As more and more people start to see the advantages of living a location-independent lifestyle, digital nomads are (re)discovering new and exciting destinations all over the world.
Whether you’re already on the road or still in the process of becoming a digital nomad, this list of the top digital nomad destinations may contain some inspiring surprises for you.
The following list of digital nomad locations were selected based on a set of criteria that I will explain a little later on.
What are the best digital nomad destinations in 2024?
After a lot of investigation and research, together with my own experiences travelling, I have made this top 10 list of digital nomad destinations.
You will notice that the list is very varied, and you can find places all over the world. In fact, I have chosen locations in 9 different countries.
Many of the destinations are digital nomad visa countries, but many countries aren’t quite there yet. It is therefore very important to know the entry requirements for each country.
Another important consideration is to take out travel insurance for digital nomads.
Now it’s time for my comprehensive list of the top 10 digital nomad destinations, so you can start packing your bags for your next adventure!
1. Jericoacoara, Brazil 🇧🇷
Nothing better than starting in Brazil. The country boasts a wide array of incredible landscapes, and it is full of suitable digital nomad locations.
Jericoacoara is in the state of Ceará, about 300 km from Fortaleza. The region is full of stunning tropical landscapes and its infrastructure is constantly improving. The main advantages of Jericoacoara for digital nomads are:
- Plenty of safe places to work.
- The beautiful landscapes are inspiring hundreds of digital nomads to consider it as an ideal digital nomad destination.
- Another point that also attracts a lot of attention is the hospitality of the locals, who are always ready to help visitors.
If you are thinking of travelling to Brazil, I recommend you read my guides on:
Tarifa, Spain 🇪🇸
Spain is quickly becoming one of the most popular digital nomad locations in the world. Tarifa is a town in Spain, located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Its main advantages for digital nomads are:
- It is ideal for nomads who like beaches and beautiful scenery.
- Many water sports enthusiasts come here because the conditions are ideal for aquatic activities.
- Great remote work infrastructure where you can work remotely, ideal for those who are looking for peace and direct contact with the sea.
However, it is important to always remember that in summer, the city gets crowded, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, it is better to visit the region during another season.
Also, being a small city, some people may miss some of the facilities of larger cities, but it is well worth a visit.
If you are thinking of travelling to Spain, I recommend you read my guides on:
3. Ericeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
Ericeira is one of the top 2 digital nomad destinations in Portugal, a country that goes far beyond Lisbon. Ericeira is a town of 10,000 inhabitants about 40 km from the capital, where the locals lead a laid-back lifestyle.
The main advantages of Ericeira for digital nomads are:
- The location has attracted attention as a great area for surfing, with great surf beaches and a strong tourism incentive from the region’s public bodies.
- It is attracting nomads who want to live near the sea.
- It’s worth remembering that, like Tarifa in Spain, the region is also sparsely populated, which may cause some travellers some discomfort.
If you are thinking of travelling to Portugal, I recommend you read my guide on:
4. Biarritz, France 🇫🇷
Still on the coast, how about enjoying a French beach? Biarritz is where surfing became popular in France. The region has amazing beaches and great infrastructure for receiving visitors, especially in summer.
The cost of living in the city is a little high compared to the rest of the country, but it’s worth a visit so you can see why it attracts so many visitors all year round.
5. Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴
Since 2016, Medellín has been in high demand by digital nomads. This can be linked to the creative boom the city has experienced in recent decades.
The city has begun welcoming nomads from all over the world, people who want to soak up the Colombian culture and also have the opportunity to increase their range of job opportunities.
Among the main advantages of Medellín for digital nomads are the following:
- The city offers many options for outdoor activities.
- It has a busy nightlife.
- A point that has been widely reported by other nomads is that Medellín has stable internet and well-organised coworking spaces.
If you are thinking of travelling to Colombia, I recommend you read my guides to Colombia:
6. Marrakech, Morocco 🇲🇦
Among the best digital nomad destinations, Marrakech is one of the most unique. It has a lot more to offer than most people realise, including good internet.
The city is the most visited in the country and is steeped in history and a rich culture.
When I travel, I always like to travel off the beaten track and visit places that will show me a new perspective of the destination. Nomads visiting Morocco should understand that they will be entering a totally different culture and that they will have to respect local customs.
This makes us more open and empathetic as people, and Marrakech certainly has this power. If you are thinking of travelling to Morocco, I recommend you to read the following guide:
7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico 🇲🇽
Playa del Carmen is proving very popular with those looking to escape the mundane. The town has about 200,000 inhabitants, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, but is less crowded than Cancún.
Many nomads prefer Playa del Carmen for the simple fact that they have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, but also the tranquillity to work. The region is sunny all year round and winter is the high season, due to there being less rainfall.
Here are the main advantages of Playa del Carmen for digital nomads:
- The city has great tourism infrastructure
- Nomads can find cafés and coworking spaces to do their work.
- It is ideal for those who want to spend long periods of time abroad.
8. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
Berlin is diverse, and the city has an electric energy. It has undergone great changes over the years, and today it is a city full of cultural events.
Considering the needs of a digital nomad, I would highlight that:
- The German capital is full of creative minds and artists working in one of the city’s many coworking spaces.
- Internet is super fast throughout the city and offers an average of 50 Mbps.
- The city boasts a very high quality of life.
Perhaps the only downside is the cost of living, which is around €3,000 per month.
9. Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand 🇹🇭
Koh Pha Ngan is an island in Thailand that is getting a lot of attention from digital nomads. It is surrounded by nature and, despite its somewhat basic infrastructure, it offers a good internet connection.
The biggest plus is that it is possible to have direct contact with nature, without losing the Wi-Fi signal. I think that these island groups scattered around the world have that special magic that can make trips truly unforgettable.
If you are thinking of travelling to Thailand, I recommend you read my guide on:
10. Madeira Island, Portugal 🇵🇹
The island of Madeira off the coast of Portugal is known for having been awarded “Best Island Destination” in Europe and the world by the World Travel Awards.
The award makes perfect sense, as the island is beautiful and full of nature. Despite all these positive points that already attract many visitors, the island also has all the infrastructure it needs to attract the attention of digital nomads in the future.
Choosing the best destinations for digital nomads
The criteria for choosing can vary a lot because each person has a different travel style and is seeking different experiences. In general, there are a few points that help a lot when it comes to choosing your digital nomad destinations.
In addition to remote work infrastructure, the chosen location should offer opportunities for leisure activities. When I decide to move, one of the first things I look at are the various attractions the region has to offer.
For example, the excursions, the natural landscape, the type of food available in the area, and even the quality of the health system because unforeseen events can arise.
Make a list of your top priorities before you start your search. This way, you can clearly define what your own search criteria are. Having contact with other digital nomads is also very important because the exchange of experiences enriches the journey even more.
There are three elements that are indispensable when choosing the best digital nomad destinations for you:
- 💻 Internet. It is essential that you choose an area with excellent WiFi coverage. Without Internet, it will be impossible to do your work.
- 💸 Cost of living. Of course, the money required is another important element. Compare food prices, both in restaurants and supermarkets. Also for rent, as you might be better off opting for a coliving. I’ll let you in on more money-saving tips later.
- 👥 Social life. Experiences and meeting other people is what drives digital nomads. So, find an area that has a lifestyle that suits you.
How to save on your destination travel for digital nomads
At the beginning of this article, I left you a discount to book your digital nomad travel insurance. That’s the first step to saving money. Here it is again:
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo until 30/04/2024. Get in quick!
Activate Discount Here
- Fill in your trip info
- Click on “Calculate Price”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Some of the most useful benefits of Hey Mondo travel insurance for digital nomads include:
- 24/7 assistance platform.
- Repatriation and early return.
- Travel expenses for a family member if you are hospitalised for over a week.
But in addition to your insurance, you can also save on several other aspects of your trip that you really need to use, such as flights, accommodation, booking activities, and using a bank card.
How to find cheap flights
Did you know that the same flight does not cost the same in all countries? In other words, a flight from London to Bali does not cost the same if you buy it from the UK or from Romania.
And of course, you’re thinking, I live in the UK, how can I buy it from Romania? The answer is using a VPN, which is very simple and, thanks to our discount, very cheap.
In April 2024, get an immediate 70% discount on AtlasVPN
Click here to Activate Promo Code
Once you’ve got your VPN, head over to Skyscanner to find flights at reduced prices!
How to find cheap accommodation
You can also save on accommodation in the easiest possible way. Just register with booking and take advantage of their loyalty programme.
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in April 2024 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
How to save when booking activities
Booking activities directly with the agencies you are using is often quite expensive. There are companies that organise excursions at lower prices and also enhance your experience with their comprehensive guides. I usually use GetYourGuide.
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Best card for nomads
Bank cards are one of the most absurd ways to lose money.
Depending on the fees you are charged for each payment or for withdrawing money from cash machines, you could be losing hundreds of pounds on your trip. With this card, however, you avoid these excessive costs.
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
This Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
My take on the top digital nomad destinations
I find it amazing that many countries are now starting to introduce programs so that digital nomads can live and work legally and safely. Many governments are committed to attracting this type of audience, which will make life much easier for us going forward.
Even if most live a minimalist lifestyle, every digital nomad has different needs that should be taken into account when choosing their next living destination.
Whatever your choice, the most important thing is to travel safely and with an open mind for new experiences. That’s why having travel insurance is an essential element of living as a digital nomad.
I hope that the momentum that the movement is currently experiencing will allow more people to consider the digital nomad lifestyle, and embark on a more exciting, yet sustainable way of living.
