Forget rainy London or flooded Amsterdam. Tech-savvy workers are swapping expensive cities around the world for upcoming destinations to live and work remotely. This is the era of the digital nomad.
With more than 40 different countries close by, Europe makes it possible to travel between iconic cities, making it one of the most attractive regions in the world for remote workers. From vibrant cities rich in culture to quiet coastal towns, the continent boasts world-class infrastructure, fast connectivity and a high quality of life, ideal for digital nomads.
Today, many European countries make it easier for foreigners to work remotely and many offer attractive tax benefits. Some have special residency schemes for nomads to live longer than a tourist visa would allow, while others offer relaxed permits for freelancers and remote workers, allowing for extended stays and easy work travel.
We’ve looked at the top European cities for telecommuting based on a number of criteria, including visa requirements, cost of living, crime rates, healthcare, broadband access, climate and natural environment. Click here to read our full methodology.
Discover the top European destinations for digital nomads:
1. Vlora, Albania
Albania is a digital nomad’s playground, where stunning coastlines meet mountain escapes, while the cost of living is a fraction of most cities in the world. With a growing community of remote workers and co-working spaces, Vlorë, located in the southwest of the country, offers nomads the perfect mix of work, relaxation and nomad visas.
2. Kalamata, Greece
Beyond the heat and sun, Greece offers remote workers cultural experiences, unique landmarks and budget-friendly accommodations. High-speed Internet is widely available in major cities and the Greek digital nomad visa also offers remote work in the country for at least one year..
3. Izmir, Turkey
Located on the Aegean coast, Izmir is a great choice for digital nomads due to its unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm. The country also has a relatively low cost of living, with affordable housing, dining and co-working spaces, and is known for its vibrant arts, cultural festivals and diverse food scene..
4. Valletta, Malta
Valletta combines historic charm with modern conveniences, with UNESCO-listed architecture, a strong remote work infrastructure and a pedestrian-friendly design. Known for good crypto and online gaming regulations, Malta Nomad Residence Permit it also makes it easier for digital nomads to settle down and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
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5. Málaga, Spain
Málaga combines easy connectivity and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive location for remote workers. In addition, Spain’s digital nomad visa and excellent travel connections throughout Europe make the country even more attractive.
6. Patras, Greece
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Durrës, Albania
9. Valencia, Spain
= 10. Catania, Italy
Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, just moments from the island’s main airport, Catania blends Mediterranean charm, historic landmarks and modern conveniences. Its mild climate, proximity to Mount Etna, beaches and cultural heritage combine work and life for digital nomads. with the new Italian digital nomad visait’s an even more attractive destination for remote workers.
= 10. Athens, Greece
= 10. Larissa, Greece
13. Nicosia, Cyprus
As the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia offers a high standard of living with affordable accommodation and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities. Cyprus also has a favorable tax regime, including tax incentives for the self-employed and remote workers, making it economically attractive.
14. Rome, Italy
15 Thessaloniki, Greece
16 Istanbul, Turkey
17 Naples, Italy
18 Bologna, Italy
19 Split, Croatia
20 Podgorica, Montenegro
A hidden gem in the Balkans, Montenegro is a little-known country that’s perfect for digital nomads. The cost of living is relatively low, with cheap accommodation, food and transport. the capital, Podgoricait combines the hustle and bustle of a city with the quiet charm of the Montenegrin landscape.
21 Zadar, Croatia
Croatia is an attractive destination for digital nomads due to its coastline, low cost of living and good quality of life. The country’s central location in Europe makes it possible to travel to other countries on the continent. Moreover, 2021 was a pioneering year for the digital nomad scene in Croatia, starting with the launch of the digital nomad permit, one of the first in the world.
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22 Pula, Croatia
23 Faro, Portugal
Sunny, oceanfront, pastel-colored, one of the cheapest in Europe, with excellent connectivity — Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is primed for the nomadic lifestyle. Portugal’s latest D8 digital nomad visa offers non-EU citizens residency options to relocate to the country.
= 24. Madrid, Spain
= 24. Timisoara, Romania
Romania’s third largest city known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture and low cost of living, Timisoara is an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city is easy to navigate, with a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trams and bike sharing.
