Top 10 Places in Portugal for Digital Nomads

Welcome to this comprehensive guide to the best places in Portugal for digital nomads. If you’re a remote worker looking for a beautiful, affordable, and sunny European country to base yourself in, you’re in luck.







Portugal is easily one of my favorite countries in Europe. I’ve spent time living and working remotely in Portugal on several occasions over the past few years, most recently last summer when I was based in the mountains just outside of Porto.



In this post, I’ll introduce you to 10 of the best places to live in Portugal for remote workers. From the bustling streets of Lisbon and Porto to the gorgeous landscapes of Madeira and the Azores, each one of these locations would be an excellent place to base yourself as a digital nomad , whether for a few weeks or longer term.



Best Places for Digital Nomads in Portugal






When compiling this list of the 10 best places to live in Portugal, I focused on locations that offer a good balance of amenities for remote workers, interesting things to do outside of work time, and affordability. Whether you prefer big cities or small towns, this guide has you covered.



1. Lisbon (One of the Most Popular Places in Portugal for Digital Nomads)






Known for its vibrant culture, strong expat community, and excellent co-working spaces , Lisbon blends historic charm with all the modern amenities you’d expect of a European capital city.



Why Lisbon is a Top City for Digital Nomads






The Portuguese capital, Lisbon consistently ranks as one of the top cities in Portugal for digital nomads. It’s a beautiful city with year-round sunshine , historical charm by the bucketful, modern amenities, fast WiFi , a huge range of accommodation options, and amazing food.



Lisbon regularly hosts digital nomad conferences and meetups, and there’s a strong sense of community among the remote workers who call this city home. There’s so much history and culture here too, it’s hard to be bored in Lisbon.



Many of Portugal’s best beaches are located a short distance from the city, which is another big bonus. Overall, being a digital nomad in Lisbon is a no-brainer – it’s a beautiful, stimulating, and inspiring place to live and work.



Cost of Living in Lisbon



Lisbon’s cost of living is one of its many draws for digital nomads. Despite being one of the most expensive places to live in Portugal , Lisbon’s living costs are still much lower than in many other European capital cities (and especially compared with other Western European countries).



According to Numbeo , a single person’s average monthly expenses in Lisbon tend to be around €1,600 to €2,000. You can usually find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about €1,200 per month, and one further out for €900 per month.



A monthly public transport pass costs €40, and there are many excellent hole-in-the-wall eateries and other casual restaurants where you can easily dine out for less than €20 per head, including a beer or two.



Coworking Spaces in Lisbon






If you like coworking spaces , you’re in luck! Lisbon is home to some of the best coworking spaces in the world and there are many excellent options to choose from.



Some of the most popular coworking spaces in Lisbon include Heden Santa Apolónia (hotdesking from €250 per month), Impact Hub Lisbon  (€220/month), and Outsite Cowork Cafe (€150/month).



How to Find Apartments in Lisbon



Being the capital city, there’s a huge range of accommodation options in Lisbon, with something for every budget. Check on Airbnb , where you can often find nice apartments with even nicer discounts for month-long stays or more. Booking.com can also be a good bet.



The first time I visited Lisbon I stayed in the historic Alfama district , which is known for its narrow streets, beautiful architecture, cute cafes, and old-world charm. Most recently, I stayed in Bairro Alto , with its incredible views out over the rest of the city. I’d definitely recommend both districts.



Pros and Cons of Living in Lisbon






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Lisbon as a digital nomad.



Pros




Community and Networking : Lisbon has a large community of digital nomads and expats, so there are lots of opportunities for networking, socializing, and making new nomad friends.



Balanced Lifestyle : The city offers a perfect blend of work and leisure, with its cultural richness and relaxed lifestyle.



Culture: As the capital city, Lisbon has a practically endless choice of cultural activities, other fun things to do, and interesting places to explore.



Excellent Transport Links: As you’d expect from the capital, it’s easy to get to, from, and around Lisbon.



Year-Round Sunshine: This one’s a big draw for me – 300 sunny days per year !



Nearby Beaches: There are so many great beaches near Lisbon, you’ll be spoilt for choice when the weekend comes around.




Cons




Crowds : Popular areas can get crowded, especially during peak times and seasons.



Gentrification : The growing popularity of Lisbon has led to gentrification in certain areas. In my experience, not all locals are happy about this given its impacts on the cost of living and the local culture.



Relatively Expensive (for Portugal) : Compared to other major European capital cities, Lisbon is relatively affordable. Although it’s still one of the most expensive places to live in Portugal.




2. Porto






Porgugal’s trendy second city, the industrial city of Porto may be a bit rougher around the edges than beautiful Lisbon. But it’s a very cool place, a vibrant creative hub with a growing digital nomad scene, and has a lot of other great things going for it.



Why Porto is a Top City for Digital Nomads






With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Porto is an increasingly popular choice among digital nomads. I spent a month living just outside Porto last year and it’s a fantastic place to base yourself as a remote worker.



Located at the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a fascinating city with gorgeous architecture, scenic river views, and loads of great places to eat, drink, and have fun. The internet is fast and the atmosphere is buzzy and vibrant.



Porto is also more affordable than Lisbon , making it a great choice if you want all the benefits of a big city without the corresponding high costs.



Cost of Living in Porto



The cost of living in Porto is one of its main attractions for digital nomads. You can rent a nice apartment in the city center for around €900 per month, or as little as €700 if you don’t mind being a bit further out.



Eating out in Porto is also cheaper than in Lisbon. I’ve enjoyed several meals in cheap (but excellent) local eateries for under €10. And a monthly unlimited public transport pass only costs €40.



Coworking Spaces in Porto






Just like with Lisbon, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to coworking in Porto. As well as the countless cute cafes, you’ll find many great coworking spaces here.



Two of the best options are Porto i/o Downtown (unlimited hot desking from €150 per month) and Synergy Porto (€160/month).



How to Find Apartments in Porto



My favorite neighborhood in Porto is Ribeira. It’s one of the most atmospheric areas in the city, with cobblestone streets, colorful traditional buildings, and plenty of local family-owned eateries, cafes, and bars. I stayed here last year and loved getting lost exploring its narrow backstreets.



Like with Lisbon (and, to be honest, most other places) the most convenient way to find an apartment in Porto is through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.



Expat Facebook groups (like Porto Expats ) can also be a good place to look for good value long-term rentals, as well as for gaining local insights and meeting fellow nomads.



Pros and Cons of Living in Porto






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Porto as a digital nomad.



Pros




Cultural Richness : Porto’s deep cultural and historical roots provide an enriching living experience beyond just work.



Affordable Living : It’s one of the more affordable major Western European cities, making it ideal for digital nomads on a budget.



Laid-Back Lifestyle : For a large city, Porto is a pretty relaxed, informal place.



Friendly: In my experience, Porto is a very friendly city. Lots of random people struck up conversations with me on the street and in cafes here, which I think is quite unusual for a big city.



Arty, Creative Vibes: Porto is incredibly arty, with loads of public art, murals, sculptures, outdoor concerts, festivals, and attractive tiled buildings.




Cons




Weather : Porto’s weather can be unpredictable, with (relatively) cold and rainy winters which might not suit everyone.



Ugly Outskirts : The center of Porto is beautiful, but the outskirts are quite unappealing and pretty industrial overall.



Smaller Nomad Scene : While growing, the nomad scene in Porto is not as developed as in Lisbon, so it’s not quite as good when it comes to networking opportunities.




3. Funchal, Madeira






The capital of Madeira, Funchal is an attractive city with easy access to the island’s stunning landscapes and a supportive environment for remote workers.



Why Funchal, Madeira is a Top City for Digital Nomads






The subtropical island of Madeira is one of the best locations in Portugal for digital nomads who want a taste of sunny island life with a Portuguese twist. Located off the coast of Northwest Africa , this Portuguese region is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs.



With its growing digital nomad community and great infrastructure for remote workers, Madeira is quickly becoming a hotspot for nomads looking to work in paradise, while remaining just a short flight away from the European mainland.



Given its warm climate , affordable cost of living, fast internet , great coworking spaces, thriving nomad community, and laid-back atmosphere, Funchal is an ideal place to live and work remotely.



Outside of work, you’ll find a huge range of things to do outdoors, including hiking, surfing, sailing, mountain biking, and diving. The beaches here are pretty great too – it’s a nature lovers’ haven.



Cost of Living in Funchal



The cost of living in Funchal is lower than in both Lisbon and Porto. It’s not quite as cheap as some of the smaller towns and cities on the Portuguese mainland (see below), but it’s still relatively affordable compared with other European island destinations and the UK.



According to Nomad List , a digital nomad living in Funchal can expect to spend around $2,200 per month on average. You can rent a studio apartment for about $660/month, and a meal out can cost as little as €8 per person.



Coworking Spaces in Funchal






There are a few different coworking spaces in Funchal, and the prices here tend to be lower on average than in either Lisbon or Porto. Cowork Funchal charges €130 per month for a fixed desk and €100 for hotdesking, while Sangha Cowork Funchal offers hotdesking for €150 per month.



How to Find Apartments in Funchal



The best neighborhoods for digital nomads in Funchal include the Lido area, São Martinho , and the Old Town. These areas offer a blend of local culture, convenience, and accessible amenities.



You won’t struggle to find accommodation through Airbnb and Booking.com. Check out the Madeira Expat Community and Expat Community Funchal Madeira Portugal Facebook groups too for more options.



Pros and Cons of Living in Funchal






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Funchal, Madeira as a digital nomad.



Pros




Stunning Natural Beauty : Madeira’s beautiful landscapes and coastline make it an ideal location for nature-loving remote workers.



Growing Nomad Scene : The Madeira Digital Nomads initiative provides excellent support and resources for remote workers.



Weather: Madeira’s subtropical climate makes this a warm and sunny place to live year-round.



Island Living: Ever wanted to live and work on a paradise island that’s only a short-haul flight away from the rest of Europe? Tick!



Affordable Cost of Living : The city offers a lower cost of living compared to many other European cities, making it accessible for digital nomads on smaller budgets.




Cons




Island Isolation : Being on an island can sometimes feel isolating, especially for those used to mainland living.



Limited Nightlife : Funchal’s nightlife is relatively subdued compared to larger cities, which might not appeal to everyone.



Lack of Choice : In fairness, the shops and restaurants in Funchal are pretty good. But still, given that most things need to be flown or shipped in, don’t expect quite the same degree of choice that you’d find in a mainland Portuguese city.




4. Lagos, Algarve






Ideal for those who love the beach and year-round sunshine, Lagos in the far southern Portuguese Algarve region has a laid-back vibe, great seafood, and a growing digital nomad community.



Why Lagos, Algarve is a Top City for Digital Nomads






Lagos has long been known as a sunny European holiday destination. But recently, it’s also started to attract digital nomads with its stunning beaches, relaxed beach lifestyle, and great nightlife.



You definitely won’t find the same number of digital nomad conferences as in cities like Lisbon and Porto, but the main draw here is the high quality of life and natural beauty that’s easily accessible from the city. Lagos is blessed with some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches right on its doorstep.



Lagos is a great option for digital nomads looking for a favorable work-life balance and an outdoor lifestyle. That said, the city has reliable internet, a range of great cafes, a few decent coworking options, and a tranquil and inspiring environment.



Cost of Living in Lagos



Lagos is a relatively affordable destination , especially compared with other larger Portuguese cities. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around €950, basic utilities cost less than €100/month, and a pint of local beer will only set you back €2!



Coworking Spaces in Lagos






While Lagos doesn’t have as many coworking spaces as larger cities, there are a few. CENTRO has monthly coworking packages from €210, while Lagos Coworkers offers fixed desk membership from €270.



How to Find Apartments in Lagos



Popular areas for digital nomads in Lagos include the city center, Meia Praia , and Porto de Mós. These neighborhoods offer a mixture of convenience, scenic beauty, and access to local amenities including the beaches.



Finding accommodation is fairly straightforward, especially through Airbnb and Booking.com. Check out the Expats in Lagos Portugal Facebook group where you can sometimes find even better deals, especially on longer-term rentals.



Pros and Cons of Living in Lagos






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Lagos, Algarve as a digital nomad.



Pros




Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities : Lagos is famous for its stunning beaches and great range of outdoor activities.



Affordable Cost of Living : The cost of living is relatively low, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without a hefty price tag.



Growing Digital Nomad Community : The digital nomad community in Lagos isn’t huge, but it is growing.



Cheap Flights: In my experience, you can often find cheap flights to and from Lagos, given its popularity as a holiday destination.




Cons




Limited Public Transport : Public transport is not as developed as in larger Portuguese cities. You’ll probably want to hire a car or a scooter to get around outside of the city center.



Seasonal Tourist Crowds : Lagos is a popular holiday destination and can get quite crowded with tourists during the summer months.



Limited Coworking Spaces : There aren’t many coworking options in Lagos, and those that do exist are relatively expensive (see above).




5. Coimbra






A beautiful and historic university town, Coimbra is a very affordable destination with great bars and a rich cultural scene.



Why Coimbra is a Top City for Digital Nomads






Coimbra is famous for its prestigious university and is a great alternative Portuguese destination for digital nomads. It’s an attractive, calm, and inspiring place to live and work.



Surrounded by a vibrant academic atmosphere, the city has a quietly buzzing ambiance that makes it an incredibly stimulating place for getting work done. And when you’re finished for the day, you can take your pick from the many excellent (and cheap) bars and restaurants.



The city has a good range of modern amenities and fast internet . Its relatively small size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and the abundance of cafes and libraries offers lots of choices when it comes to where to work.



Cost of Living in Coimbra



Coimbra is a pretty affordable place to live in Porgual for digital nomads.



According to Numbeo , a single person can expect to spend about €640 per month on living costs excluding rent. A 1-bed apartment costs around €660 in the city center and as little as €535 outside of it.



Coworking Spaces in Coimbra






Coimbra’s coworking scene is still developing and there aren’t many “true” coworking spaces yet, in the usual sense of the term. However, Fluxo Coworking offers comfortable, modern facilities for €130 per month. It’s even open 24/7!



How to Find Apartments in Coimbra



I recommend checking out the Baixa (downtown) neighborhood and the area around the university. These areas both offer a blend of historical charm, a good selection of amenities, and lots of culture and things to do.



Check out Booking.com and Airbnb for short-to-medium-term rentals, or the Coimbra Expats & Immigrants Facebook group for longer-term accommodation.



Pros and Cons of Living in Coimbra






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Coimbra as a digital nomad.



Pros




Affordable Cost of Living : Coimbra is one of the more affordable cities in Portugal, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads on a budget.



Cheep Beer: It is a student town, after all!



Rich Cultural and Academic Environment : The city’s historical significance and academic atmosphere provide a stimulating and inspiring environment.



Compact and Easy to Navigate : Coimbra’s small size makes it easy to explore and get around on foot.



Fewer Tourists: Coimbra is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, which helps it retain a more authentic Portuguese vibe.




Cons




Smaller Digital Nomad Community : Compared to other larger cities, Coimbra has a fairly small community of digital nomads, which might limit networking opportunities.



Possible Language Barrier : Given the lack of tourism, English isn’t as widely spoken here as in some of the other places mentioned in this post, especially among the older generations. Most young people speak English though.




6. Braga






Located in the far north of Portugal, the attractive city of Braga is another place that offers an authentic Portuguese experience free from the tourist crowds.



Why Braga is a Top City for Digital Nomads






Braga is a charming city that’s known for its rich history, religious significance, and strong local culture. Its picturesque streets are lined with colorful buildings and traditional tiled facades, and the city has several serene parks.



While Braga might not have the same number of digital nomads or coworking places as some better-known destinations, it’s a very tranquil and pleasant place and is fairly budget-friendly too.



Essential for all digital nomads, the city has fast and reliable WiFi and plenty of comfortable and cozy cafes that are great for getting work done. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, which is a big plus as far as I’m concerned.



Cost of Living in Braga



Braga is a relatively budget-friendly city in Portugal for digital nomads. Nomad List estimates that a single digital nomad can expect to spend approximately €2,100 per month living in Braga (including rent), with a 1-bedroom studio apartment costing around €690 per month.



But, I reckon you could reduce that overall monthly cost by several hundred Euros if you’re happy cooking for yourself more often than not, buying alcohol from the supermarket rather than in bars, and avoid spending excessively on other luxuries.



Coworking Spaces in Braga






Braga has a limited coworking scene, but Factory Braga is a good option that offers comfortable and modern facilities for remote workers from €102 per month.



How to Find Apartments in Braga



For digital nomads, the city center, São Vicente , and Nogueiró are good places to look for accommodations. These neighborhoods offer a mixture of historical charm and modern amenities, making them ideal for a comfortable living and working environment.



Pros and Cons of Living in Braga






Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Braga as a digital nomad.



Pros




Rich Cultural Atmosphere : The city’s historical significance and cultural richness provide an inspiring environment for work and leisure.



Tranquil Lifestyle : Braga offers a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.



Lack of Tourists: This is another great place to base yourself if you prefer discovering less well-known destinations.



Cost-Effective Living : Braga has a relatively low cost of living, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads on a budget.



Cheap Coworking: Factory Braga is one of the most affordable coworking spaces that I’m aware of in Portugal.




Cons:




Smaller Digital Nomad Community : Less scope for networking and meeting up with other digital nomads.



Limited Entertainment Options : While tranquil, Braga has fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger cities.



Less International : Braga is less international than the larger Portuguese cities, which might be a downside for those seeking a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.




7. Aveiro






Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is a great little city with picturesque canals, a relaxed lifestyle, and a fairly low cost of living, ideal for digital nomads seeking a quieter base in Portugal.



Why Aveiro is a Top City for Digital Nomads







As well as being an incredibly attractive city, Aveiro has excellent digital infrastructure, including fast and reliable internet and a small but growing digital nomad community.



With a