Madeira and Lagos considered Europe’s top digital nomad villages

23 June 2022

According to Sifted - a media site about in-depth reporting on startup Europe - Madeira and Lagos made it to the top five places for digital nomads, but Lisbon and Porto also made it to the top ten in the Nomadlist ranking. In the next paragraphs, we will give a glimpse as to why.


Portugal is a safe and expat-friendly country and has become one of the most preferred destinations for digital nomads. It offers everything that a person seeks while working in a foreign country. Good internet connection, beautiful nature, curious and delicious food, lovely weather, exciting culture, and inexpensive rentals.


Madeira offers expats an excellent opportunity to live the life most people dream of: amongst nature, surrounded by the ocean, evading the hustle and costs of major cities. Madeira is well known for its tourism of excellency and great quality of life and also for being the place where the world’s first digital nomad village was created, which was specifically designed to be a one-stop-shop to assist nomads in settling on the island: all nomads arriving at Madeira get free coworking space, guidance on finding accommodation and access to events organized by the group that manages the village.


Lagos is situated along the southern coast of Algarve. It is the perfect little place to go if you are chasing the sun. The coast is dotted with unique rock formations and picturesque beaches, but you will also find great coworking places, inexpensive accommodation, and plenty of other travellers to meet. Lagos is the perfect place to unwind, for all the reasons we mentioned but also for the kind local gentry, cultural events and mind-expanding activities as meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance and holotropic breathwork.


Porto is a charming city located right near the coast and you will experience spectacular sunsets, enjoy fresh seafood, and dance in some of the best clubs in the world. With a very affordable cost of living, Porto is an excellent option for digital nomads who want to live in a European city that doesn’t feel too big, has a nomadic community, and fantastic coworking spaces available as well.


Lisbon is a little larger than Porto and offers the amazing Portuguese culture with the added buzz of a big city. You should bear in mind that the cost of living is slightly more expensive in Lisbon, which is also located right along the coast. Therefore, digital nomads will benefit from sunny days at the beach, water sports, and of course, the evening stunning sunsets. There are plenty of coworking places with great Wi-Fi connection and where you will likely find a large presence of the nomadic community too.

by Cleuzina Cruz 12 December 2025
A practical overview of how foreign nationals can access Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS), including eligibility, Número de Utente and key requirements.
by Danielle Avidago 11 December 2025
Understand how Article 122.º j) allows certain applicants to apply for a residence permit in Portugal without returning home. Requirements, context and practical guidance.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 30 November 2025
Understand Portugal’s legal framework for residential leases, including duration, renewal, termination, rent updates and communication rules.
27 November 2025
Law n.º 67/2025 introduces tougher penalties for illegal occupation and enables faster restitution of property. Learn what the reform means for owners and occupants.
by Margarida Tempera 24 November 2025
Facing eviction in Portugal? Learn the 15-day deadline to respond, how to oppose an eviction through BAS, and what tenants can do when they believe the landlord is wrong.
by Javier Mateo and Margarida Tempera 21 November 2025
Is your AIMA application stalled for months or years? Portuguese law provides judicial tools to challenge excessive administrative delay and compel a decision. Learn how Article 66.º CPTA works, the one-year deadline, and what alternatives exist when the time limit has expired.
20 November 2025
Portugal’s Nationality Law reform is now under preventive constitutional review by the Constitutional Court. Understand the contested provisions and potential impacts.
by António Pratas Nunes 19 November 2025
Understand how board members and qualified roles in recognised companies and certified startups may qualify for Portugal’s IFICI+ (NHR 2.0) tax regime.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 18 November 2025
Understand Portugal’s share capital rules for Lda and SA companies. Legal requirements, strategic considerations, and guidance for entrepreneurs incorporating in Portugal.
More posts