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 12 months or two, it’s seemingly been arduous to overlook the thrill surrounding Portugal, the latest go-to destination for digital nomads searching for a novel and inexpensive 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 take pleasure in a slice of Iberian paradise has led to an unsustainable and unlucky uptick in rental costs.
Lisbon, a as soon as inexpensive 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 12 months 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.
Nevertheless, distant employees considering a slice of surf paradise at the moment are turning their consideration to Ericeira, a captivating surf city on the Portuguese coast.
May this be the start of the increase for this coastal metropolis? Let’s check out the curiosity in Ericeira, whether or not or not it’s well worth the hype, and how one can relocate to Portugal with out turning into part of the issue.
Ericeira: Portugal’s Sleepy Surf City
Not like the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, Ericeira provides a extra laid-back atmosphere for digital nomads.
The town, positioned 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 (no less than for now), Ericeira supplies the right setting for focus and productiveness whereas nonetheless offering ample alternatives for networking and socializing.
However what makes town that totally 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 considering catching wives whereas working remotely will really feel proper at house in Ericeira, as the realm is thought for its constant swells and number of surf breaks.
There are over 65 surf spots within the space, however should you’re considering testing a number 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 Neighborhood
Regardless of being a smaller metropolis, Ericeira is house to a thriving digital nomad group.
Actually, it typically 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 straightforward 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, lots of which embody pure parks, stunning seashores, and historic cities, it is sensible that Ericeira could be such an up-and-coming hotspot for digital nomads seeking to strike the right work-life steadiness.
With an abundance of pure environment, Ericeira supplies 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 Price Of Dwelling 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’ll be able to 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 worth for a two-bedroom condo to be about €1,500 monthly.
Whereas greater than the price of residing as a digital nomad in cities like Bangkok, Zagreb, Chiang Mai, or Dubrovnik, it’s an inexpensive various to locations like Lisbon, Barcelona, or Rome.
Issue within the candy surf spots, laid-back coastal city vibes, pleasant locals, nice local weather, and a number of other coworking areas, and it’s all effectively well worth the worth to take pleasure in Europe’s subsequent digital nomad hotspot earlier than it will get too widespread.
How To Be A Accountable Digital Nomad
You solely have to try a number of images of Ericeira to grasp its attract.
Nevertheless, how will you take pleasure in life there as a digital nomad with out contributing to it turning into the following Lisbon or Canggu?
The most important situation now surrounding Portuguese digital nomad hotspots is growing rental costs.
Should you’re planning on renting an condo in Ericeira, don’t take part in bidding wars with different foreigners simply to snag a candy area. This drives rental costs up and pushes locals out.
Talking of locals — all the time respect native customs! Study a little bit of Portuguese, store and eat domestically, and exit of your technique to combine your self into native life.
Studying about Portuguese historical past, creating significant connections, and initiating tasks that may uplift native communities can all make a residing in Ericeira as a digital nomad all of the extra enriching.
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