At first glance, it didn’t occur to me that I might want to travel as a digital nomad in the Algarve. After all, the beach-lined coastal Algarve is packed with luxury resorts for golfers and tourists, isn’t it?
Well, yes and no.
On my first day there, I quickly realized that the drop-dead gorgeous Algarve region was definitely a perfect spot for a solo digital nomad experience. Surrounded by sheer beauty everywhere I looked, combined with the region’s storied history, distinctive cuisine, and rich culture – the Algarve became an exciting backdrop for one of my favorite digital nomad work & play experiences to date.
It was a welcome surprise to discover that, beyond the luxury golf resorts, lies picturesque fishing villages up and down Portugal’s incredible 149 mile Atlantic Ocean coastline. Each place is distinct, conforming to its unique history, geography and climate. In fact, most of the dramatic coastal spots are dotted with soaring cliffs, beach coves, and grottos. And beyond the southern beaches, the Algarve’s western coast claims lesser known but equally impressive, rugged beaches with dramatic wind-tossed waves and huge cliffs dotting the shore.
Today, Portugal ranks as the most affordable European destination for tourists, extended stay visitors, and expats. The intriguing country has also risen to the top of many international travelers’ bucket lists thanks to Portugal’s astounding natural beauty and wealth of stunning outdoor activities (especially in the Algarve) such as cove beach swimming, kayaking, sailing, cliff hiking, scuba diving, mountain biking, and more (see here for some adventure ideas).
If you’re looking for a dreamy scenic place to work and play, filled with amazing things to see and experience, the freshest seafood, and gracious locals, I recommend the Algarve as your next digital nomad playground.
Work and Play As a Digital Nomad in the Algarve
1. To avoid much of the Algarve tourist traffic, go in off-season or shoulder season. I’ve been to Portugal in the Spring and Fall and experienced a significantly less crowded environment.
2. The Algarve’s airport is in Faro which offers ready access to both the east and west end of the Algarve coastline. From the airport to your home base, you can choose to hire a taxi/private car or take the local train or bus.
3. If you take the train to the Algarve, it’s an easy mode of transportation from Portugal’s major cities, especially from Lisbon (2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hrs) and Porto (5 to 7 hrs).
4. If you rent a car to adventure between the Algarve’s top spots and attractions, you will have more flexibility in your travel itinerary. I used the local trains and bus system to get around the Algarve. It worked well but if you have your own wheels, you’re on your schedule, not theirs.
5. With so many amazing spots to explore and activities to enjoy, choose one of the Algarve’s coastal towns as your home base and then day trip from there. I selected Lagos as my anchor city because it’s a lovely walkable village with incredible sanded beaches, soaring cliffs, and cave grottos. Other popular spots for home bases are Albufeira and Tavira. See here for home base options.
6. When you adopt the live like a local lifestyle and stay a week or longer, you have a better chance of staying within budget thanks to significant lodging discounts for extended stays. Earlier this year (May and June 2019), I was able to rent a very affordable condo ($55/nt) with sweeping coastal views from my wide balcony.
7. In Lagos, and other areas of Portugal, you can rent a co-working space and work from there, rather than from a favorite cafe, your apartment, or hotel. If interested, see here.
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