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My job took me all over the world for work, including the United Kingdom, China, Indonesia, Brazil, and more. Over the years, I’ve come to realize requiring people to battle a commute to a centralized office is….well, DUMB.
In this day and post-COVID age, you should be able to make your home office anywhere you want.
You probably know by now that I crave location freedom, and strongly believe we should all have it! (check out my article on location freedom)
In recent years, working remotely has become more popular. This is partly due to companies becoming more flexible after the pandemic and individuals prioritizing their work-life balance.
Although many of us only have limited vacation leave per year, remote workers have much more flexibility when it comes to traveling the world. So, why not take remote working a step further, and enjoy a workation?
European countries certainly have a lot to offer when it comes to workations.
I’m going to give you the best information on workations in Europe, including what each destination has to offer.
What is a Workation?
A workation is basically a mix between working and vacationing.
Instead of simply heading on a normal vacation, individuals combine work with leisure, essentially splitting their time between the two.
It’s a popular way for digital nomads and remote workers to see the world as they don’t need to take time off.
Better yet, the majority of those who work remotely only require a reliable high-speed internet connection and access to power so they can charge their devices.
What Are The Benefits of a Workation?
Here are just some of the key benefits of a workation:
- You can embrace various new cultures and destinations without having to take time off work. This will save you plenty of money in the long run!
- Remote workers can choose to stay in a destination with a low cost of living. They’ll still be getting paid but will save money on expensive bills and rent.
- Workations offer more of a work-life balance and in turn, increase productivity and organization levels. This also benefits companies as it reduces staff turnover.
- Although you’ll be working for certain periods, you’ll still have plenty of free time to explore and meet new people – always a huge bonus!
- By escaping your normal routine and having a change of scenery, workations can have a huge positive impact on your mental health. This helps to reduce burnout.
The Best Workation Destinations In Europe
1. Portugal
Portugal offers one of the best workations in Europe, as it really does have everything – beautiful beaches, fascinating cities, and delicious local cuisine.
It’s a great place for remote workers, thanks to the country’s relatively low cost of living, internet connectivity, and other amenities.
Some of the larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto also offer fantastic co-working spaces and libraries.
You’ll find that many cafes in Portugal are laptop-friendly too, where you’ll benefit from having free WiFi and constant access to caffeine (whether that be coffee or soda). Portugal is also great of you are based on the east coast of the United States. It is just a quick 6 hour, overnight flight from Boston or New York.
Not to mention, there’s a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from in this country. You can opt for a spacious hotel room with a work desk or go for an entire apartment/studio, with the likes of Airbnb having a lot to offer. Also, if you are looking for a coworking space, there are over 50 coworking spaces just in Lisbon, alone.
Not only does Portugal have all the essentials for remote workers but it’s a beautiful country.
Aside from the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, you’ve got other popular destinations such as Douro Valley, Sintra, Faro, and Funchal (Madeira).
In your free time, you can head on a wine-tasting tour, relax on the beach, go hiking, or explore one of the country’s national reserves. It is truly a perfect destination for anyone looking for a digital nomad lifestyle.
Best Cities in Portugal for Remote Workers
- Lisbon – Known for its rich history, colorful architecture, and delicious food.
- Porto – This coastal city offers a beautiful historic center and lots of port wine.
- Lagos – Boasts stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and a vibrant culture.
- Braga – As the oldest city in Portugal, Braga has a rich heritage.
2. Spain
If you’re looking for workation destinations in Europe, check out Spain. This incredible country is famous for its excellent weather and beautiful beaches, making it a popular summer getaway. However, it’s also perfect for remote workers!
Compared to other countries in Europe such as Norway and Switzerland, Spain is relatively affordable (although the cities of Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive).
Not only is there a fantastic work-life balance in this European destination, but the country is well-equipped for digital nomads.
In Spain’s major cities, you’ll often find a thriving community of remote workers as well as plenty of amenities.
This includes its well-developed infrastructure and co-working spaces.
Those who don’t mind heading out of the tourist spots will likely find cheaper accommodation too, as well as more affordable dining options.
Spain is the ideal destination for those who wish to experience everything that Europe has to offer in their free time.
The country’s bustling cities are a real highlight and are known for their jaw-dropping architecture (including buildings from Gaudí himself) and endless cultural attractions.
Alternatively, you can head to some of Spain’s beautiful islands. Popular options include Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria.
Best Cities in Spain for Remote Workers
- Barcelona – Famous for its intricate architecture and variety of tourist attractions.
- Valencia – This city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene and delicious food.
- Málaga – It’s the gateway to the Costa del Sol and birthplace of Pablo Picasso.
- Madrid – This city is known for its world-renowned football club and local cuisine.
3. Germany
Although not often considered by remote workers, Germany offers one of the best workations in Europe. This country tends to be more expensive than the likes of Spain, but it’s still an appealing option for digital nomads.
Remote workers are attracted by Germany’s high standard of living and impressive architecture, despite the cost of living here.
As the country is so popular with those working remotely, you’ll likely find a thriving community of like-minded digital nomads too. This is especially the case in larger cities, such as Berlin which has an impressive amount of co-working spaces.
There’s also a high proportion of English speakers here for those who struggle to learn a new language.
Just be aware that shared accommodation may be more suitable in Germany’s large cities, as rental prices can be relatively expensive.
Boasting breathtaking natural landscapes, incredible architecture, and a fantastic food (and beer) scene, Germany is a great base for remote workers.
In your free time, you can explore the Bavarian Alps, visit magical castles (such as Neuschwanstein Castle), and take in the country’s awesome street food scene.
You can even head to the coast and relax on some of Germany’s beaches.
Best Cities in Germany for Remote Workers
- Berlin – Known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and clubbing scene.
- Munich – This city is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration and breweries.
- Hamburg – Known for its unique architecture and cultural attractions.
- Frankfurt – This city is Germany’s business and financial hub.
4. Italy
Famous across the world for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking coastline, Italy is an excellent choice for those after a workation in Europe.
Working remotely in this country is very appealing to digital nomads, thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, fantastic work-life balance, high quality of living, and excellent infrastructure.
In the majority of Italian cities, you’ll have no issues finding a high-speed internet connection, and there are some fantastic co-working spaces in the country.
Compared to other European destinations, Italy is seen as more economical. Rent and living prices vary depending on the region (Milan and Venice are two of the most expensive cities), but you can get a lot for your money in some areas.
The highlight of choosing Italy as your workation is the sheer amount of things to do and places to visit.
Whether you’re looking to visit the capital city of Rome, explore the country’s national parks, or relax on the Amalfi Coast, Italy has a location for every vibe.
Italy also boasts one of the world’s favorite cuisines, where you can indulge in mouthwatering pasta dishes and pizzas, along with some tasty sweet treats such as tiramisu and Cannoli. Don’t forget about the gelato either!
Best Cities in Italy for Remote Workers
- Rome – Italy’s capital is known for its ancient Roman ruins and Vatican City.
- Milan – This city offers a vibrant art and culture scene and is very fashionable.
- Florence – Known for its rich culture, renaissance architecture, and art.
- Palermo – It offers beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine, and culture.
5. France
France is another top pick regarding European workation destinations!
It’s the perfect base and has everything that Europe has to offer, including a fantastic culinary scene, medieval cities, and Mediterranean beaches.
With its modern amenities, excellent infrastructure, and high standard of living, remote workers will have no issues settling into local areas.
France is also the perfect destination for digital nomads who live out of a van. They have well-established campsites, many of which offer a reliable internet connection.
This will allow you to work out in nature, where you can rejuvenate the body and mind, and it’s also a much more budget-friendly option than staying in hotels.
The capital city of Paris is expensive when it comes to accommodation and dining, but there are much more affordable options throughout the country. As such, you’ll want to shop around for rentals before choosing a base.
In your free time, you can explore France’s medieval cities, relax along the French Riviera, and eat your way through the country, indulging in the local cuisine.
Best Cities in France for Remote Workers
- Paris – Famous for its fantastic art scene and cultural attractions.
- Montpellier – This city is known for its wine and rich cultural heritage.
- Toulouse – The ‘Pink City’ has a fantastic food scene and incredible architecture.
- Lille – Known for its charming street markets and delicious local cuisine.
6. Croatia
Croatia should be one of your top choices if you’re after a workation in Europe but are on a relatively tight budget! It’s one of the more affordable European destinations, as you can find apartments on Airbnb for as little as $540 a month.
Croatia is located along the Adriatic Sea, so offers the perfect coastal escape. Thanks to the variety of things to do, remote workers can enjoy a great work-life balance here.
For those new to the digital nomad life, Croatia is also considered an extremely safe destination, making it great for solo travelers, especially females.
In terms of amenities, this country offers a reliable internet connection in all of its major cities, and you’ll find some fantastic co-working spaces too. Many cafes in the country are also laptop-friendly, so you can switch up where you work.
When not working, individuals can enjoy Croatia’s Mediterranean climate and its delicious local cuisine. This country also has some beautiful national parks, including Krka, Plitvice Lakes, and Brijuni National Park.
The great thing about the country’s location is that you can easily take to the water to explore as well, whether that be by catamaran or kayak.
Best Cities in Croatia for Remote Workers
- Dubrovnik – Famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and culture.
- Split – Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and ancient ruins.
- Zadar – It boasts a historic Old Town with well-preserved ruins.
- Zagreb – This city offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of museums.
7. Greece
Greece is undeniably one of the most famous countries in Europe, thanks to its rich history, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking beaches.
Those interested in culture and history will especially love their time here! Of course, the Mediterranean climate and relaxed way of life are a big draw for remote workers too.
One of the main reasons to choose Greece as your European workation is that the country has so much diversity!
If you’d prefer a city base, Athens is the perfect destination, especially as it also offers easy access to the Greek Islands. Alternatively, you can base yourself on one of the islands for the ultimate ‘Mamma Mia’ experience.
Greece is also one of the more affordable European countries. You can pick up an apartment on Airbnb for as little as $500 a month, depending on where you stay and when you visit. Entertainment, attractions, and dining are all very affordable too.
When you’re not working, you can explore the country’s ancient sites (such as the Acropolis of Athens), snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and eat plenty of gyros.
Another highlight of choosing Greece? You can get some great deals on car and scooter rentals, so you’ll have no problem exploring the country in your free time.
Best Places In Greece for Remote Workers
- Athens – This city is famous for its rich history and ancient Greek ruins.
- Thessaloniki – Known for its vibrant culture, street food, and nightlife.
- Crete – It’s the largest Greek Island and offers delicious Cretan cuisine.
- Rhodes – This island offers ancient ruins, alluring beaches, and a laid-back vibe.
8. Malta
Finally, we have Malta, an archipelago country that’s located between Sicily and the North African coast. It boasts a Mediterranean climate and some of the highest sea temperatures in Europe, which is a big enough draw for travelers in itself. It is also an ideal spot for a workation because of its natural beauty!
This island nation really does have everything, including a rich history, picturesque beaches, and a vibrant culture. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities for those who want to lead an active lifestyle too, so you can have that work-life balance.
Malta also offers a relatively low cost of living and a great telecommunications infrastructure (including a reliable internet connection). Not to mention, there’s a variety of accommodations to choose from, for various budgets.
Remote workers will also feel safe and welcome in Malta. English is widely spoken here too which often makes those new to this lifestyle feel more comfortable.
There are some fantastic co-living spaces in this small island country as well, where you’ll have the chance to meet other digital nomads.
Out of work time, there are plenty of incredible places to visit in Malta. The capital of Valletta is a highlight for sure, but there’s also the Blue Grotto, Popeye Village, and Golden Bay.
Best Places In Malta for Remote Workers
- Valletta – This city offers various cultural attractions and a vibrant arts scene.
- Sliema – A multicultural hub, Sliema offers great shopping and nightlife.
- Rabat – Known for its attractive architecture, quaint shops, and cafes.
- St. Julian’s – This seaside town offers fantastic nightlife and entertainment.
Which Location Will Be Home to Your European Workation?
There are so many fantastic European destinations which offer the perfect workation.
You can explore a new city, take your time sampling the local cuisine, or you enjoy warmer temperatures. The continent is your oyster.
Before you decide on where to go, make sure you research accommodation options and amenities before you travel.
It’s also beneficial to choose somewhere that has a work desk (or communal working space).
If you’re flexible, you can also save money by traveling out of peak season. This way you can still explore a new place but you’ll get more for your hard-earned cash!
