The Best Places For Digital Nomads in Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has become a hotspot for digital nomads and freelancers alike. This European country impresses travelers from all over the world with its beautiful and diverse nature. The northern part of the country consists of mountains and mixed forests where linden trees, chestnuts, oaks and pines grow. The southern part of the country contains plains and valleys with olive, citrus and almond trees. The climate in Portugal is mild, which can be attributed to its proximity to the Gulf Stream and breezes from the Atlantic. All of these factors, as well as the high quality of life, low prices, and developed social infrastructure make Portugal attractive for these globetrotters.

So, what are the best places for a freelancer to go in Portugal?

Madeira

Madeira is called the island of eternal spring, or the “Hawaii of Europe”. Breathtaking views, warm oceans, good weather year round, delicious food and wine, a high level of security and wonderful hospitable people – all of these factors make the island of Madeira attractive to tourists.

With the support of the Government of Madeira, the first digital nomad village in Europe was created. The unique Digital Nomads Madeira Islands project was launched on February 1, 2021 and will be in motion until 2024. This project was created to support freelancers who want to move to Madeira and work remotely for a period of 1-6 months.

Within the framework of this project, digital nomads registered in the community are offered:

• – Free equipped workplaces
• – Free unlimited Internet
• – A variety of housing rental options, ranging from rooms to villas, and discounts of up to 30% for long-term stays
• – Exclusive events

There are also public spaces organized here, where visitors of the island have the opportunity to socialize with other members of the community.

Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol

This small village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. It’s the home to the first digital nomad village. For members of the digital nomad community, there are workplaces with unlimited Internet and the opportunity to work for hours. After work you can sit in local pubs, go to cafes or restaurants, or enjoy a stunning sunset in the bay of Ponta do Sol!

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is another popular tourist destination. Hotel, private house, and apartment accommodations are organized with discounts for freelancers. Co-working spaces are available via the Vila Gale hotel, and are open 24/7.

In Santa Cruz, everyone can find a type of cuisine they enjoy. There are cafes and restaurants located in even the most remote parts of this territory.

Funchal

The capital of Madeira is located on an island of the same name. It’s a tourist hotspot, known for its historical monuments, beautiful beaches, and amazing nature scenery.

As part of the Digital Nomad project, two workspaces for digital nomads are also organized here. One space is CoWork Funchal which boasts 24-hour access and free Internet. The second location is the Nini Andrade Silva design center, which is equipped with Internet access and offers discounts on hotel and apartment accommodations for freelancers.

Bragança

This cozy city is located in an agricultural area of Portugal near the Spanish border. The project Liberdade para Recomeçar was launched for remote workers with families and single freelancers who are ready to move to this area. Housing prices in Bragança and in the villages nearby are low and you are able to rent apartments or even whole farms!

Lisbon

There are no government programs for freelancers in Lisbon, but there are comfortable conditions for working and living in the city. There are numerous coworking spaces in Lisbon, from simple and cozy (where pets are allowed) to innovative ones. You do have to pay for the coworking spaces. Additionally, the cost of renting a house varies based on the area and housing quality.

Porto

Porto, a city in the north of Portugal, is the second largest and most important after Lisbon. There are no government projects to support digital nomads here, but the combination of low housing prices and excellent working spaces make it attractive and comfortable for remote work. In Porto, as well as in Lisbon, there are a large number of coworking spaces, among which you can choose the one that best meets your particular needs.

Algarve

Algarve is the southernmost province of Portugal with the capital of the region, the city of Faro. It’s a popular resort region with clean sandy beaches and a well-developed infrastructure along the coast. There are no government projects to support freelancers here, but comfortable workplaces for remote work have been created. Additionally, the cost of renting a house here is lower than in Lisbon.

How Can POND mobile Help You During Your Stay in Portugal?

POND mobile is an international mobile service operator that provides its customers with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. Our “World Phone” and “Global Data” plans are designed to provide reliable communication and high-speed Internet in any country you choose for remote work, including Portugal.

Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS and GB of high-speed Internet, so you can pick the plan that meets your specific needs. Our pricing is transparent– you pay the fixed monthly subscription fee specified in your rate plan. There are no hidden costs or additional roag charges, and taxes and fees are already included.

With our service, you no longer need to worry about buying a local SIM card and spending hours researching the various local carriers in each country. When you need to use the Internet, you can use the Internet without worrying about roaming charges. This also protects you from the risk of scammers stealing your data when using public Wi-Fi!

By having the ability to add local numbers for 90+ countries, in addition to the US number you receive, your family, friends and colleagues will be able to call you at their local rates with no extra charges in their phone bills. POND mobile has made sure that you always stay connected wherever you are whether it’s on a beach, in the mountains, on land, or out at sea!