Thinking about life as a digital nomad in Portugal? While Lisbon and Porto often top lists of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads—with all the perks and some rapidly rising rents—they’re far from your only options. Across the country, smaller towns and rural regions offer affordable living, great scenery, and a slower pace that many remote workers now prefer. Don’t overlook Portugal’s lesser-known spots, where you can enjoy authentic local life and still stay connected.
Why Portugal is a top destination for digital nomads
Portugal stands out as a real hotspot for working remotely, thanks to its easygoing lifestyle, warm climate, and a solid network of spaces to work and meet like-minded folk. Portugal has been ranked among the top ten countries with the best quality of life. You’ll find established hubs in places like Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, each offering fast internet, plenty of co-working options, and a buzzing international crowd. Getting set up is pretty straightforward—Portugal now has a specific digital nomad visa, and the paperwork isn’t nearly as painful as in some other European countries.
That said, the influx of remote workers has been a mixed bag for local communities. In some areas, especially the most popular neighbourhoods in Lisbon and coastal towns in the Algarve, rents have shot up. The government has made some moves to address housing issues, like bringing in rent caps and limiting new short-term holiday lets, trying to find a balance between welcoming international talent and keeping cities liveable for everyone. So while Portugal really is thriving as a digital nomad base, it’s worth being mindful of your impact and considering ways to support the local community.
Best cities in Portugal for digital nomads
Lisbon
Lisbon is always top of the list, seen by some as the best place in the world for remote workers. The city buzzes with coworking spots and cafés—try Heden or Second Home if you want somewhere to get stuff done but also meet new people. They’re big on events, so you’ll often end up at a rooftop BBQ or an open coworking day without even planning it. Over in Conde d’Óbidos, LACS feels more like a creative hangout than your standard office, with art shows and tech meetups that are usually open to anyone for a small fee. For a more local experience, head to one of Lisbon's best live fado shows and learn about the beloved music genre.
It’s worth saying that Lisbon’s massive popularity has a downside—at times it can feel a bit overrun, and rent prices have climbed fast with so many choosing to settle here. Still, if you want plenty of buzz, community, and all the convenience, Lisbon remains a favourite—just don’t expect any secret bargains these days.
When it comes to finding a place to live, you’ve got choices. Some nomads love the action in the centre—think mornings wandering through Baixa, evenings in Bairro Alto or Alfama—while others settle in up-and-coming areas like Marvila or Beato where it’s a bit quieter (and sometimes a bit cheaper).
Porto
Porto has its own distinct charm for digital nomads—picture grand river views, chilled cobbled streets, and a real creative streak. It’s less hectic than Lisbon, but still packs in loads of unique workspaces and social spots. Digital nomads here rave about Fabrica Coffee Roasters and Combi Coffee for laid-back laptop sessions over good coffee.
If you’re keen to connect, keep an eye out for networking nights at Synergy or creative meetups at Wow Coworking. When work wraps up, check out bars like Mirajazz for live music and sunset drinks overlooking the river, or head to Maus Hábitos, a buzzing arts venue where you’ll find everything from club nights to art exhibitions and indie gigs.
As for where to live, digital nomads tend to gather in neighbourhoods like Cedofeita (artsier and full of cafés), the bohemian feel of Bonfim, or riverside Ribeira for brilliant views.
Maderia
If island living sounds appealing, Madeira - one of Europe's top cities for clean air - may be high on your list. This lush, Atlantic outpost has become a bit of a remote work paradise, partly thanks to its pioneering “Digital Nomad Village” project in Ponta do Sol. This space was built specifically to help nomads and locals connect and swap ideas, whether through coworking days or community dinners. The vibe is relaxed, with plenty of social events and online groups keeping everyone in the loop on what’s happening around the island.
Most nomads base themselves in Funchal, the island’s capital, where you’ll find reliable Wi-Fi, coworking spaces like Cowork Funchal and cheerful cafés around almost every corner. There’s a weekly mix of workshops, hikes, yoga sessions and talks, usually organised by groups like Madeira Friends. Outside work hours, it’s all about outdoor living. Enjoy black-sand beaches, idyllic natural pools, mountain trails, and a mild climate that feels like spring year-round.
The Algarve
The Algarve offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle that’s become a magnet for digital nomads wanting a slower pace without sacrificing essentials like fast Wi-Fi and fun things to do. Beyond the obvious tourist spots, you’ll find a growing scene of remote workers.
Lagos is a favourite, especially among younger nomads and creatives. Expect beachside cafés with laptop-friendly corners, regular social meetups such as Lagos Digital Nomad in Barbosa Bar, and a handful of lively coworking spaces. Over in Faro, you’ll find a more urban buzz, local coworking spots such as Alandra Square, and plenty of bars where expats and locals mingle after work.
Don’t overlook the smaller hubs popping up along the Algarve, too. Sagres is a big draw for digital nomads who love surfing in Portugal. You’ll find casual coworking at surf hostels and plenty of pop-up events. Tavira, meanwhile, offers a more low-key vibe, with a handful of friendly coworking spaces and a slower pace. Even spots like Portimão and Olhão are attracting remote workers, thanks to affordable rentals, good coffee shops, and a steadily growing nomad network. The Algarve is also home to some of Portugal's top Blue Flag beaches, which you can explore after work.
Coimbra and Braga
Coimbra and Braga might fly under the radar, but they’re quietly earning a name as some of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads, especially if you want a proper taste of local life (and more reasonable rents). Coimbra is famous for its historic university and laid-back student vibe, which means fast Wi-Fi in most cafés, a steady stream of cultural events, and no shortage of libraries or quirky study spaces. Tech hubs like Novotecna and Nest Collective are friendly places to get stuck into work, and you’ll often bump into other international nomads or startup founders, especially around the riverside and uptown areas.
Up north, Braga has a buzzing tech scene and is a real draw for remote workers looking for great infrastructure without the crowds. The city’s coworking offerings include Factory Braga and Regus Braga, and there are plenty of cafés in the historic centre where you can work for hours undisturbed. Regular meetups and networking events, often hosted by the local startup community, are a big plus.
Both cities are much more affordable than Lisbon or Porto, and neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz in Coimbra or São Vicente in Braga are welcoming spots for newcomers.
Ericeira: Europe’s first ‘surf reserve’
Ericeira has become a stand-out choice for digital nomads, especially those keen on mixing work with visiting some of Portugal's top surf beaches. As Europe’s first official World Surfing Reserve, the town draws a global crowd chasing Atlantic waves, but there’s much more to it than surf culture. The centre is dotted with laptop-friendly cafés while coworking spaces like Kelp and Outsite Ericeira have become popular hangouts for remote workers.
A typical day in Ericeira could go from a morning surf at Ribeira d’Ilhas, coffee breaks at Balagan, deep work sessions at a coworking hub, to an evening yoga class or a walk along the cliffs. You’ll find a welcoming nomad community and plenty of local events, and with Lisbon just under an hour away, weekend city escapes are easy too.
Emerging destinations for digital nomads in Portugal
If you’re keen to sidestep the crowds or discover a new side of Portugal, there’s a growing list of lesser-known towns and regions welcoming digital nomads. Aveiro—often called the “Venice of Portugal”—is gaining buzz for its colourful canals, relaxed pace, and surprise pockets of coworking spaces and creative events. Setúbal is another rising option: it’s close to gorgeous Blue Flag beaches, boasts great seafood, and still offers reasonably priced flats compared to Lisbon.
Further inland, places like Évora and Viseu deliver historic charm and friendly local scenes, as well as more affordable rents. You’ll also find remote work communities springing up in spots such as Leiria and Covilhã, which appeal to nomads seeking a quieter rhythm, reliable fibre internet, and easy access to Portugal’s stunning countryside.
If you’re interested in what’s happening just next door in Spain, don’t miss a look at opportunities such as Extremadura’s digital nomad grant. It's a great example of how the Iberian Peninsula is courting digital nomads with fresh ideas and practical perks.
Cost of living for digital nomads in Portugal
One of the big draws of Portugal for digital nomads is that, compared to much of Western Europe, daily life can be quite affordable. However, Lisbon and Porto are the priciest options, with rents and living expenses in central neighbourhoods now matching those in some other European capitals. Head to coastal towns or interior regions, and things generally become a lot more wallet-friendly. How much you need to live comfortably in Portugal depends in part on your lifestyle choices and living situation. The average salary in Portugal is around €1,200 per month. Living on around this amount is certainly possible if you're savvy with your money, live in a shared apartment or outside the city centre.
Renting in Portugal varies massively depending on location. Studio flats in Lisbon start from around €800 per month, while a room in a shared apartment in Porto can be anything upwards of €250 per month. Groceries, eating out, transport, and coworking memberships are all reasonably accessible by Western European standards. For digital nomads dreaming of living by the ocean, you’ll also want to explore the best places to live by the sea in Portugal, where coastal lifestyle meets flexible budgets.
Living in Funchal: Madeira’s gentle capital
Located between Atlantic waves and green hills, Funchal is Madeira’s easy-going capital with a distinctly local flavour. Life unfolds at a comfortable pace, with daily routines shaped by the sea, mountain air, and a city centre full of markets and friendly faces. Living in Funchal means enjoying mild weather, great food, and a welcoming community that makes it easy to slip right in.
Sustainable living in Portugal: off-grid homes and eco-villages
What’s happening with sustainable living in Portugal is more than just a passing phase. It's genuinely becoming part of the culture now, popping up in the cities as much as it is in rural communities. Some people are going fully off-grid in quiet eco-villages, while others are designing clever, energy-efficient casas sustentáveis. It shows a fascinating part of the country's character, where a deep respect for the land meets forward-thinking ways to protect it.
Working remotely in Portugal: joining the nomad scene
Remote work in Portugal has truly taken off in recent years, and it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing the country as their base. Since Portugal brought in the digital nomad and remote work visas, it’s become a bit of a hotspot for freelancers, tech folks, and anyone keen for a coastal change of scene.
Living in Caminha: Portugal’s green border town
Right up in the green corner of Northern Portugal, where the wide Minho River meets the Atlantic, sits the market town of Caminha. With one foot on the coast and the other practically in Spain, this scenic spot offers a unique slice of Portuguese life. It’s a place defined by its olde worlde charm, with a beautifully preserved medieval centre and a tranquil atmosphere governed by the tides.
Where to escape the heat in Portugal: coolest summer destinations
Looking for cool places to visit in Portugal during summer? If you want to escape the intense heat while enjoying culture, nature, and authentic food, Portugal offers several destinations with mild climates and fresh breezes.
School Holidays in Portugal 2025-2026
If you're living in Portugal or planning a move, knowing when the school holidays fall makes life a fair bit easier. The Portuguese academic year typically runs from September to June, with breaks dotted throughout for Christmas, Easter, summer, and a handful of shorter interruptions. These dates can affect everything from traffic levels to the crowding at coastal resorts, so it’s worth keeping them on the radar, especially if you’ve got children or need to work around local routines. Get fa
Upcoming airport worker strikes in Portugal: how travellers could be affected
If you’re planning to travel to or within Portugal this summer, it’s important to be aware of planned airport worker strikes that may disrupt your journey. Unions representing ground handling staff at all major Portuguese airports have announced strikes across five weekends, starting in late July and continuing throughout August 2025. Additionally, SATA Air Açores cabin crew will stage a separate weeklong strike in July, affecting inter-island flights in the Azores.