The Best Destinations for a Remote-Working Retreat

Spain’s self-employment work visa makes it easy for anyone to work as a freelancer (or autónomo) from here. Which means you’ll have no trouble adjusting, no matter where you come from. The Canary Islands have to be the most idyllic option; think soaking up some vitamin D while you work and swimming in the pool-like ocean during your lunch break. The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, is a true digital nomad hotspot, boasting modern co-working spaces, high-speed wifi and a thriving food scene to keep you nourished and happy at all times.

Check out the best restaurants in Las Palmas.

Craving more sunny days and smooth, white-sand shores? Look no further than Barbados, a Caribbean gem that also offers a remote-worker visa. Whichever of the island’s three main towns (Bridgetown, Holetown and Speightstown) you stay in, your days off will be filled with long walks on the beach (there are more than 80 to choose from), surfing the wild waves and swimming with sea turtles in warm, turquoise waters. If you’re looking for some pampering on the weekends, treat yourself to a stay at one of the best spa hotels in Barbados. Make sure to taste the local rum – outside working hours, of course.

This Baltic city was one of the very first in the world to issue a Digital Nomad Visa, while its tech infrastructure – with great wifi connections and almost all public services available online – makes it easy for start-ups to thrive here, and for working wanderers to call Tallinn their home. Rent and the overall cost of living are fairly low, so you won’t have to worry about staying on budget. Spend your free time strolling around the gothic Old Town, browsing chic boutiques and art galleries, and having dinner at fine restaurants. With so many breweries, you’ll never run out of beer, either.

Temporary or long-stay visas are available here, as are fast internet connections and a lively expat community, which will make you feel at home. Lisbon has all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city – including cool cafes and buzzing bars – paired with friendly locals, glistening river views and fairytale-like buildings adorned with azulejos (painted tiles). The lovely beaches, wine and luscious pastéis de nata (custard tarts) are sure to keep you in Lisbon much longer than expected. Plus, you can easily travel to cool places like Sintra from here.

Find out the best places to try pastéis de nata in Lisbon.

The most obvious destination on this list has to be Berlin. The German capital has always drawn a tech-savvy crowd, and with its fascinating cultural agenda, it’s easy to see yourself working from here, no matter your background. The city offers a self-employment visa for freelancers, next to quality of life and economic security. Nature and history lovers will make the most of the parks, museums and art galleries, while electronic music fans can dance their work troubles away at the many infamous techno nightclubs. There are a number of vegan eateries to entice foodies, too.

If you’re looking for small-town charm and tight-knit neighbourhoods, coupled with affordable living and high internet speeds, then Krakow is for you. This Polish city has some of the cheapest co-working spaces in Europe, which is just one of the reasons why remote workers choose to move here. The rest have to do with the city’s green spaces and peaceful river, the Unesco-listed Old Town and surreal Wawel Castle, and the bohemian beer joints of the Jewish Quarter.

We’re not going to lie, Copenhagen is not the most affordable place to work from. But if you’re favouring quality of life over a high cost of living, then the Danish capital is ideal for a remote worker. It has all the perks of a big city, without the extreme hustle and bustle. When you’re not working, you can cycle around town in search of a kanelsnegle (Danish cinnamon roll) or hang out in Nyhavn, the city’s old port, where Hans Christian Andersen lived for more than 20 years. The ridiculously pretty houses and relaxed atmosphere will have you in a state of hygge in no time.

Get to know Copenhagen on this small-group discovery bike tour.

Mexico has been high on remote workers’ wish lists for years, with Tulum being among its most precious jewels. Still, often overlooked Playa del Carmen is an even better choice for those seeking speedy internet connections, co-working spaces and cafes with good wifi – and, of course, heavenly beaches. This resort town along the Riviera Maya might not be as glamorous as Cancún or as bohemian as Tulum, yet it still offers pristine waters and neon-green cenotes for snorkelling and unforgettable swims. And if you’re into history, you can explore astonishing Mayan ruins in your spare time.