In recent blog posts we have looked at various digital nomad hotspots around the globe. 

These are places in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa that have gained a reputation and popularity amongst the digital nomad community. 

This time we will be looking at some of the lesser-known own or up-and-coming destinations that are slowly beginning to make waves. 

These destinations aren’t typically oversaturated yet. They should be a good bet for those who don’t want to follow the crowd but want to find a place to stay that suits their needs. 

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

A historic city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is gaining traction with the digital nomad community due to the low cost of living, fast internet speeds and great food on offer. Many people have heard of Bansko, which has become the main Bulgarian digital nomad hotspot but Plovdiv is definitely a worthy contender.

Around two hours on the bus from Sofia, Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria. There are many beautiful parks situated throughout the city, and it is a very green place to stay. The city has so many ancient Roman ruins including an amphitheatre If you are a fan of history then this is the place for you. 

Plovdiv is the oldest living city in Europe and dates back to somewhere near 4000 BC. It also has the longest shopping street in Europe. There are definitely many reasons why you should visit Plovdiv and it is a great place to spend time in. It is a very hipster-friendly city and there are so many excellent food and entertainment options.

There are many coworking places to choose from, though there aren’t as many coliving places yet, but as it gains in popularity, we are sure this will change. MouseHouse Coliving is attached to the Cat and Mouse Coworking space in the creative district of Kapana.

Nis, Serbia

Places that hold Nomad Festivals tend to garner fans and this is one of the things that has helped to popularise Bansko as a destination. Nis will be holding its first Nomad Festival from 9th-12th August 2024 and is set to benefit from the influx of international remote workers.

Nis is a tiny and very walkable city that is a creativity hub in Serbia. It has its own science and technology park that can be hired out for events. The city is already popular with creatives and digital marketers from Serbia, but now it is being given a larger stage for the international digital nomad community. 

The climate in Nis is very warm in the Summer months, sometimes climbing over 30 C, which is not surprising due to its location in the Balkans. It can still reach highs of 19 in October. Serbia isn’t part of Schengen or the European Union, which means it is perfect for nomads who need to leave the Schengen area for a while. 

There are coworking spaces aplenty in Nis, including at Think Innovation, Deli Space and The Hood Community Hub. There are no coworking locations at present but there are very affordable hotel and apartment options that can be found online. 

Tirana, Albania

The capital city of Albania, Tirana is located in the heart of the country and sits between several mountains. The Mediterranean climate means that it has a temperate climate for most of the year, though it gets quite cold in the winter.

Tirana encompasses both the old and the new, and this combination of ancient and modern is a captivating experience. It is a modern city in so many ways, with many young people embracing the opportunities that technology presents to them. Yet, the architecture harks back to another time and is heavily influenced by the Ottomans.

There is a thriving creative scene in Tirana and Albania more generally and it is easy to see why this beautiful location is gaining in popularity with those who can live a location-independent lifestyle. There are many cafes that allow remote working and there are 5-10 coworking locations that can be used for a reasonable fee. 

In terms of Coliving, Nomad Island offers a beautiful 1920s villa that is centrally located and has been designed to allow for a comfortable experience for digital nomads. They have a large focus on community building, in the same way that Evolve Coliving has in Malta, and have several different room options depending on preference and budget.

Kotor, Montenegro

Situated on the Adriatic Coast, Kotor offers digital nomads the chance to ensconce themselves in a location that has all the amenities they need while being small enough to get to know local people. At just 13,000 people, Kotor is a friendly and intimate base for exploring this beautiful country. 

Kotor is a place to spend some time relaxing and slowing life right down. Appreciating this beautiful place  to the maximum for its stunning scenery and chilled out way of life is a must. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants to work from, though there aren’t any coworking spaces to date. 

The digital nomad community here is quite small for now but it is somewhere that will almost certainly gain in popularity. Montenegro, like Serbia, is outside both the EU and Schengen, which makes it an ideal place to spend your 90 days outside Europe if you have hit your limit.

The internet in Kotor is both reliable and fast and the cuisine on offer is an eclectic mix of different European and Balkan dishes. There aren’t any coliving spaces, but accommodation is very reasonably priced and the incredible location more than makes up for the relatively small digital nomad community at present.

Tarifa, Spain

Located only 14km from Africa and opening onto the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa is a paradise for those who love nature. There are whales, dolphins and sealife galore, just off the coastline of this small seaside town.

Tarifa has ancient walls and an old Arab fortress, which showcases its rich history as a place where civilisations and continents met each other, in trade and in war. Home to white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and high winds, Tarifa is a paradise for those who enjoy wind or kite surfing. 

Though not as temperate as the climate in some other Spanish locations, due to its location and the crosswinds, Tarifa is nonetheless an excellent destination. It recently played host to Nomadbase Live, which saw hundreds of digital nomads descend on the town. 

There are several decent coworking options in Tarifa, including TAF Coworking Tarifa and Tarifa Garage. There is a Coliving hostel called La Cocotera, and this appears to be an excellent option, given the different rooms and price points available. 

There is a popular image of the digital nomad lifestyle that has us visiting vast numbers of countries every year, but sustaining that kind of pace can be tiring and take the fun out of it. Slow travel affords many more opportunities and is a much more relaxed approach to location-independent living. 

Many people prefer to visit fewer countries and stay for longer, which we refer to as “slow travel.” There are definite benefits to doing it this way. To give a better idea of these, I have listed some of the advantages below. 

Cost of Living

One of the most expensive parts of being a digital nomad is the accommodation; the second most expensive thing tends to be the flights. Staying in one place for longer means that you don’t have to spend money as frequently on flights and you can also find better accommodation deals. 

The longer you stay somewhere, the better the accommodation deals become. A six-month lease is markedly cheaper per month than a one-month rental or a two-week stay. Being able to stay for an extended period of time can make a real difference to affordability and is definitely worth doing if you can.

If you are going to stay somewhere for a longer time, it is definitely worth looking at more “local” residential areas. Join local Facebook groups and ask about accommodation for the time you are looking for, or contact local estate agents. 

Remaining in one place can also get you thinking more like a local. You will find that you cook more meals instead of eating out, which will also save money.

Digital Nomad Visas

Increasing numbers of countries are offering special visas aimed at digital nomads. These will often allow a route to stay for longer in a country to people who might not otherwise qualify to stay due to their country of origin. 

Countries with temperate all-year-round climates, such as Bali, Malta, Mexico, and Portugal, increasingly offer digital nomad visas. These visas vary in length and allow people to stay in a country for a certain period of time. 

The Malta digital nomad visa can be extended from the default of one year to a maximum of four. The Bali visa is for a maximum of five years and has strict requirements for the amount of savings an applicant must deposit in an Indonesian bank.

Of course, European Union citizens can already choose to live in Malta or Portugal without having to navigate additional obstacles, so the digital nomad visas for these locations are more suited to people from further afield.

Community Integration

When you visit somewhere fleetingly, it can be hard to make lasting friendships. People are unlikely to want to invest too much in a connection with you because they may never see you again. This often gives the impression that lasting friendships can’t be made while travelling.

Anyone who has spent significant time around other members of the digital nomad community will begin to make friends fairly easily. The more you travel, the more interesting stories you accumulate, and the more interesting you become to people who spend their lives in one place.

Even the most introverted people can make friends when they are in one place for a long enough time. It is easy to find the activities you enjoy doing and if there is a social aspect to them, you will begin to make friends. 

If you are staying longer-term at a coliving like Evolve, it is even easier. The minimum stay of a month allows for deeper integration, and lifelong friendships are forged as a result.  Being able to spend quality time with people is what builds connection, and longer stays are ideal for this. 

Recharge and Reinvigorate

Having a “base” for a while can allow for some relaxation and some downtime. It is one of the reasons that so many nomads return to places like Bansko for multiple months over the summer. Knowing a place and catching up with people you have met before can be a great feeling.

Embracing slow travel can definitely banish that frenetic feeling of always being on the go. Adapting to a little bit of routine for a few months can allow for personal growth and give you the chance to let your ideas percolate and come to fruition. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what we need.

The world is fast-paced. Our own lives don’t need to be. Act with intention and choose the kind of lifestyle that is right for you. If you left an office job to go remote because it wasn’t right for you, don’t keep doing things that aren’t right for you. 

Not everyone is suited to fast travel, and if you want to slow it down, you don’t need anyone’s permission to do so. Nobody is going to take away your “digital nomad” card and force you back to the office because you didn’t visit “enough” places in a year. 

Interesting Tax Possibilities

Please note that nothing in this article constitutes financial advice. 

Being a digital nomad, you aren’t necessarily going to be taxed in your country of origin. You can generally avoid having to pay tax in the UK on your remote earnings if you have no property there and have spent less than half the year there.

If you are spending a few months of the year in several different countries, you may not qualify to pay tax in any of them, leading to the possibility that you are not paying tax anywhere. It is always important to do your research to avoid unpleasant surprises. 

Alternatively, you may move to a country that has a treaty with your home country and choose to pay tax there. This would make sense if your home country has a higher rate of tax than your destination.

This is, of course, entirely at your own risk, as governments everywhere are always fond of collecting taxes and may feel that you owe them tax, even if you haven’t lived there for years. Yes, USA, I am looking at you.

When choosing a destination as an LGBT person, it is essential to know that your lifestyle is not just “accepted” but actively welcomed. Many a trip has been soured by people looking askance at queer couples holding hands in public or kissing, things that it is normal for any couple to do. 

Some people have even been assaulted in the street for expressing their love for each other openly. In some countries, it is far worse, and you can still get into serious legal trouble due to outdated homosexuality laws. 

Knowing that you are safe and accepted is vital for relaxing and enjoying a trip. This is especially true for digital nomads, who often stay in one place for longer than most tourists. This is why we have compiled a list of the top destinations for LGBT digital nomads. 

Valletta, Malta

The ancient capital of Malta is highly rated by LGBT people because of the friendliness and accepting nature of local people and tourists alike. It is a vibrant destination that will charm first-time visitors or even those who have been several times already. 

Malta doesn’t have an official “gay area”, and this is both because of its small size and the fact that it is such an LGBT-friendly place that it has no real need for one. There are a few excellent gay bars spread across the island but most of these are in Valletta itself.

Valletta is a tiny city that occupies less than a square kilometre and has only 6,000 permanent inhabitants. There is also a combined street food and LGBT history tour, which should afford visitors the chance to try some amazing food and meet other queer people at the same time. 

Evolve Coliving is less than 20 minutes from Valletta. It’s not an exclusively gay accommodation option, but most people who stay there are young and open-minded. You will find a warm welcome, a strong sense of community, and excellent facilities.

Porto, Portugal

Portugal is known for being a top destination for digital nomads, and the friendliness and welcoming attitude toward LGBT visitors helps Porto to top our list. The year-round climate is fantastic, and there is always something interesting to do.

There is a large selection of gay bars, clubs and cafes to visit in Porto, including Pride Cafe, which is a gay cafe during the day and, at night, becomes a bar.  Zoom is one of Porto’s trendiest nightclubs and attracts the most beautiful and fabulous people. 

Three hours by car from Lisbon, Porto is significantly less expensive than the capital city and arguably has a comparable nightlife for the LGBT community. There are also cafes with fast internet for remote working and coworkings like Porto i/o and Synergy Coworking.

In terms of coliving spaces, Porto is pretty well-served with LIV Colife and Camilo Co-living, as well as some of the better-known brands such as Outsite. Coworksurf has a coliving 30 mins away in Esmoriz that is geared to those who enjoy surfing and water sports.

Barcelona, Spain

Spain is often regarded as one of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in the world, and Barcelona has some genuinely amazing nightlife and culture to explore. Many visitors describe the gay nightlife in Barcelona as insane, in the best possible sense of the word. Frenetic, vibrant and addictive may be other ways to describe it.

If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe or to recover during the daytime by stretching out on a lounger, there are also LGBT-friendly beaches at San Sebastian and Platja de la Mar Bella. Barcelona’s Pride is also an experience that is not to be missed.

There are all of the digital nomad amenities you would expect in a large city, with coworkings and fast internet throughout Barcelona. There is widespread free public Wi-Fi at popular destinations around the city, including libraries, parks, and beaches. 

As well as coworking spaces, cafes and free public Wi-Fi, there are also several excellent coliving places available, including Enso Coliving and Enter Coliving which each offer several options within the city. 

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is considered a very tolerant country with a friendly disposition toward LGBT people. Particularly within larger cities such as Bangkok, nobody will even look twice at people of the same gender being affectionate toward each other. 

Bangkok held the first-ever Pride festival in Southeast Asia in 1999 and has held one yearly since. Bangkok's LGBT nightlife is vibrant, varied, and wild, with fun to be had all over the city, especially in and around the Silom area. 

Bangkok caters well to people who work remotely, and there is fast internet anywhere in the city. There is good free Wi-Fi in many cafes and restaurants, and digital nomads are usually welcome as long as they are buying something in addition to taking up space. 

There are some excellent coliving options, as you would expect, with Lita Bangkok offering nine en-suite studios with numerous shared living spaces to hang out and make friends with other travellers. 

Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is known for being very gay-friendly, probably more so than any other Canary Island. The Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas areas are particularly well known, home to the Yumbo Centre, which houses many gay bars and clubs.

There are also exclusively gay hotels and resorts for those who want to completely kick back and chill away from the gaze of the outside world.  The Maspalomas sand dunes also hide a gay beach where total nudity is permitted and encouraged.

Gran Canaria is a year-round attraction, but arriving for the annual pride celebrations in May in Playa Del Ingles will offer a fantastic experience and celebration of LGBT culture.

Most of the coliving options are in the North of the Island, around a 30-minute drive from Playa del Ingles, but there are some lovely options, such as El Cabo coliving in Agaete and CoworkingC in the capital, Las Palmas.

In previous articles we have covered some of the digital nomad hotspots in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa and it is now the turn of North America. We look at the best places to stay in Mexico, the USA and Canada for remote workers and look at what makes them popular with this demographic. 

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

This bustling resort town is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and attracts tourists because of its white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The temperature is pleasant year-round, with the mercury going as high as 28C in December and a lower end of 21C. If you are intent on escaping the winter, this is a fantastic destination with beach-worthy weather. 

There is a good co-working and cafe scene in Playa, and digital nomads are catered to quite heavily, with gluten-free food being common and high-quality coffees readily available. It isn’t high on the list for providing an authentic experience of Mexico. However, if you are looking for somewhere with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, friendly people, good facilities to work from, and excellent beach and surf possibilities, you have come to the right place. 

The nightlife is also notable, with several excellent clubs located on the busy tourist strip on Quinta Avenida. It is known for being a party town, so it may not be perfect for those looking for a quieter, more sedate lifestyle. 

In terms of coworking, there are some excellent options, including Nest, which is fairly centrally located, and Work Zone Coworking, for those who require a quieter space to work. There are also coliving spaces, which include smaller independents like Anana Coliving and larger chains like Outsite. 

San Francisco, USA

An iconic destination in its own right, San Francisco is one not to be missed, particularly by the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone has seen the classic films with car chases on the steeply banked streets leading down to the harbour, and they are truly worth seeing in person. The whole vibe of San Francisco is fabulous; there is a real buzz in the air, and there is so much to do and see. 

The Golden Gate Bridge is a particular landmark, and any visitors should definitely try out the street trolleys that still trundle up and down its steep streets. Known for being a technology hub, you are likely to meet many people who work for some of the big internet companies, such as Apple and Google. It is worth taking a tour of Google HQ if you can persuade a new friend who works there to show you around. 

San Francisco offers all the amenities provided by a big city. These include extremely fast internet speeds, high-quality cafes to work from and food choices in abundance. San Francisco caters well for people who are into healthy living and wellness, with a plethora of gluten-free options available and options for even the most restrictive diets.   

The only real downside is the cost compared to many other places, particularly those in Mexico. San Francisco is a premium destination in the USA, and this is definitely reflected in the cost of rentals. There are several colivings available there, including 908 Coliving, Hack ‘n’ Sleep Coliving, and Hive Coliving.

Vancouver, Canada

Our only Canadian entry on the list, Vancouver consistently leads charts for quality of life and for liveability, and it is easy to see why. Boasting extensive parks within the city, Vancouver is very green and an excellent space for those who enjoy walking in the shade of the trees on a sunny day. Vancouver is known for being very culturally open and welcoming to newcomers, with friendly locals and diversity in both food and the arts. 

Vancouver is the classic mix of beaches, mountains, parkland, and downtown corporate office spaces. There is something for everyone, all of the time. If you have always wanted to go to a nudist beach, you can do so easily here. 

If you would prefer to mountain bike or surf, you can do that too. The activities change with the seasons, so those more inclined to winter sports can schedule their stay accordingly and take advantage of the snowboarding and skiing opportunities nearby. 

There is a range of different accommodation options and some of the best are the coliving spaces, as these can minimise the cost in what would otherwise be quite an expensive city. Gather Coliving and Fiber Coliving are two independents, and there are also some larger chain Colivings such as Outsite and Coco Coliving. 

Austin, Texas, USA

Despite being the Capital of one of the most Conservative states in the USA, Austin leans very heavily Liberal and is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ people who might be thinking of visiting. It is also considered to be very female-friendly and racially tolerant. The live music capital of the USA, Austin has always something going on, and it has a really great vibe that many people seem to enjoy.

The internet is fast and stable here, and Austin is considered a bit of a tech hub. Because of this, there are a large number of places to work from. Epoch and Industrious Austin are two of the best coworking places. Each has its pros and cons, so it depends on what you are looking for in your workspace. 

Austin is one of the more expensive places on the list to spend some time because it is located in the USA. However, the cultural richness of the experience and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it worthwhile. It may be best to avoid the summers when the temperature reaches an unbearable 38C, but other times of the year are more temperate.

Austin has several different options for co-living spaces. Stay Work and Play is a good independent operator, and there are also the usual chains you would expect in a digital nomad hotspot, like Outsite.

Tulum, Mexico

The second on the list in Mexico, Tulum has a radically different vibe from Playa del Carmen, one that is more attuned to spirituality and wellness rather than partying hard. It’s a lot quieter and more suitable for those seeking a chilled, laid-back vibe. Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coast and has gorgeous white sands. It was built upon the ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement, which can still be seen today. 

Tulum is particularly well-served by coworking spaces, some of the best of which are Coworking Tulum, which provides access to over 20 locations throughout the town, and Los Amigos Cowork. 

When it comes to coliving, there is also an excellent range of options from independents like Ko’Muna Tulum, which bills itself as “Community Living in Paradise” and is situated right between the beach and the jungle in gorgeous, well-kept accommodation. Other players in the coliving space include the larger chains like Selina and Outsite.

There is a wide range of accommodation options for those who would rather not stay at a coliving, everything from entire apartments to bunk beds in hostels. It is possible to find somewhere to stay for a few hundred dollars per month, making Tulum a very attractive option, even for those on a tight budget.

Many digital nomads neglect Africa on their travels, and this is definitely their loss. Africa has some incredible locations and some of of these rival anywhere on the planet in terms of suitability for remote work. We have already explored Europe, South America and Asia in previous articles, so welcome to Digital Nomad Hotspots in Africa. 

Cape Town, South Africa 

Dwarfed by the imposing Table Mountain, Cape Town is a popular port destination in South Africa. It has always been a popular port for ships that are traversing the globe as it offers a convenient place to dock, at the tip of the African continent. In this respect it is often considered the last friendly stop before a long and inhospitable ocean journey. 

In terms of digital nomads, it is easy to see why it attracts them in numbers. Cape Town is a sun-drenched destination that offers a wide range of high quality accommodation, including some excellent coliving options, and fast, reliable internet for remote workers.

Cape Town is a huge city, housing some 3.5 Million inhabitants, so it isn’t somewhere to go if you want to escape city life. If City life is your vibe though this will be ideal as it comes with all of the amenities of a modern 24-hour city including shopping malls, supermarkets and an abundance of nightlife.

Although on paper Cape Town has a high crime rate, most of this is confined to the poorer township areas that tourists and digital nomads should be avoiding anyway, so it should be safe for most digital nomads.

Marrakesh, Morocco 

Long considered the jewel in the crown of Morocco, Marrakesh is an ancient city with a densely packed walled medina that dates back to the Berber empire For those who are fans of history, this is one digital nomad hotspot that will be hard to beat, or to forget. There are mosques, palaces, gardens and densely packed souks to explore and the vibrant colours all around will surely brighten even the most jaded soul. 

There are coworking and coliving spaces in Marrakesh as well as more traditional options of apartments and hotels. The chance to stay in an authentic Moroccan Riad should not be missed. A Riad is an ancient house built around a central courtyard. The courtyard is open to the sky. They are usually two to three stories and the central area often has a pool or a comfortable seating and social area to relax in. 

Take the time to breathe in the culture and the atmosphere in this vibrant city of just under a million inhabitants. Marrakesh is generally considered fairly safe for tourists, though the usual caveats apply about being aware of your surroundings. It is easy to be pickpocketed in some of the crowded souks and streets around the medina. 

Nairobi, Kenya

As well as being a vibrant and bustling capital city in its own right, Nairobi also has a national park within its boundaries that houses lions, giraffes and zebras. There is also an elephant orphanage and this is very well maintained by a reputable charity. 

The image most people have of Kenya is the distinctively dressed Massai people in their red and black tunics but there is so much more to the country and the city of Nairobi than this. Like every modern city, there are premium shopping malls. Fast internet access is standard in Nairobi and the climate is in the 20s for most of the year, which makes it extremely pleasant to spend time there. 

In terms of accommodation, there is the usual mix of hotels and apartments. There don’t seem to be any permanent coliving options at present but there are pop up colivings from time to time and if you time your visit well, it is possible to catch one of these.

Cairo, Egypt

Egypt has always held a particular place in the hearts of many travellers, with images of the pyramids sparking the first impulse to travel somewhere exotic. Whether inspired by movies like Indiana Jones, history documentaries about Tutankhamun or the love story of Anthony and Cleopatra, this land of antiquity has always fascinated many. 

Being able to live and work in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt allows for travel to all of the main tourist places of interest as well as providing all of the amenities that a digital nomad or remote worker could need. Cairo is the largest city in Africa, with a population of over 21 million people. This is definitely one for those who enjoy a bustling city environment, rather than more quiet towns and villages. The Nile river flows through Cairo and is perfect for a leisurely cruise if you need a few days away from working.

As you would expect with a modern and vibrant city, there is a wide array of accommodation options from hostels to hotels and coliving spaces. There are also a number of coworking places for those who feel most productive when they are in an office environment.

Taghazout, Morocco

Morocco’s second entry on this list, and this time it is the surfer’s paradise of Taghazout, a sleepy village that has been adopted by digital nomads because of the lifestyle it offers. In some respects this mirrors the journey that Bansko in Bulgaria has been on, a quiet village that becomes a hotspot largely by word of mouth.

As you would expect from a digital nomad hotspot, the internet is fast, and the climate is temperate all year round, with a comfortable 21C or 70F even in December. In this respect, the climate is close to that of the Canary Islands, which isn’t all that surprising. Despite being owned by Spain and therefore politically part of Europe, they are located off the coast of Morocco.    

There are some excellent coliving and coworking options to choose from, whether in Taghazout itself or in one of the nearby towns, which are also seeing an increase in footfall because of its popularity. Sundesk in Taghazout provides an excellent option for coliving and working and costs around £700 for a full month on their cheapest rate.

Asia is the largest continent in the world and has many varied countries and cultures to explore. This, coupled with a largely temperate climate and low cost of living compared to Europe and the USA, makes it a dream for many looking to live cheaply and well. The excellent internet infrastructure in much of Asia also helps attract digital nomads who work in technology and need fast upload and download speeds.   

Bangkok, Thailand

The capital city of Thailand is a favourite for many digital nomads due to the high quality of accommodation available at a relatively low cost and the variety and quality of cuisine. Like many parts of Asia, the internet speeds you can get there and the service reliability make Bangkok an excellent city in which to work. 

One of the main attractions for many nomads is a sense of community and having the chance to make new friends from all around the world. There are regular events in Bangkok for the thriving ex-pat and nomad communities, and these can help to alleviate some first-timer concerns about loneliness.

There are many great coworking options located around the city, and these range from giant hubs like Spaces, which has over 300 seats to smaller and more intimate venues like Common Ground, which has multiple locations across the city.

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali, Indonesia, is home to some excellent digital nomad hotspots, and one of the best is Canggu. It is located on the coast and is known for offering an enviable work-life balance. There is top-quality surfing and plenty of opportunities to go for sun-drenched walks or scooter rides through the forest before enjoying some wild partying with new friends. 

There is a real sense of entrepreneurial spirit here and many digital nomads launch new businesses with people they meet at the coworkings and cafes. This community is very well catered to, and there are many gluten-free restaurants and breakfast places selling bowls of Acai. 

There is also fast internet, a must for any digital nomad hotspot and a full range of accommodation options from hostels with bunk bed dormitories to apartments to villas with their own swimming pool. There is something to suit every budget, and it is easy to see why Canggu is so popular. English is also widely spoken in Canggu due to the influx of digital nomads, which can make the experience much less daunting for those just dipping a toe into the lifestyle. 

Hanoi, Vietnam

This city in Vietnam has one of the most iconic Instagram photos you can get. There is a street called Train Street, where the train tracks literally pass through the middle of a street with restaurants and pavements for walking on either side. This is a very popular street for photos, and many have taken unbelievable risks to get their shot, which we don’t recommend. However, there is much to explore outside of Train Street in Hanoi. It is an old city with many architectural wonders to experience, and exploring the Old Quarter, in particular, is worth doing. 

March to April and October to November in Hanoi are the best times of year to visit because outside of these times, it can be unbearably hot and rainy. Avoiding the rainy season is recommended so that you can enjoy exploring the city and the surrounding area to the max during your stay. 

Hanoi’s low cost of living is also why this is a digital nomad hub, with most visitors pleasantly surprised. There are many excellent coworking facilities to take advantage of, and internet speeds are almost universally fast across the city. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from, which will satisfy most travellers whether on a tight budget or with more money to spend.  

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine from street food stalls is generally safe and appetising, and there are also international options for those who crave food that they are used to at home at some point during their trip. We recommend being adventurous when it comes to food here and trying Banh Xeo (crepes with shrimp and pork) and Pho (noodles with chicken or beef and spices) should both be high on the list.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

One of the most famous digital nomad hotspots, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, has seen this popularity translate into higher prices for accommodation in recent years. Having said that, it is still affordable but is more on a par with some Western destinations in terms of price now. 

Chiang Mai is a vibrant, historic city with over 300 temples to explore. Some of them date back as far as the 1200s, so if you are someone who is fascinated by history, this is an ideal location to visit. It is also very popular with people who enjoy the outdoors, and there are trails through verdant forests and beautiful waterfalls. It is a very picturesque location. 

There are many excellent choices for remote workers, from cafes to coworking spaces. There are also varied accommodation options which include everything from hostels and apartments to co-livings like Alt_ChiangMai.

Alt_ChiangMai has a co-working space as well as co-living accommodation and has 23 ensuite bedrooms for digital nomads. These can either be rented short-term or long-term, and the price points reflect this. It is possible to live here reasonably cheaply if you are prepared to commit to staying for a longer period of time. There are multiple communal living spaces in this spacious and modern co-living and it looks like an excellent option in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Situated amongst the rice terraces of Bali, Ubud is in the centre of the island and offers a completely different experience to Canggu. This is a very green part of the island and is perfect for those who feel at home amongst nature. Balinese art and culture are prominent here, and it is a popular place for people who want to experience the best yoga retreats and take part in spiritual practices.

Although Ubud isn’t located on the coast, it does have some excellent pool clubs that you can visit and spend time in the water. Most have cafes attached, so it is possible to work from them for the day and make time to enjoy the facilities on offer.

The natural world is on your doorstep, and if you want to monkey around with the local wildlife, you should visit the monkey forest. Just be careful around any young, as their parents might be very protective of them. 

Ubud has so much to offer, and it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination for digital nomads to spend some quality time resetting and recharging. The internet is fast and the range of accommodation is everything that you would hope for from a top-tier digital nomad destination.

It is common in digital nomad circles to hear people talking about some more exotic locations to visit, such as Bali, Indonesia and Chiang Mai in Thailand. Playa Del Carmen in Mexico is often mentioned, along with Florianopolis in Brazil. Many more digital nomad hotspots within Europe sometimes don’t get the attention they deserve compared to the longer haul destinations.

Bansko, Bulgaria

This village ski resort nestled in the Pirin mountains seems an unlikely place to have become a digital nomad hotspot. Nevertheless, it is home to the Bansko Nomad Fest, which runs annually and attracts attendees worldwide. 

Its popularity stems from the actions of a couple of entrepreneurs who decided to open coworking spaces there. Word of mouth spread among the remote working community, and the rest, as they say, is history. More coworking spaces sprang up to meet the increased demand and it has now become a hotspot for people who can do their work remotely.

Bansko and its environs are an area of outstanding natural beauty, with hikes and activities in nature being particular favourite pastimes with those who gravitate there. In Summer, the weather can reach highs of 30 degrees Celcius, so be sure to pack your sunscreen. 

It is undoubtedly true that Bansko is helped by the fact that the ski resort is off-season in summer, and therefore, accommodation prices are extremely good. At the time of writing, getting a room in a fully-equipped four-star hotel for around £400 for an entire month is still possible. Bulgaria generally has low accommodation costs, and Bansko, in the off-season, offers some real gems for a fraction of the cost you might pay elsewhere.

Portugal

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a very popular destination for digital nomads, and it isn’t hard to see why. The scenery and the climate are two of the big draws. Living somewhere with a temperate climate is something that many remote workers aspire to, and Portugal delivers on this front. There are several popular places in Portugal where digital nomads are concerned, and they provide very different experiences, so we have concentrated on two of them.

Lisbon

The stunning capital city of Lisbon, with its vibrantly coloured buildings and architecture, is a must-see. Whether you are looking to experience gastronomic delights or to explore old neighbourhoods seemingly untouched by time, then you have come to the right place. Trams still navigate the steep city streets, and there are stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean everywhere you look. 

Madeira

For those seeking island life but not wanting to venture as far as the Canaries, Madeira can be a charming choice. Its capital Funchal has beautiful, scenic gardens at the top, and the Monte Toboggan Sledge ride down through the city streets is exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. It really is something that must be experienced once to be believed. Being propelled down the main roads in an oversized wicker basket is not for the faint of heart. 

In contrast to Malta and the Canary Islands, Madeira is lush and green and does have a higher rainfall but still has a very nice, temperate climate that is ideal for many remote workers. Madeira is also home to the Nomad Island Fest, which draws many back there year after year. 

The Canary Islands

Although they are situated off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands belong to Spain and are part of the EU, hence their inclusion in this article. Because of their fortunate location, the year-round climate there is one of the best in the world, earning them the nickname “The Islands of Eternal Spring”.

There are several different islands to choose from. One of the most popular is Gran Canaria, with its capital city of Las Palmas being particularly known amongst the digital nomad community. 

Las Palmas is a beachfront city and has the beautiful yellow sand of Las Canteras beach, which stretches for 3 kilometres of its length. There is a beachfront walkway with many excellent cafes and places to work from with a laptop. Further inland, there are beautiful historic buildings, particularly in the older part of the city called Vegueta. 

There are coworking spaces dotted throughout the city, and there are several options for those who want to have a coliving experience. There are also many apartments to rent, though the prices have risen sharply in recent years due to the increase in the popularity of remote working.    

The weather is better in the Southern part of Gran Canaria, though if you are looking for accommodation, you will be in competition with regular holidaymakers and therefore prices will be higher still. 

Malta

The historic island of Malta, situated off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, is becoming increasingly popular as a remote work destination. The island has changed hands many times over the course of centuries and is now an independent republic which declared independence from Britain in 1964. There are still some British influences, with English being widely spoken as one of the official languages, UK plugs not needing adapters and driving on the left side of the road.

The island is known for its beautiful azure waters and the stunning city of Valletta, a UNESCO world heritage site. Malta is also known for its business-friendly tax regime. Businesses pay 35% corporation tax, which can be used to offset individual income tax on dividends for shareholders. 

Many entrepreneurship conferences are held in Malta, a popular place for startups and innovators. There are many great business opportunities there if you are in a position to invest. 

In addition to being business-friendly, Malta has an excellent climate for most of the year, though it gets colder in the winter than in the Canary Islands, with lows of 11 degrees Celcius and highs of 17 degrees Celcius.

It would be remiss not to mention that Evolve Coliving is based in a 15-bedroom mansion in San Gwann in Malta. If you are interested in learning more about the accommodation and the sense of community that we help foster, please take the time to explore the site and get in touch if you need further information.