4 Best Places for Digital Nomads Seeking Sun, Sand, and a Slower Pace

Waking up to sea views and sunshine, doing a few solid hours of work, then heading straight to the beach for a swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun, all while spending less money than you would back home, is undoubtedly the dream for many. If your job can be done remotely, you could make this your reality, often while saving on your cost of living.

We set out to find the best places for digital nomads, starting with practical factors such as reliable internet, affordable living costs, safety, mobility, and long-stay visa options. Then we narrowed the focus to those with warm climates, beach access, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Here are the four destinations that stood out.

Spain

Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a direct path to citizenship and tax benefits. Added to its fast and reliable internet, high quality of life, affordable living, and easy mobility across Europe, it’s easy to see how it landed the top spot in Global Citizen Solutions’ rankings of the best destinations for digital nomads.

If you prefer to stay on the mainland, cities like Malaga and Valencia are worth considering. Alternatively, if year-round warm weather and beach life are your top priorities, and you don’t mind island living, Las Palmas in the Canary Islands could be a great choice.

These areas offer reliable broadband, coworking spaces, a slow-paced life that isn’t boring, and are significantly cheaper than the main cities of Barcelona and Madrid. You can comfortably get by in Las Palmas on €1,200- €1,600 ($1,400-$1,875) a month, in Malaga with €1,300 – €1,800 ($1,520-$2,100) a month, and in Valencia from €1,400 to €1,900 ($1,640-$2,225) a month.

Indonesia

If you’re into spirituality, yoga, healthy food, beautiful beaches, inexpensive living, warm weather, and a way out of Western life, Indonesia could be the right place for you.

A popular spot among digital nomads is Canggu on the island of Bali. Here, you’ll find reliable internet, coworking spaces, and cafes designed with facilities for remote workers. In your free time, you can visit spectacular beaches with consistent surf, creating a surfer’s paradise. There are yoga studios, a variety of lively events, and spiritual retreats.

Canggu is also affordable by Western standards. Monthly costs for a digital nomad range from $1,500 to $2,000.

Uruguay

Uruguay is increasingly turning heads as a top destination for digital nomads. In Global Citizen Solutions’ rankings, the country came third, thanks to its streamlined online visa/residence path with a short route to citizenship, reliable internet, moderate living costs, strong public services, and a safe, stable, and culturally vibrant environment.

Montevideo, the nation’s capital, and Punta del Este are favorite vacation spots. Both cities offer everything you need for productive remote work, as well as abundant green spaces, sandy beaches, and activities to fill your free time.

Montevideo is generally more affordable and better for coworking spaces and year-round activities, while Punta del Este stands out for its upscale beaches, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife during the summer high season.

Portugal

Portugal is often praised for its high quality of life, affordability, and attractive tax incentives. For sun-seeking, ocean-loving digital nomads, you get a remote-worker visa with a pathway to residency. There is also excellent internet and startup infrastructure.

Attractive places for digital nomads seeking sun, sand, and remote working-friendly amenities include Lisbon and nearby Cascais, Ericeira, and Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve.

Monthly costs depend on proximity to Lisbon. In the capital, you can expect to spend anywhere from €1,800-€2,100 ($2,100-$2,460), whereas in Ericeira and the Algrave, living expenses drop to between €1,300 and €1,800 ($1,520-$2,100) and €1,200 to €1,600 ($1,400-$1,875), respectively.

Considerations Before You Go

Sometimes we can get swept up by the idea of living in another country without considering practicalities. Having options is great, but it’s important to recognize that the grass isn’t always greener and that there can be disadvantages to living overseas.

Important things to consider before departing include visa and entry requirements, healthcare, time zone differences, language barriers, exchange rates, tax policies, and the numerous steps required, including finding a place to live, opening a bank account, and registering as self-employed.