
Any digital nomad who’s been in the game for a minute knows that having a strong, reliable internet connection is crucial to your success in work and travel. Interestingly enough, the internet in the Canary Islands is excellent! It should be no surprise, as over the past several years the islands have been focused on improving their connectivity and internet infrastructure. Median download speeds are around 101.57 Mbps, and the upload speed is 87.68 Mbps. Picture this: you’re working away at a lovely café, it’s beautifully sunny and mild, the view out the window is of the beach that you’ll explore later, and on top of all this, the WiFi is top-notch. Anybody else booking their plane ticket already?
Co-Working Spaces
The remote work community in the Canary Islands has been growing over the past few years. The islands have responded by setting up a wide variety of co-working spaces that cater to the different needs of this community. A great example is The House, which provides desk rentals by the day, week, or month, and perks like free water/tea/coffee, and breakfast on Fridays for the weekly and monthly renters. Or for something a little more communal, try Arca de Babel, which pushes a vision of collaboration and even has a collaborative currency that you can use to pay for coworking services. As far as location is concerned, you can’t beat The Square, which is in the island’s capital of Arrecife. This is where you’ll find the Canary Islands’ largest remote worker community.
Cultural Diversity
The Canary Islands have a fairly unique culture. The blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences can be tasted in their food, heard in their music, and witnessed in their traditions. It’s an exciting atmosphere to take in, and the smart digital nomad will be sure to devote a bit of their time to experiencing it.
Safety
It’s possible that as a digital nomad, you’ll be traveling alone. While not always the case, you are essentially traveling for work (or with work still taking up a large portion of your time), so having friends along won’t always be possible A great thing about the Canary Islands, especially for those who do find themselves traveling alone: it is known for its safety and moderate to low crime rates. It’s nice to be able to enjoy this sense of security while you explore, work, and live.
What do you get when you combine beautiful scenery, perfect climate, and a relatively low cost of living? You get a high quality of life, that’s what! It’s possible that spending time in the Canary Islands will be just the working vacation you need to put your mind at ease and find some peace and relaxation. The islands have a very laid-back vibe, which can definitely help you set up a balanced work-life routine at your own pace. Hustle and bustle is more suitable to some people of course, but if you’re someone who wants to recharge in a quieter, sunnier, more peaceful setting, the Canary Islands may be just the right sort of place for you.