Do you dream of working remotely from the beach?
Here’s why Lagos, Portugal is the ultimate up-and-coming digital nomad hotspot:
Lagos, a town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, is one of the best beach destinations for digital nomads in Europe.
While Portugal has been increasing in popularity as a base for digital nomads in recent years, many people choose to stick to the major cities of Lisbon and Porto. However, for beach lovers, Lagos is one of the best spots in the country to live and work remotely.
Here’s why Lagos is rising in popularity as a hotspot for digital nomads:
Amazing Location And Weather
The location of Lagos cannot be beaten. It’s in one of the most scenic parts of the Algarve, southern Portugal’s coastal region.
It’s just one hour away from Faro, the regional capital, which has an international airport. Otherwise, Lagos is less than four hours by train from Lisbon.
In Lagos, you’ll find world-famous beaches like Praia do Camilo and scenic landscapes like Ponta da Piedade, which feature the iconic rocky cliffs, sandy coves, and clear blue-and-turquoise water that the Algarve is known for.
Lagos also has excellent weather. Its winters are sunny and mild compared to the rest of Europe, and summers are not too extreme.
Affordable Cost Of Living
Another reason that Lagos makes a great base for digital nomads is the affordable cost of living.
Portugal is the cheapest country in Western Europe, and this applies to Lagos too. Although there’s a markup in some of the more touristy restaurants and shops in Lagos, you can save tons of money shopping where the locals do.
The cost of rent, transportation, and food is much lower in Portugal than in any nearby country.
Good Availability Of Rentals
Another reason that Lagos makes a good base for digital nomads is because there’s a good availability of rental apartments and homes.
Because Lagos is already a popular vacation destination, there are more holiday rentals available compared to cities like Lisbon and Porto which have experienced housing shortages due to the influx of foreigners moving there.
You can typically book a long-term stay at a rental in Lagos for much cheaper than the cost of a short-term stay. In the off-season, even steeper discounts are available, and it’s common for owners to rent out their properties at a very low price during the winter months.
Lively Town
Aside from beaches and natural beauty, Lagos is also home to a lively and charming old town. The town is full of delicious restaurants and cafes — you’ll find a mix of traditional Portuguese fare and trendy foreign places serving everything from burritos to bagels to acai bowls and avocado toast.
Lagos is lively at all times of the year, although things quiet down more in the off-season, especially from October through March.
Lots Of Expats
While Lagos is a popular tourist destination, especially among other Europeans and Brits who come for a short summer holiday, there are also many expats who call the town home.
If you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time in Lagos, it’s not hard to meet other expats and digital nomads who are living in Lagos.
Great Base For Exploring
Finally, Lagos makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of the Algarve. All along the coast, you’ll find quaint white-washed towns, hidden grottoes, secluded beaches, and scenic walking paths.
If you plan to stay in Lagos for a long-term stay, it’s advised to get a rental car. Car rentals in Portugal are affordable and will give you maximum flexibility in getting around and exploring the region.
