Digital Nomads Working Remotely
Remote Work in Finland Compared to Portugal
What you will need
o work effectively as a remote worker or digital nomad, a reliable mobile broadband connection is essential. During my time in Finland, I found that both Telia and Elisa offer mobile broadband through 4G SIM cards. In 2020, you could get a basic 1 Mb/s 4G connection for around €12 per month. A faster 100 Mb/s 4G connection was available for about €20 to €24 per month.
Accommodation in Finland was expensive, especially in the days before Airbnb. My first apartment in Helsinki cost €2,000, but I soon moved to a smaller apartment that cost €1,400. I prefer renting apartments because they allow me to connect to the internet and process my photographs, and they also come with cooking facilities.
Currently, a monthly Airbnb rental for an entire place in Helsinki ranges from €800 to €1,200 during the low season, while in Portugal, a good apartment averages between €600 and €1,000 per month. Food and drink in Finland is expensive, with weekly groceries for self-catering costing about €20. Beer costs around €6 to €8, whereas in Portugal these costs are almost halved. During my time working in Lisbon in 2017, I found that dining out was relatively affordable. Local restaurants typically charged between €10 and €14 for a meal. I rarely spent more than €1.50 on coffee or €2.50 on beer. Grocery shopping in supermarkets was very inexpensive, although I had to switch to a few different brands since not all British products were available in Portugal.
Recently, most of my travel photography work has taken place in Europe, which has prompted me to consider relocating there. Portugal stands out to me as a great option due to its warm climate, friendly people, delicious food, and historic cities. Additionally, the country offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi and an affordable cost of living. Moreover, Portugal is known for being one of the safest and most inclusive countries in Europe.
he Algarve, located in the southern coastal region of Portugal, has long been a suitable choice for digital nomads and traveling photographers, especially in Lagos. However, it has not yet become a major hotspot for digital nomads. This is beginning to change, with Lagos emerging as the primary destination for those seeking a nomadic lifestyle.
Locations for Nomads
Lagos is one of many locations for digital nomads to consider, the coastal town of the Algarve are there for you to explore.
- Olhão is one of southern Portugal’s traditional towns, Nestled along a cliffside. As the largest fishing port in the region, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Olhão is an ideal place to be tempted by its delicious seafood.
- Carvoeiro is another picture-perfect destination. Even most travel photographers will be able to capture great pictures here.
- Ferragudo, located across the Arade River from Portimão and west of Carvoeiro, is easily one of the most beautiful seaside villages in the Algarve and a favorite of Instagrammers
- Cabo de São Vicente Wild, rugged, and isolated, the Cape of Saint Vincent is a powerful destination for surfing and travel photography
- Aljezur and Vicentina Coast the northwestern coast of the Algarve is a favorite among surfers and nature-lovers. this part of the Algarve will offer a different view of the typical beaches and colorful cliffs normally expected from south Portugal.
- Ilha de Tavira, the town of Tavira is a charming and quiet retreat from the usual crowds and resorts of the Algarve, but the Ilha de Tavira, or Tavira Island, is extra special. This sandbar is part of the Ria Formosa system yet stands out with its 12 kilometers of white-sand beaches
- Peniche – Peniche is a surf town at heart. In fact, the Peniche surf is considered some of the very best in all of Europe
- Largo – Pretty much the only co-working option in Peniche, Largo is located in a quiet area of the old district. Simple, friendly and affordable,
- Coimbra – If it’s history and culture you’re after as a digital nomad in Portugal, Coimbra is worth checking out
Visas
Digital Nomad Locations
Madeira is emerging as a premier destination for digital nomads, Madeira is Portuguese and is part of Portugal, it is renowned for its incredibly low living and travel costs, which are among the most affordable in Western Europe. Additionally, the region offers a remarkable safety record, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a secure and comfortable lifestyle. Coupled with a warm and inviting climate, it’s easy to see why the island is gaining popularity among remote workers.
The Madeira Islands provide an inspiring work environment, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying panoramic views of the sparkling ocean and majestic mountains.
Weather in Portugal
The climate in Portugal varies significantly from north to south and between coastal and inland areas. The southern region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. In the north, the coast benefits from the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, leading to mild winters and very warm summers. However, as you move further inland, summers become hotter while winter temperatures decrease, with the possibility of snow in some inland areas during the winter months.
Summer in Portugal
