Are you a digital nomad country-hopping in Europe and already shivering at the thought of winter fast approaching?
As incredible a home base as the Old Continent is, for all the culture, amazing food, and high quality of life you get, the period between December and March can be a bit of a downer, particularly if you’re not an enthusiast of snow––or even less excitingly even, gloomy skies and rain.
Fortunately, not all of Europe will be plunged into cold, wet darkness in the coming months, with 4 incredible nomad hotspots offering some of that much-needed winter sun and milder weather:
Sliema, Malta
A laid-back student town in the Mediterranean micro-state of Malta, Sliema is the ultimate nomad haven in winter due to its pleasant weather, ranging from 55°F to 66°F, big choice of laptop-friendly eateries, and unrivaled laid-back atmosphere.
Unlike in spring and summer, you’re unlikely to see huge crowds along the coastal promenade and golden-sand beaches, and Airbnb prices stay within the acceptable range of $803 to $1,371 per month, making it a moderately-priced winter workcation hub.
The town itself is best known for its British-style pubs–every night is a fun night out at the Salisbury Arms–and historic forts.
It also boasts great connections to other destinations on the island, including a scenic 15-minute ferry to La Valletta, Malta’s ancient, walled capital.
Though it does see the occasional short-lived rain shower on select dates, Sliema is mostly sunny and dry in the low season, and on particularly-warm winter days, you may even spot a number of locals venturing into the tepid Mediterranean waters.
Fuerventura, Spain
A hidden gem of the Canary Islands, Spain’s southerly Atlantic archipelago, Fuerteventura boasts year-round warm temperatures––we’re talking a comfortable 63°F to as high as 68°F––and unspoiled white-sand beaches yet to be ruffled by the Tenerife crowds.
Within the vicinity of the small, harbor-side capital Puerto del Rosario, you’ll find single-room Airbnb stays from as low as $617 per month, going up to $1,183 for a fully-furnished loft, and countless cheap eats, including full meals for under $10––check out local fave Arepas Llaneras.
Besides the low cost of living, Fuerteventura is gaining traction primarily for its undisturbed nature: there is a multitude of sheltered coves, tourist-friendly hikes traversing a breathtaking rugged terrain, and natural volcanic pools filled with crystal-clear waters.
One thing you should know is this is a very small island lacking the infrastructure of the much-larger Tenerife or Gran Canaria, so don’t expect an abundance of coworking offices and a thriving expat scene; on the other hand, if it’s peace and quiet you seek, you’ve come to the right place.
Malaga, Spain
The sunny capital of Spain’s aptly-named Costa Del Sol, Malaga is a bustling Mediterranean metropolis combining Ancient World allure and modernity, where you’re as likely to stumble upon Roman ruins dating back 2,000 years, as you are luxurious oceanfront high-rises.
Located at the foot of a Moorish-built fortress, the Historic Center is a picturesque cluster of winding alleys, busy Art Nouveau thoroughfares, and casual tapas bars, while the lively La Malagueta is a coastal strip lined by trendy beach clubs and casual tapas bars.
Looking to work remotely from a cozy cafe? Look no further than Reviv, a sociable environment frequented by expats where a coffee and bocadillo will set you back by $8, or the spacious Brunchit España, down in Alcazabilla, for reasonably-priced brunch and stable WiFi.
Besides the overall affordability in winter––apartment rentals in Malaga in January start from $883––the city is blessed with month-long sunshine and balmy temperatures, with only 69mm of rainfall, and average daily highs of 64°F (frequently hitting the 73°F mark).
Madeira, Portugal
The quintessential Portuguese escape, Madeira is famous for its otherworldly nature, comprising towering peaks, deep valleys and impossibly-tall sea cliffs, postcard-ready Funchal, a capital hugged by the azure Atlantic, and yearly Nomad Island fest:
An event created by the nomad community for the nomad community, it invites workcationers from all over the globe to spend a week in sun-drenched Madeira, between December 5 and 11, with the sole intent to foster connections, boost their businesses, and most importantly, unwind.
If you’re a digital nomad looking to flex that social muscle, that’s reason enough for you to take your laptop on a tour of mountain-dominated Madeira this winter, but have we mentioned already it is home to ancient laurel forests, volcanic lagoons, and some of the most beautiful hikes in Europe?
One week only is certainly not enough time to explore all of Madeira’s hidden waterfalls and surreal black-sand beaches, so by all means, do extend your stay: it’s a perfect 68°F out, and there are vacation rentals from as cheap as $774 a month, anyway.
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