Remote work is no longer just about working in your pajamas. It’s about sipping coconut water by the beach while hitting deadlines. Or answering Slack messages from a cozy mountain cabin. Basically, it involves finding a balance between staying productive and maintaining peace of mind. More people are ditching cubicles for co-working cafes and 9 to 5s for time zone flexibility. The life of a digital nomad is no longer a wild experience idea. It’s a lifestyle. But not every city gets the vibe right.
So, where can you work and truly relax? No worries, you don’t have to spend hours or days researching it. We got a list of 7 destinations where the Wi-Fi is strong.
The views are better, and the pace of life makes it all feel… worth it.
What to Look For in a Relaxing Remote Work Destination?
Working remotely sounds like a dream: laptop by the beach, morning hikes, and midday naps.
But wake up to reality!
It is not all remote work destinations are created equal. If you’re thinking of packing your bags and heading somewhere chill to get work done (without losing your mind), here’s what to actually look for:
- Discounts for monthly stays
- Countries with digital nomad or long-stay visas
- A proper desk and ergonomic chair (your back will thank you)
- Quiet surroundings (no roosters or loud street vendors at 6am)
- Average internet speed (at least 20–50 Mbps for smooth video calls)
- Local coworking spaces or cafes with stable Wi-Fi
So you need to find the perfect location to settle down. And where is that? Wait! Don’t need to brag your head off. We’ve got you covered.
Top 7 Destinations for Digital Nomads
Remote working is fun if the location is fun as well. We know that finding the right location can be a hassle. We’ve done the hassle for you, and here’s our top favourite.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is kind of the digital nomad capital of Europe right now, and for good reason. It offers the ideal mix of relaxed and composed lifestyle. How? well,
The average fixed broadband speed is around 130 Mbps, and mobile data is also fast. Additionally, cafes and co-working spaces almost always have strong Wi-Fi.
The most remarkable aspect of this is that, for a Western European city, Lisbon remains remarkably affordable.
You can live comfortably on $2,000–$2,500/month, with shared apartments starting around €500–€700, depending on the area. Eating out won’t break the bank either. It grabs a hearty local lunch (like bacalhau or francesinha) for under €10.
So, Lisbon isn’t just a pretty postcard. It’s one of the easiest, most inspiring places to settle in as a remote worker. Enjoy the sunsets and embrace the lifestyle.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has been a magnet for digital nomads for years, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine working with a view of lush rice terraces or the ocean breeze in your hair, all while being part of a vibrant international community.
Bali is super affordable. Depending on your lifestyle,
You can comfortably get by on $1,000–$1,500/month. Private villas with pools start around $400/month, and you can enjoy fresh, delicious meals for just a few dollars.
Visa situation is so smooth.
Indonesia recently introduced a Social-Cultural Visa and longer-term options. But many nomads use a Visa on Arrival or Tourist Visa and do visa runs every few months.
Pro tip: Check out Dojo Bali in Canggu, one of the best co-working spaces packed with nomads and great networking events.
3. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has earned its spot as a top destination for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it offers perfect weather year-round. It makes working outside or from a balcony feel like a dream.
The most notable aspect is that Colombia offers a Tourist Visa valid for 90 days (renewable once), and digital nomads often stay on this visa or explore other options.
Not just that! It’s impressively affordable. You can live comfortably on around $1,200–$1,800/month, depending on your lifestyle. Rent for a modern apartment can be as low as $400–$700/month, and local food, transportation, and entertainment won’t hurt your wallet either.
For digital nomads looking for a warm climate, strong community, and affordable living, Medellín hits all the right notes.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a digital nomad classic and for good reason. It’s super affordable (you can live well on $800–$1,200/month). It offers reliable internet (50–100 Mbps) and is well-equipped with cafes and co-working spaces, particularly around Nimman.
The laid-back vibe, delicious street food, and friendly locals make it easy to stay longer than planned. Plus, Thailand offers flexible visa options, including the Education Visa and Smart Visa for long-term stays.
Such a perfect place to work & chill, right?
5. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona gives you the best of both worlds—beach life and city buzz. It offers fast internet (over 100 Mbps), numerous coworking spaces, and a thriving community of remote workers.
You can live comfortably on $2,000–$2,800/month, depending on your lifestyle. The city’s walkable, packed with culture, and has endless tapas spots to work from (or unwind at).
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa also makes staying long-term much easier now. With its Mediterranean charm, vibrant neighbourhoods, and chill pace.
Barcelona makes remote work feel like a lifestyle upgrade. Don’t trust me? Then try living there.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Think beaches, mountains, wine country and surprisingly good Wi-Fi (50–100 Mbps in most areas). The cost of living is fairly affordable, you can get by on $1,200–$1,800/month.
This country offers stylish apartments and great food that won’t break the bank. The digital nomad scene is growing, especially in neighbourhoods like Gardens and Sea Point.
While South Africa doesn’t yet have a specific nomad visa, tourist visas can be extended, and new long-stay options are in the works. If you’re into adventure, culture, and big views while you work, Cape Town’s calling.
7. Geneva Lake, US
If you’re into calm vibes, stunning views, and clean living, Geneva Lake is a hidden gem for remote workers. Surrounded by the Alps and crystal-clear water, it’s peaceful yet well-connected. Internet speeds are excellent (150+ Mbps in most places), and the infrastructure is top-notch, as you’d expect from Switzerland.
That said, the cost of living is high expect to spend $3,000–$4,000/month for a comfortable setup. If you end up loving this place, you can buy a waterfront home under $300K.
But you get serious quality: safety, efficient transport, clean air, and views that look like a desktop wallpaper. So yes, Geneva Lake is ideal if you’re seeking a more luxurious, nature-meets-productivity style of remote work life.
Final Thought
I’ve learned that the right location makes all the difference when working remotely. These 7 spots? They’ve got the vibe, the Wi-Fi, and the balance just right. If you’re ready to trade stress for sunsets and still get stuff done, maybe it’s time to book that flight.
Photo credits: Pixabay, Freepik