Spain has been an ideal destination for me as a digital nomad. The combination of affordable living costs, reliable infrastructure, and diverse cultural experiences makes it a great place to balance work and leisure. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your stay in this versatile country.
5 reasons to work as a digital nomad in Spain
- Rich culture: Spain boasts a vibrant cultural scene with flamenco, historical sites, and unique traditions.
- Stunning landscapes: Diverse scenery from the Pyrenees mountains to Mediterranean beaches.
- Affordable cost of living: Spain offers a high quality of life at a lower cost compared to many European countries.
- Friendly locals: Spaniards are known for their hospitality.
- Great infrastructure: Excellent internet connectivity and numerous co-working spaces.
Best places to live, work, and party
Spain offers several fantastic locations for digital nomads to live and work. Each place has its own unique charm and amenities, making it easy to find the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation.
Working in Barcelona
A city with stunning architecture, beaches, and a lively nightlife. Numerous co-working spaces and cafes make it a great place to work.
- Café recommendation: Flax & Kale – Known for its vegan food and relaxed atmosphere.
Working in Mallorca
More affordable and an can be quieter than Barcelona, with beautiful beaches and a high quality of life. Ideal for digital nomads looking for a laid-back environment.
- Café recommendation: Ziva To Go – Offers healthy, vegan bowls and smoothies. Their açaí bowls are perfect for a refreshing break during work sessions.
Working in Seville
The heart of Andalusian culture with rich history and lively atmosphere. Plenty of cafes and co-working spaces. But also a lot of tourists.
- Café recommendation: Arte y Sabor – A popular vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options.
Working in Cadiz
A historic city with a relaxed vibe and close proximity to the beach. Perfect for balancing work and leisure.
- Café recommendation: La Veganesa – A cozy café with delicious vegan food.
Working in Tarifa
A surfer’s paradise with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Café recommendation: Café 10 – Offers a great selection of vegan dishes and smoothies.
Cadiz: best combination of living and working
Cadiz: For me, this city strikes the perfect balance between affordable living, beautiful beaches, and good infrastructure. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to focus on work while also enjoying your free time.
Best times to travel
- March to May: Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. I found these months perfect for exploring without the summer crowds. The mild weather made working outdoors enjoyable.
- June to August: Very hot, ideal for beach days. The heat can be intense, but the beach culture is unbeatable. If you get an airconditioned apartment it’s a great time to work early and spend afternoons by the sea.
- September to November: Mild temperatures and less crowded. These months offered a great balance of good weather and fewer tourists.
- December to February: Mild climate, especially in the south, and less crowded. Winter in Spain is quite mild, making it an ideal time to travel around. The off-season tranquility was great for focused work.
Top 10 tourist attractions
As a digital nomad, I found it incredibly easy to explore these attractions during weekends or downtime. Spain’s efficient transportation network, especially its high-speed trains and affordable buses, made it simple to take short trips to these must-see sites.
- Sagrada Familia, Barcelona: An architectural masterpiece by Gaudí.
- Alhambra, Granada: A stunning palace and fortress complex.
- Prado Museum, Madrid: One of the world’s most important art collections.
- Park Güell, Barcelona: Another Gaudí park with breathtaking views.
- Plaza Mayor, Madrid: A historic square in the heart of the capital.
- Valencia City of Arts and Sciences: A futuristic complex and cultural highlight.
- Mezquita, Córdoba: An impressive mosque-cathedral.
- La Rambla, Barcelona: A famous shopping street.
- Alcázar, Seville: A royal palace with beautiful gardens.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao: A modern art museum in an iconic building.
I often planned my work schedule around these excursions, ensuring I could experience the local culture and history without missing any deadlines. This balance between work and exploration enriched my time in Spain, allowing me to see so much of what this beautiful country has to offer.
Getting around locally
- Buses: Cheap and widespread, ideal for shorter distances.
- Trains: Fast and comfortable for long distances between cities.
- Planes: Convenient for domestic flights between major cities.
- Scooters: Handy for getting around in cities.
- Cars: Rent for rural areas and road trips.
- Blabla Car: Affordable ridesharing for longer distances, This ridesharing service was a great way to save money and meet locals during longer trips.
Visa: Digital nomad Spain
- EU citizens: No visa required. As an EU citizen, I appreciated the ease of moving around without visa concerns.
- Non-EU citizens: 90-day Schengen visa, long-term visa options available. Friends from outside the EU found the 90-day Schengen visa straightforward, with options for extending their stay.
Local food and vegetarian options
- Traditional Dishes: Tapas, Paella, Gazpacho. Enjoying tapas with friends became a favorite pastime, offering a variety of flavors.
- Vegetarian Options: Tortilla Española, Pisto, Salmorejo. I was pleased to find numerous vegetarian options that were both delicious and traditional.
Sustainable travel in Spain
- Use Public Transport: Buses and trains are eco-friendly and efficient. I preferred public transport to reduce my carbon footprint.
- Recycle: Many cities have recycling systems. Participating in local recycling programs was easy and made me feel more integrated.
- Local Organizations: Participate in beach clean-ups with organizations like Ecoembes or support animal welfare through SOS Animal Mallorca. Volunteering with these groups not only helped the environment but also allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals.
What experiences have you had in Spain? Share them in the comments below!
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