Why This Surf Town In Portugal Is Europe’s Next Digital Nomad Hotspot
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Should you’ve learn any journey information prior to now yr or two, it’s seemingly been onerous to overlook the thrill surrounding Portugal, the latest go-to destination for digital nomads in search of a singular and reasonably priced place to dwell and work remotely.
Whereas Lisbon has been a preferred alternative for a lot of, the inflow of digital nomads and foreigners hoping to get pleasure from a slice of Iberian paradise has led to an unsustainable and unlucky uptick in rental costs.
Lisbon, a as soon as reasonably priced 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 yr or two, it’s grow to be “the world’s third-least viable metropolis to dwell in based mostly on native 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.
Nonetheless, distant employees thinking about a slice of surf paradise at the moment are turning their consideration to Ericeira, a captivating surf city on the Portuguese coast.
Might this be the start of the growth for this coastal metropolis? Let’s check out the curiosity in Ericeira, whether or not or not it’s definitely worth the hype, and how one can relocate to Portugal with out changing into part of the issue.
Ericeira: Portugal’s Sleepy Surf City
Not like the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, Ericeira gives a extra laid-back setting for digital nomads.
The town, situated 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 (at the least for now), Ericeira offers the proper setting for focus and productiveness whereas nonetheless offering ample alternatives for networking and socializing.
However what makes the town that completely different from different digital nomad hotspots throughout Portugal and Europe?
Surf Tradition
Ericeira is well-known for its world-class browsing circumstances (it hosted the World Surf League’s 2019 EDP Billabong Professional competitors and has hosted a number of others).
This implies digital nomads thinking about catching waves whereas working remotely will really feel proper at dwelling in Ericeira, as the realm is understood for its constant swells and number of surf breaks.
There are over 65 surf spots within the space, however in case you’re thinking about trying out a couple 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 Group
Regardless of being a smaller metropolis, Ericeira is dwelling to a thriving digital nomad group.
In truth, it usually appears that there are extra (and higher) coworking choices in Ericeira than in Lisbon, with many providing typical surf city perks like browsing lessons, yoga, and wholesome meals choices.
Moreover, you’ll discover plenty of common meetups in Ericeira, making it simple to attach with different distant employees and even make skilled connections.
Work-Life Steadiness
As talked about, Ericeira is barely 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, a lot of which embody pure parks, lovely seashores, and historic cities, it is smart that Ericeira could be such an up-and-coming hotspot for digital nomads trying 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, selling total well-being, each mentally and bodily.
The Value Of Residing 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 possibly can count on to pay simply over $3,400 a month to dwell in Ericeira, in line with estimates on Nomadlist. That’s about $300 lower than the present listed common for Lisbon.
A easy search on Idealista reveals the typical value for a two-bedroom condominium to be about €1,500 per thirty days.
Whereas greater than the price of dwelling as a digital nomad in cities like Bangkok, Zagreb, Chiang Mai, or Dubrovnik, it’s an reasonably priced different to locations like Lisbon, Barcelona, or Rome.
Issue within the candy surf spots, laid-back coastal city vibes, pleasant locals, nice local weather, and several other coworking areas, and it’s all nicely definitely worth the value to get pleasure from Europe’s subsequent digital nomad hotspot earlier than it will get too well-liked.
How To Be A Accountable Digital Nomad
You solely have to check out a couple of images of Ericeira to grasp its attract.
Nonetheless, how are you going to get pleasure from life there as a digital nomad with out contributing to it changing into the subsequent Lisbon or Canggu?
The largest concern now surrounding Portuguese digital nomad hotspots is rising rental costs.
Should 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.
Talking of locals — at all times respect native customs! Be taught a little bit of Portuguese, store and eat domestically, and exit of your method to combine your self into native life.
Studying about Portuguese historical past, creating significant connections, and initiating initiatives that may uplift native communities can all make a dwelling in Ericeira as a digital nomad all of the extra enriching.
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