You may have heard it from a friend. You might have read it online, Portugal is one of the most sought-after destinations for the borderless experiences of digital nomads in Europe. But why? What advantages does Portugal have over other European countries? And how can you come to Portugal, find a mid-term rental, and enjoy an unforgettable experience?
Cost of living in Portugal
One of the main reasons you’ll see people cite Portugal as one of the best places for digital nomads is undoubtedly the low cost of living. While Portugal is marginally cheaper than Spain, its only neighbour, it’s about half as expensive as other Western European countries like the UK, France, or Germany.
The most significant cost-saving part of living in Portugal is the accommodation prices. On Flatio, you can find a mid-term rental room in Lisbon for as low as €300 per month and a small apartment outside the city centre for about €700 per month. No wonder people want to move here. Find out more about the cost of living in the capital Lisbon in this article.
Scenery and climate in Portugal
Another great advantage to living in Portugal is its natural beauty. Since almost half of its border neighbours the Atlantic Ocean, the views over cliffs and beaches overlooking it are stunning. Going inland, you will find many national parks and nature preserves showing the richness of Portuguese fauna and flora, especially South of Lisbon, in the Algarve region.
The climate is overall hot but make sure to pack an extra sweater for the winter months, especially if you’re staying in the northern part of the country. And, as you may have heard, many buildings in Portugal lack central heating altogether. It's best to come prepared.
Find out more about places and things to do in Lisbon in this article.
Remote working in Portugal
But enough about practicalities, how good is Portugal for your resumé? Well, even if you go there for just a few months, living in one of the large cities, you will find many opportunities for work and networking. The two best places to go to as a digital nomad in Portugal are Lisbon and Madeira Island.
Lisbon is a metropolis with over 50 coworking centres, a large international community, and many lively start-ups and entrepreneurs; there is more than enough to choose from. But Lisbon is not all work. You can dive into the local café culture or go to the nearby Costa da Caparica for surfing or just relaxing at the beach.
Madeira Island is almost the polar opposite of Lisbon. While there may be fewer opportunities for networking or coworking, it is a place full of peace, natural beauty, and a warm climate. The island went even further and launched a so-called “digital nomad village”, which provides remote workers with accommodation and work necessities. See if they still have a spot for you today!
