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 up to now 12 months or two, it’s possible been exhausting to overlook the thrill surrounding Portugal, the latest go-to destination for digital nomads in search of a novel and inexpensive place to dwell and work remotely.

While Lisbon has been a preferred alternative 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 turn out to be “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 thinking about a slice of surf paradise are actually turning their consideration to Ericeira, a captivating surf city on the Portuguese coast.

Could this be the start of the increase 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 changing into part of the issue.

Ericeira: Portugal’s Sleepy Surf Town

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

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

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

With fewer crowds (not less than for now), Ericeira offers the proper setting for focus and productiveness whereas nonetheless offering ample alternatives for networking and socializing.

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

Surf Culture

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

This means digital nomads thinking about catching waves whereas working remotely will really feel proper at house 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 thinking about trying out a number of of the preferred, go to Praia de São Julião, Praia da Foz do Lizandro, or Praia do Sul.

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Digital Nomad Community

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

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

Additionally, 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 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 embody pure parks, stunning seashores, and historic cities, it is sensible that Ericeira could be such an up-and-coming hotspot for digital nomads seeking to strike the proper work-life steadiness.

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

The Cost Of Living In Ericeira

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

As a digital nomad, you may count on to pay simply over $3,400 a month to dwell 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 condominium to be about €1,500 per thirty days.

While greater than the price of residing as a digital nomad in cities like Bangkok, Zagreb, Chiang Mai, or Dubrovnik, it’s an inexpensive different 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 nicely well worth the value to take pleasure in Europe’s subsequent digital nomad hotspot earlier than it will get too in style.

How To Be A Responsible Digital Nomad

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

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

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

If you’re planning on renting an condominium 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 domestically, and exit of your strategy 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 residing in Ericeira as a digital nomad all of the extra enriching.

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