12 Top Places in Spain for Digital Nomads for Tapas, Wi-Fi, and Sunshine
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With favorable visa policies, a rich history, a vibrant culture, a warm climate, and affordable living costs, Spain has become a haven for digital nomads. The European nation offers a diverse mix of beautiful destinations that cater to remote workers seeking an excellent work-life balance.
However, with so many exciting places to choose from, deciding where to base yourself in Spain can take time and effort. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 top places in Spain for digital nomads. From bustling cities to charming coastal towns, we have it all. These places offer many things to do, essential amenities, and affordable living costs.
Madrid
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Let’s kick things off with Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. Madrid offers digital nomads a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a high quality of life. The city’s growing number of English speakers, coworking spaces, and work-friendly cafes with high-speed internet make it easier for remote workers to work remotely. Meanwhile, Madrid’s average monthly cost of living, $1,726, is relatively affordable for a European capital city.
When you’re not working hard, spend your time exploring the city. Madrid is famed for its historic landmarks, museums, cuisine, and picturesque parks. Must-visit attractions include the Museo Nacional del Prado, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s also worth noting that Madrid is a good base for visiting other famous Spanish destinations.
Read also: Tourist Traps To Avoid in Spain
Barcelona
Madrid is a beautiful city, but Barcelona steals the crown for us. Like Madrid, the capital of Catalonia offers plenty of coworking spaces, accommodation with high-speed WiFi, and many things to see and do. Most people also speak at least basic English. However, it also offers beachgoers a gorgeous stretch of coastline to enjoy in their free time.
Barcelona and Madrid have almost identical living costs. According to Living Cost, nomads can live in the city for $1,773 monthly. As far as attractions are concerned, you’ll never be short of things to do. You can get lost in the magical world of Antoni Gaudí at Parc Güell, sample local delicacies at Mercat de la Boqueria, admire the fascinating Basílica de la Sagrada Família, and watch the sunset on Barceloneta Beach.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Barcelona
Valencia
If you’ve already explored Barcelona or Madrid or want to reduce your monthly costs, move to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. Valencia has something to offer every kind of digital nomad and is approximately $300 cheaper monthly than Barcelona and Madrid. However, it still provides essential amenities like high-speed WiFi, coworking spaces, and affordable grocery stores.
Digital nomads living in Valencia can expect the best of city living with a splash of relaxed coastal vibes. You’ll find exciting attractions, unique experiences, and scenic views at every corner of the city. You don’t want to miss Turia Gardens, Mercat Central de València, Malvarrosa Beach, and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Read also: Fairytale Villages in Spain
Lekeitio
Lekeitio is a beautiful beach town located in Northern Spain. Often overlooked by tourists who seek warmer weather and Spain’s more famous attractions, it’s the perfect destination for nomads who seek a beach lifestyle and more peace and tranquility. Despite being a small beach town, Lekeitio still features several coworking spaces with high-speed WiFi.
Admittedly, the cost of rent is high in Lekeitio, with many flats costing over $1,000, but the rewards are well worth the extra cost. You’ll likely spend most of your free time in the town strolling along the pristine golden-sand beaches, exploring the medieval Old Town, and tucking into traditional Spanish food. Notable points of interest include Isuntza Beach, Karraspio Beach, Oxangoiti Palace, and the Isle of San Nicolas.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Spain
Benidorm
Renowned for being one of Spain’s premier party destinations, Benidorm is an excellent choice for party-going digital nomads seeking plenty of food and a home away from home. This lively city along Spain’s eastern coast is bursting with vibrant bars, quirky nightclubs, and affordable places to eat.
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The city has several scenic beaches offering soft sand and turquoise waters. Benidorm’s two main beaches, Poniente and Levante Beach, are where you’ll find most of the action. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a while, places like Sierra Helada Natural Park offer a scenic place to unwind and walk. When it comes down to business, Benidorm has reliable WiFi, coworking spaces, many English speakers, and low living costs of $1,367 monthly.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
Alicante
If you love the party atmosphere but seek a more authentic Spanish experience, Alicante is a better option than Benidorm. Like Benidorm, Alicante is famed for its lively nightlife and gorgeous beaches. However, it’s also a working Spanish city with more Spanish charm. This also means the city has more business-minded amenities, including coworking spaces and a commercial district. Most people in the city also speak fluent English.
You can live comfortably in Alicante for less than $1,400 monthly, including rent, utilities, and food. As far as work-to-life balance is concerned, you won’t be short of fun things to do in Alicante. Beachgoers can relax at Playa San Juan de Alicante. History buffs can explore Castell de Santa Bàrbara, and partygoers can dance the night away in El Barrio.
Read also: Amazing Beach Destinations in Spain
A Coruña
If you want to venture off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds, move to A Coruña, a beautiful port city on Spain’s scenic northwest coast. This lovely city is known for its surf, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich history. A big hit with outdoor enthusiasts, popular things to do in the city include surfing, swimming, hiking, and running.
History buffs will also be pleased to hear A Coruña has a medieval Old Town to explore. Meanwhile, beachgoers have several beaches to choose from. Don’t miss Castelo de Santo Antón, Igrexa de Santo Domingo, Playa del Orzan, and Monte de San Pedro. For digital nomads, A Coruña has a low cost of living of $1,534 monthly, cafes with free WiFi, and coworking spaces.
Read also: Romantic European Destinations
Malaga
Malaga is an attractive proposition for digital nomads for several reasons. First, this port city in Southern Spain has a warm climate and up to 300 days of sunshine a year. Second, there are many beautiful beaches with soft sand and turquoise waters to enjoy. The city also has many things to see and do and an affordable cost of living.
According to Living Cost, a single person can live in Malaga for $1,435 monthly. Malaga also offers remote workers plenty of places to work, including cafes with free WiFi and coworking spaces like the Living Room. Once you’ve finished work, head out and explore the city or kick back on Playa La Malagueta. Noteworthy attractions include the Alcazaba, Mercado Central de Atarazanas, and Parque de Málaga.
Read also: Pocket-Friendly European Cities To Visit
Bilbao
The largest city in Spain’s Basque region, Bilbao is a fascinating city renowned for its iconic Guggenheim Museum. With its distinctive architecture, this modern art museum has become an iconic symbol of the city’s progression from a cultural and artistic center to an industrial hub. Besides the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao boasts scenic waterfront walking trails, theaters, galleries, and music venues.
Therefore, digital nomads can expect a rich cultural experience and an excellent, budget-friendly working lifestyle. The city’s modern infrastructure, which includes several coworking spaces with high-speed WiFi, affordable apartments, and reliable public transport, makes life much easier. The average cost of living in Bilbao is $1,501 monthly.
Read also: Unmissable Landmarks in Spain
Granada
Granada is a stunning Spanish city located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has something to offer every kind of traveler and provides affordable living to digital nomads. A single person can live comfortably for less than $1,400 monthly. It’s also worth noting that Granada has more than ten coworking spaces with high-speed WiFi, and many locals can speak English.
Regarding your free time, the opportunities for fun in Granada are endless. You can explore iconic historic landmarks like the Alhambra and the Royal Chapel of Granada. Shop until you drop in Nevada Shopping. Watch soccer at Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes and hike in Parque Natural Sierra de Huétor.
Read also: Medieval Spanish Towns To Explore
Cádiz
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Spain’s biggest cities but still have access to essential amenities, affordable accommodation, and epic attractions, Cádiz is ideal. This city is a popular beach vacation destination with a laid-back lifestyle, rich history, and beautiful beaches.
Better still, the city’s average monthly cost of living is just $1,449. What’s not to like? One of Europe’s oldest cities, it’d be foolish not to explore Cádiz’s historic Old Town. You’ll find spectacular landmarks here, such as the Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, Castillo de Santa Catalina, and Torre Tavira. Regarding beaches, we highly recommend visiting Playa de la Victoria and Playa de la Cortadura.
Read also: Romantic European Destinations
Santander
The final destination on this list is Santander, a beautiful city in Northern Spain most appreciated for its picture-perfect beaches, impressive mountain views, and historic squares. I’ve had experience working as a digital nomad in Santander on multiple occasions, and it never disappoints. For starters, the cost of living in Santander is just $1,144 monthly.
Besides the city’s breathtaking beaches, scenic coastal walking paths, authentic Spanish restaurants, and historic architecture, Santander has plenty of amenities that digital nomads will find helpful. This includes several coworking spaces like ETC Santander, affordable supermarkets, and high-speed WiFi. I also found that most locals spoke at least some English. Some of my favorite places to visit in Santander include Jardines de Piquío, El Sardinero, Playa de Mataleñas, and Antiguo Túnel de Tetuán.
Read more: Budget-Friendly Spanish Beach Towns