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

Final Up to date 1 min in the past

When you’ve learn any journey information previously yr or two, it’s doubtless been arduous to overlook the excitement surrounding Portugal, the latest go-to destination for digital nomads in search of a singular and inexpensive place to stay and work remotely.

Whereas 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 yr or two, it’s turn out to be “the world’s third-least viable metropolis to stay in primarily based on native 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.

Nevertheless, distant staff all in favour of a slice of surf paradise are actually turning their consideration to Ericeira, a captivating surf city on the Portuguese coast.

Might 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 definitely worth the hype, and how one can relocate to Portugal with out changing into part of the issue.

Ericeira: Portugal’s Sleepy Surf City

Not like the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, Ericeira affords a extra laid-back surroundings for digital nomads.

Town, 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 appeal and attract.

With fewer crowds (at the very least for now), Ericeira offers the proper setting for focus and productiveness whereas nonetheless offering ample alternatives for networking and socializing.

However what makes the town that totally different from different digital nomad hotspots throughout Portugal and Europe?

Surf Tradition

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

This implies digital nomads all in favour of catching wives whereas working remotely will really feel proper at residence in Ericeira, as the realm is thought for its constant swells and number of surf breaks.

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

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Digital Nomad Neighborhood

Regardless of 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.

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

Work-Life Stability

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, a lot of which embody pure parks, stunning seashores, and historic cities, it is smart that Ericeira could be such an up-and-coming hotspot for digital nomads trying to strike the proper work-life stability.

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

The Price Of Dwelling In Ericeira

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

As a digital nomad, you’ll be able to count on to pay simply over $3,400 a month to stay in Ericeira, in keeping with estimates on Nomadlist. That’s about $300 lower than the present listed common for Lisbon.

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

Whereas greater than the price of residing 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.

Issue within the candy surf spots, laid-back coastal city vibes, pleasant locals, nice local weather, and several other coworking areas, and it’s all nicely definitely worth the value to take pleasure in Europe’s subsequent digital nomad hotspot earlier than it will get too well-liked.

How To Be A Accountable Digital Nomad

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

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

The largest concern now surrounding Portuguese digital nomad hotspots is growing rental costs.

When 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.

Talking of locals — at all times respect native customs! Study a little bit of Portuguese, store and eat domestically, and exit of your solution to combine your self into native life.

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

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