Is Portugal Still Worth It for Digital Nomads in 2025? (An Honest Opinion)
There was a time — not long ago — when Portugal was the poster child for remote work.
Fast internet, ocean air, pastel buildings, and pastel de nata. The country was cheap, easy to access, and aesthetically perfect for your next 1:1 Zoom call.
Lisbon, in particular, became the nomad world’s darling — and perhaps its victim.
But in 2025, the question is no longer “why Portugal?”
It’s: Is Portugal still worth it for digital nomads?
Let’s get honest.
What’s Still Amazing: Culture, Ocean, and That Pace of Life
Portugal hasn’t lost its magic — not entirely. And in some ways, it’s more refined than ever.
The Atlantic remains as wild and powerful as ever, offering surfing, stillness, and perspective.
The pace of life is refreshingly human. Long lunches still matter. People still talk to each other.
And culture — from music to food to tradition — is deeply embedded, even outside the urban bubble.
Crucially, Portugal is still one of the few European countries where you can have a high quality of life without burning out or maxing out your credit card.
And let’s be clear:
Portugal remains one of the few European countries where quality of life doesn’t require a €200k startup exit.
What’s Changed: Lisbon is Saturated
Lisbon, once a low-cost gem with a creative pulse, has matured — and not always in the right ways.
Rental prices have more than doubled since 2018. In some neighborhoods, even tripled.
The city centre is increasingly dominated by Airbnbs and short-term lets.
Local services have been replaced by brunch spots and e-scooter traffic.
Overtourism is no longer a risk — it’s a daily reality.
And then there’s the centralisation problem. Most events, networking, and nomad infrastructure still revolve around Lisbon. But the capital is no longer representative of the wider country — and increasingly, it’s not the best option.
The Shift: Where Smart Nomads Are Going Instead
The Lisbon dream isn’t dead. It’s just been redefined — and more nomads are waking up to what lies beyond the capital.
Porto
Grittier, cooler, and still affordable. A growing tech scene and a creative undercurrent that feels authentic, not curated. The Digital Nomads Porto initiative was recently launched between the Digital Nomads Association - Portugal and the Porto City Hall.
Ericeira
A rare surf town with a strong community and real work-life balance. It’s popular, yes — but still deeply grounded.
Peniche
World-class waves, low-key cafés, and surprisingly low living costs. Still under the radar for most digital nomads.
Algarve
Beyond Lagos, the Algarve has quieter towns with solid infrastructure, great weather year-round, and a more relaxed pace.
Great communities are being built in Albufeira, Portimão and Faro/Loulé by incredible community managers.
Alentejo
A hidden gem without any community.
Portugal’s slowest region — and one of its most rewarding. Think rolling hills, medieval villages, and space to think clearly.
Serra da Estrela
Another hidden gem with so much potential.
Portugal’s highest mountain range and most overlooked asset. Ideal for deep work, hiking, and anyone craving silence.
Timing Matters: Avoid the High Season
The worst months to arrive? July and August. Prices spike, availability vanishes, and the experience becomes more tourist than local.
Instead, the best months are:
March to May: Low crowds, blooming landscapes, and gentle weather.
September to November: Warm ocean, golden light, and authentic local rhythm.
The Verdict: Portugal is Still Worth It — If You Evolve With It
Lisbon may no longer be the budget-friendly hack it once was, but Portugal is still one of the best destinations in Europe for long-term remote living.
The key is to adapt.
Stop following the 2019 playbook. Look beyond the obvious. Explore the regions that haven’t been flooded with mass tourism, enjoy the shoulder and low seasons and you will have the time of your life in this beautiful country.
Because Portugal isn’t overhyped — it’s just changing. And if you’re willing to meet it on new terms, it might still be the best move you make all year.