When it comes to digital nomad hotspots in Europe, there are a few destinations that top the list.
Portugal was recently named the best country in the world for digital nomads, while countries like Spain top the list of the most desired digital nomad destinations of 2023.
However, there’s an under-the-radar destination in Europe that’s actually perfect for digital nomads: Nicosia, Cyprus.
According to a new study on the best digital nomad destinations in Europe, this Mediterranean city comes in third place when ranked against all other capital cities in Europe.
The study took into account factors like cost of living, WiFi speeds, monthly salary requirements, the country’s happiness score, and more.
Where Is Nicosia?
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation that is located about 50 miles from the coast of Turkey. Although it is geographically more isolated from the rest of Europe, Cyprus is part of the European Union and uses the Euro.
The primary language spoken in Cyprus is Greek, and many Cypriots identify strongly with their Greek origins, despite being located several hundred miles from Greece.
Cyprus has long been a popular destination for foreign travelers, particularly those from the UK, who come to the island for its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts. It’s growing in popularity with American travelers as well, who are discovering this hidden gem of a country.
Here’s why Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, ranks so highly as an up-and-coming digital nomad hotspot:
Affordable Cost Of Living
Cyprus is a country with an affordable cost of living for digital nomads. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Nicosia is less than $700 USD per month. The cost of eating out at a nice restaurant is around $14 USD.
It’s possible to enjoy a great quality of life in Cyprus without needing a huge amount of income. Parts of Cyprus, namely the beach resorts that primarily cater to British and other foreign tourists, are expensive, but the capital city of Nicosia is very affordable as a whole.
For digital nomads looking for an affordable base in Europe, Nicosia is a great option. There are also many nonstop flights on budget airlines to other destinations around Europe from Cyprus.
Mediterranean Climate
Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea close to Turkey, and the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers and mild winters.
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy sunshine year-round and escape the freezing temperatures of winter, Cyprus is a great place to go. In Nicosia, it’s frequently 60° to 65° Fahrenheit from December to February, and that’s as cold as it gets.
It’s warm and sunny the rest of the year. And while Nicosia itself is not located on the sea, the city is less than an hour away from some beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Easy To Stay For Longer
Finally, Cyprus is a good option for digital nomads who want to stay for several months in Europe without needing a visa.
Although Cyprus is part of the European Union, it’s not part of the Schengen Zone. Americans can only spend 90 out of every 180 days in the Schengen Zone.
Since Cyprus is not in the Schengen Zone, Americans can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa and without eating into the time they’re allowed to spend in other European countries. So you could theoretically bounce back and forth between Cyprus and other European countries every 90 days.
Cyprus does offer a digital nomad visa, but with a minimum monthly earning requirement of €3,500, it’s not one of the easier digital nomad visas to obtain.
