PORTUGAL’S 5 BEST CITIES FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
It’s no secret that Portugal is a hot spot for slow travelers, extended-stay vacationers, and digital nomads, but what are the best cities to visit?
If you’ve been paying attention to these types of slow travel/digital nomad lists, you’ve probably noticed Portugal sitting atop a lot of them. It’s sunny, it’s beautiful, and the food is incredible. Aside from those attractive reasons, Portugal’s immigration policy is actually geared towards digital nomads and the extended-stay lifestyle, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to similar countries like Spain, France, and Italy. In efforts to lure more foreigners to the country, Portugal has created the “Digital Nomad Visa” or D7, which allows visits for 90 days, with the option to extend. For longer stays, check out the Schengen Visa, which will enable visits for up to 4 years and can even lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
So, the perfect work/life balance is in sight. Let’s check out the top 5 options in Portugal.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city is already home to a healthy number of international co-working franchises, nomad-friendly cafes, and a bustling community with events and meetups. For these reasons, Lisbon is the most accessible Portueges city to move to, and you’ll fit in right away. Spend your downtime exploring the city’s narrow laneways, rooftop restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. While you’re there, you’ll fall in love with the iconic yellow trams that move people around the hilly city.
When looking for a place to stay, you’ll find a wide variety of options ranging from downtown apartments to luxury villas closer to the coast. No matter where you plug in your laptop, you’ll be met with fast internet, which is true countrywide but especially fast in the capital. The cost of living is the highest on this list, but hey, it’s the biggest city. Still, a one-bedroom in the city's heart is attainable for around $1350, and the price gets better the longer you stay.
Porto
Famous for its Port, Porto is the perfect city for the wine-loving slow traveler. In fact, the banks of UNESCO’s Douro River are lined with some of the city’s top vineyards. Before you hit the wineries, hop on the Douro boat cruise; it’s a great way to get a lay of the land, as you’ll be able to spot some of Porto’s most popular nightlife districts, restaurants and all of those stunning vineyards. Fans of architecture will love meandering through Old Town.
Compared to Lisbon, Porto is about the same coverage-wise. You won’t have internet trouble in any of Portugal’s main cities. Where they differ is the cost of living. A studio apartment in the heart of the city will cost about $1000/month, which is excellent considering the number of attractions nearby. The co-working scene in Porto is pretty healthy too. You won’t have any issues finding an office, and there are lots of monthly digital nomad meetups.
Ponta Do Sol
Let’s shift gears for this one. We’ve given you two fantastic options in the city. What about the laid-back beach lifestyle on Madeira’s coast? That’s where Ponta Do Sol comes in. If your extended-stay vacation desires include warm weather all year, easy access to the sea, and some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches, look no further than Ponta Do Sol.
You won’t find nearly as many digital nomads or tourists here, and maybe that’s precisely what you’re after. Internet speeds are still decent, and there are cafes to work from, but meetups and events are harder to find. What you will find is a tranquil setting decorated with historical and cultural attractions like Lugar de Baixo and Nossa Senhora da Luz. Nearby, the capital of the Madeira region, Funchal, is a bustling city to visit for a day or two. And the cost of living is about half that of Lisbon. Hey, if you get that Schengen Visa and stay for a couple of years, you could try out both!
Lagos
Set in the Algarve region, Lagos is a small beach town with good infrastructure, beautiful scenery, and perfect weather. Getting around the city is easy, even without a car. In fact, some of the favorite modes of transportation in Lagos are surfboards, kayaks, bikes, and boats. A studio apartment near the coast will cost you about $600/month, and if you’d like a change of scenery when it’s time to work, there are lots of beachfront cafes with ocean views. There are also a few co-working spaces in the center of town. The digital nomad scene isn’t as strong as the larger cities, but it is on the rise in Lagos. Now is a great time to get in.
Portimao
One of the larger cities in the Algarve region, Portimao offers digital nomads and slow travelers a “best of both worlds” situation. On the coast, it’s got that laid-back beach town vibe where everything seems to move a little slower, and that's just how everyone likes it. Inland and along the Arcade River, you’ll start to spot more tourist destinations, historical attractions, and, of course, co-working spaces. The nomad community in Portimao is growing rapidly, and it’s always easy to connect to fast internet in their many cafes. A studio apartment in the heart of the city, which isn’t far from the beaches, costs around $600/month, which is a pretty great deal if you can’t decide between the two.
Is Portugal your next digital nomad destination?
So, you’ve probably noticed a few things these cities have in common, like beautiful beaches, rich historical and cultural attractions, amazing weather, incredible food…the list goes on. Basically, Portugal has it all, and their government is making it easy for digital nomads and slow travelers to get visas, work, and enjoy extended stays. If you’re new to the nomadic lifestyle, these cities are great places to start your journey. If you’re a seasoned slow traveler, check out some of the smaller options on the list and take your time immersing yourself in the culture. You may never want to leave.