Why This Surf Town In Portugal Is Europe’s Next Digital Nomad Hotspot

Last Updated 42 seconds in the past

If you’ve learn any journey information previously 12 months or two, it’s seemingly been exhausting to overlook the excitement surrounding Portugal, the latest go-to destination for digital nomads looking for a novel and inexpensive place to reside and work remotely.

While Lisbon has been a preferred selection for a lot of, the inflow of digital nomads and foreigners hoping to take pleasure in a slice of Iberian paradise has led to an unsustainable and unlucky uptick in rental costs.

Lisbon, a as soon as inexpensive hidden gem on the European vacationer circuit, is now the most expensive European city to rent an apartment in (sure — it’s now much more costly than Paris and Amsterdam).

In a matter of a 12 months or two, it’s develop into “the world’s third-least viable city to live in based on local wages and rents,” according to Jacobin.

This has pushed most locals out of the rental market, forcing them to relocate throughout the river to cities like Almada, Costa da Caparica, and Setúbal.

However, distant staff excited about a slice of surf paradise are actually turning their consideration to Ericeira, an enthralling surf city on the Portuguese coast.

Could this be the start of the growth for this coastal metropolis? Let’s check out the curiosity in Ericeira, whether or not or not it’s well worth the hype, and how one can relocate to Portugal with out turning into part of the issue.

Ericeira: Portugal’s Sleepy Surf Town

Unlike the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, Ericeira affords a extra laid-back atmosphere for digital nomads.

The metropolis, situated simply 40 km northwest of Lisbon, is a Portuguese fishing village providing picturesque beachscapes alongside whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets.

It provides extra Greek island vibes than it does huge metropolis vibes (like Lisbon), and for a lot of, that’s a part of its distinctive attraction and attract.

With fewer crowds (a minimum of for now), Ericeira supplies the proper setting for focus and productiveness whereas nonetheless offering ample alternatives for networking and socializing.

But what makes the town that completely different from different digital nomad hotspots throughout Portugal and Europe?

Surf Culture

Ericeira is well-known for its world-class browsing situations (it hosted the World Surf League’s 2019 EDP Billabong Pro competitors and has hosted a number of others).

This means digital nomads excited about catching waves whereas working remotely will really feel proper at residence in Ericeira, as the world is understood for its constant swells and number of surf breaks.

There are over 65 surf spots within the space, however if you happen to’re excited about testing just a few of the preferred, go to Praia de São Julião, Praia da Foz do Lizandro, or Praia do Sul.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Digital Nomad Community

Despite being a smaller metropolis, Ericeira is residence to a thriving digital nomad neighborhood.

In truth, it usually appears that there are extra (and higher) coworking choices in Ericeira than in Lisbon, with many providing typical surf city perks like browsing lessons, yoga, and wholesome meals choices.

Additionally, you’ll discover numerous common meetups in Ericeira, making it simple to attach with different distant staff and even make skilled connections.

Work-Life Balance

As talked about, Ericeira is just about 45 minutes away from Lisbon.

It’s additionally tremendous near enchanting day journey locations and weekend getaway spots like Sintra, Mafra, Peniche, and the surf capital of Portugal, Nazaré.

With so many issues to see and do in and across the sleepy surf metropolis, lots of which embrace pure parks, stunning seashores, and historic cities, it is smart that Ericeira can be such an up-and-coming hotspot for digital nomads seeking to strike the proper work-life stability.

With an abundance of pure environment, Ericeira supplies ample alternatives to get some contemporary air after lengthy hours spent in entrance of a display, selling general well-being, each mentally and bodily.

The Cost Of Living In Ericeira

Ericeira is at present ranked No. 40 on Nomadlist, with excessive scores in high quality of life, web velocity, enjoyable, security, and walkability.

As a digital nomad, you possibly can anticipate to pay simply over $3,400 a month to reside in Ericeira, in response to estimates on Nomadlist. That’s about $300 lower than the present listed common for Lisbon.

A easy search on Idealista reveals the typical worth for a two-bedroom residence to be about €1,500 per 30 days.

While greater than the price of dwelling as a digital nomad in cities like Bangkok, Zagreb, Chiang Mai, or Dubrovnik, it’s an inexpensive various to locations like Lisbon, Barcelona, or Rome.

Factor within the candy surf spots, laid-back coastal city vibes, pleasant locals, nice local weather, and a number of other coworking areas, and it’s all effectively well worth the worth to take pleasure in Europe’s subsequent digital nomad hotspot earlier than it will get too common.

How To Be A Responsible Digital Nomad

You solely have to check out just a few pictures of Ericeira to know its attract.

However, how are you going to take pleasure in life there as a digital nomad with out contributing to it turning into the following Lisbon or Canggu?

The greatest difficulty now surrounding Portuguese digital nomad hotspots is rising rental costs.

If you’re planning on renting an residence in Ericeira, don’t take part in bidding wars with different foreigners simply to snag a candy house. This drives rental costs up and pushes locals out.

Speaking of locals — at all times respect native customs! Learn a little bit of Portuguese, store and eat regionally, and exit of your technique to combine your self into native life.

Learning about Portuguese historical past, creating significant connections, and initiating initiatives that may uplift native communities can all make a dwelling in Ericeira as a digital nomad all of the extra enriching.

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the most recent reopening information, conversations, and Q&A’s taking place day by day!