Key Takeaways
Top spots: Lagos (young nomads), Faro (city life), Tavira (families), Portimão (mix of both).
Internet: 100+ Mbps common, fiber in cities.
Coworking: “Salir” in Lagos, “Campus” in Faro, “WorkHub” in Portimão.
Costs: Rent from €600/month (1-bed), coffee €1.50, dinner €12-20.
Community: Facebook groups, beach meetups, expat cafes.
Algarve for Digital Nomads: Sun, Surf, and Wi-Fi
The Algarve ain’t just holidays. It’s where you work with beaches nearby. For digital nomads who like sun but need fast internet, Portugal’s south got you. I lived here 3 years, seen nomads come for a month, stay for years. Let’s talk where to set up.
Lagos: Where Work Feels Like a Beach Day
Lagos is like a postcard but with Wi-Fi. Young expats love it ‘cause the vibe’s chill but lively. Streets are cobbled, cafes got almond milk lattes, and coworking spots like Salir have sea views. I once spent a week working from Praia Dona Ana—sunburned my knees but finished a project.
For who? Singles or couples who like surfing at lunch. Avoid if: You hate tourists (summer gets busy) .Internet: 100-200 Mbps in town.Expat spots: “Three Monkeys” bar, “Black & White” café.
Faro: City Life Without the Chaos
Faro’s bigger, quieter. Good if you need airports close (10 mins to flights). The old town’s pretty, but the real gem is Campus coworking—outdoor desks, €15/day. Meetups here? Every Thursday. I’ve joined a startup pitch night once; half the crowd were Brits coding apps.
For who? Nomads who travel alot or want museums nearby.Schools: International School near Parque da Ria.Rent: €700-900 for 2-bed near center.
Tavira: Slow Living for Families
Tavira’s across the river, quiet. Kids play in squares, schools are small. My neighbor, Sarah from Australia, moved here with twins: “It’s safe, they bike to school.” WorkHub East has a kids’ corner—rare in cowork spots.
Internet: Fiber in most homes.Costs: Cheaper. 3-bed house €800/month.Perk: 20 mins to Spain by car.
Portimão: Bigger Town, More Options
Portimão’s got malls, hospitals, and beaches. The marina’s fancy, but head inland for cheaper rents. WorkHub Portimão is 24/7, has meeting rooms. Young families mix with retired expats here.
Nightlife: “NoSoloÁgua” beach club—laptops by day, DJs by night.Tip: Rent a scooter. Traffic’s rough in summer.
Coworking Spaces You’ll Actually Like
Salir (Lagos): €10/day. Surfboard racks.
Campus (Faro): Vegan snacks, free workshops.
WorkHub East (Tavira): Kid-friendly, €12/day.
Portimão WorkHub: Printers, private calls allowed.
I’ve worked in all. Salir’s my favorite met a German YouTuber there, collabed on a video.
Money Stuff: What Things Cost
Thing | Lagos | Faro | Tavira |
1-bed rent | €700-900 | €650-850 | €600-750 |
Coffee | €1.50 | €1.30 | €1.00 |
Cowork/day | €10 | €15 | €12 |
Dinner out | €15-20 | €12-18 | €10-15 |
Tip: Markets (like Mercado de Lagos) cut food costs.
Making Friends: Where Expats Hang
Facebook: “Expats Algarve” (12k members).
Beach yoga: Mondays at Meia Praia (Lagos).
Language swaps: “Faro Language Café” every Tuesday.
I met my best mate Justin at a BBQ someone posted in the FB group. Bring sausages—always a hit.
FAQs
Do I need a visa?
EU folks don’t. Americans/Aussies get 90 days; apply for residency after.
Is the internet reliable?
Yes. Cities have fiber. Villages? Maybe 50 Mbps.
Where’s best for kids?
Tavira or Portimão. Schools have English programs.
Can I live without a car?
In Faro or Portimão, yes. Trains connect towns.
Healthcare?
Public hospitals in Faro/Portimão. Private insurance costs ~€50/month.
When’s best to move?
September—summer crowds leave, rents drop.
How to meet other nomads?
Coworking spaces, FB groups, or cafes like “Bean There” in Lagos.
Are dogs allowed?
Mostly yes. Beaches have dog zones October-April.
