Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Portugal

Portugal, with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. If you're planning your next move and considering Portugal as your new home base, here are ten great cities and towns that offer an ideal balance of work and play.:

Lisbon

As the capital city, Lisbon offers a vibrant nightlife scene, diverse culinary options, and plenty of cultural attractions. The historic Alfama district is a must-visit, with its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and stunning views of the Tagus River. The Time Out Market, located in the trendy Cais do Sodré neighborhood, is a food hall featuring some of the city's best restaurants and shops.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Lisbon is relatively low compared to other European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €600-€800 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €30-€40. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €15-€20.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the iconic Tram 28 ride through the city. It's a great way to see Lisbon's historic sites and get a sense of the city's layout.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Alfama and Baixa districts offer many furnished rental options. For food, try the famous pasteis de natas (custard tarts) at Pastelaria Versailles or the seafood dishes at Cervejaria Ramiro.

Porto

Porto, located in the north of Portugal, is known for its port wine production and stunning architecture. The Ribeira district, with its colorful houses and narrow streets, is a popular tourist destination. The Livraria Lello, an elegant bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, is a must-visit.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Porto is slightly lower than in Lisbon. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €500-€700 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €25-€35. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €12-€15.

Nomad Tip: Take a scenic cruise along the Douro River to explore the vineyards and sample the famous port wines.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Ribeira and Boavista districts offer many furnished rental options. For food, try the Francesinha sandwich at Cafe Gandarela or the tripeiro dish at O Gaveto.

Cascais

Located just a short train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a lively marina. The historic center offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Boca do Inferno cliffs are a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Cascais is higher than in Lisbon or Porto, but still relatively affordable for digital nomads. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €800-€1,000 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €40-€50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €18-€25.

Nomad Tip: Take a day trip to Sintra, a picturesque town known for its fairytale castles and palaces.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center and Estoril areas offer many furnished rental options. For food, try the fresh seafood dishes at Restaurante Atlântico or the traditional Portuguese dishes at O Salsa.

Sintra

As mentioned earlier, Sintra is a charming town located near Cascais, known for its stunning palaces and castles. The town offers plenty of hiking trails and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads who enjoy the outdoors.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Sintra is similar to Cascais, but there are more affordable accommodation options. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €600-€800 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €35-€45. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €15-€20.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Pena Palace, a colorful and whimsical castle that offers stunning views of the town and surrounding hills.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center of Sintra offers many furnished rental options. For food, try the pastries and cakes at Piriquita, a famous pastry shop known for its queijadas and travesseiros.

Évora

Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic center and Roman ruins. The town offers a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Évora is lower than in Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €400-€600 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €20-€30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €10-€15.

Nomad Tip: Take a day trip to the nearby Alqueva Dam, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to go swimming or kayaking.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center of Évora offers many furnished rental options. For food, try the cozido à portuguesa, a hearty stew made with various meats and vegetables.

Braga

Located in the north of Portugal, Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches and lively university atmosphere. The town offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Braga is lower than in Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €400-€600 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €20-€30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €10-€15.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Biblioteca Municipal de Braga, a stunning library with a beautiful interior and a great collection of books.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center of Braga offers many furnished rental options. For food, try the tripeiro dish, a traditional Portuguese dish made with meat and vegetables.

Coimbra

Located in central Portugal, Coimbra is a historic city known for its beautiful university and stunning architecture. The town offers a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Coimbra is lower than in Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €400-€600 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €20-€30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €10-€15.

Nomad Tip: Take a hike up to the Mondego River and explore the beautiful gardens of the Quinta da Lapa.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center of Coimbra offers many furnished rental options. For food, try the cozido à coimbra, a hearty stew made with chickpeas, beans, and various meats.

Tomar

Located in central Portugal, Tomar is a charming town known for its beautiful castle and historic center. The town offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads who enjoy a quieter lifestyle.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Tomar is lower than in Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood can be rented for around €300-€500 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €15-€25. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink can cost around €8-€15.

Nomad Tip: Take a day trip to the nearby Convento de Cristo, a stunning castle and convent complex that offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay & Eat: The historic center of Tomar offers many furnished rental options. For food, try the queijo da Serra, a delicious local cheese that can be found at many local markets and shops.