Digital Nomad Guide to Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-drenched southern region, has become a haven for digital nomads. With its stunning coastline, energetic communities, and growing infrastructure for remote work, the Algarve offers an ideal environment for those looking for a place where they can work without feeling stuck indoors, with plenty of cafés, ocean views, and interesting towns to explore in between tasks.

4 min read time
 

Digital Nomad Guide to Algarve:

Best Places for Digital Nomads • Coliving and Coworking Spaces in the Algarve •

Cost of Living in the Algarve • Getting Around • Community in the Algarve

Why Digital Nomads Love the Algarve

It’s easy to see the appeal. The Algarve is Portugal’s sunniest region, having over 300 days of sunshine a year, the cost of living is lower than in Lisbon, and there’s a growing network of coliving and coworking spaces specifically tailored to remote workers. It can be working from a café by the beach, taking a surf break between meetings, or joining a community of like-minded professionals, the Algarve has you covered.

Best Places for Digital Nomads in the Algarve

Sagres

For a quieter, nature-focused escape, Sagres is a fantastic choice. It’s a small town at the southwestern tip of Portugal, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and excellent surf conditions. Digital nomads who prefer a slower pace of life and love the outdoors will feel at home here. While it’s less developed than Lagos in terms of coworking and coliving options, there are a few dedicated spaces for remote workers.

• Coliving & Coworking: Outsite Sagres, Off The Hook
• Cafés to work from: Caffe Espresso 
• Supermarkets: Intermarché, Sagres Farmers Market

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a luxurious marina town with high-end resorts, golf courses, and a well-developed infrastructure. It’s a great place for digital nomads who prefer a more upscale lifestyle. The marina is lined with restaurants and cafés, many of which have strong Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere for working. The town has more polished feel compared to other Algarve destinations.

• Coliving & Coworking: Outsite Vilamoura
• Cafés to work from: Alfredo's Café By Moura Doce
• Supermarkets: Pingo Doce, Spar (several in the town)

Albufeira

Albufeira is best known for its nightlife, but it’s also home to a growing digital nomad community. The old town is full of cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal spot for those who like a more social atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter setting, the coastal trails and hidden beaches between Praia dos Arrifes and Carvoeiro offer a more relaxed environment.

• Coliving & Coworking: (Some Airbnb and rental options cater to nomads)
• Cafés to work from: Café In-certo, Iguana Cafe
• Supermarkets: Continente, Pingo Doce (several in the town)

Lagos

Lagos is one of the most popular spots for digital nomads in the Algarve. The town has some historic charm with modern conveniences, offering a strong remote work scene, top coliving spaces and plenty of cozy cafés. The community here is a mix of locals, expats, and long-term travelers, that makes it a lively yet relaxed place to work and live. For a break, Praia Dona Ana and Meia Praia are just a short walk away.

• Coliving & Coworking: Lagos Digital Nomads
• Cafés to work from: Black and White Coffee, Abigail’s Café
• Supermarkets: Continente, Intermarché
   

Coliving and Coworking Spaces in the Algarve

The Algarve is catching up with Lisbon and Porto in terms of remote work infrastructure. A few standout spots for digital nomads include:

Off The Hook (Sagres) – A coliving space with high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean.

Coworksurf (Sagres) – Ideal for those who want to combine remote work with surfing.

Outsite - With two locations in the Algarve, Outsite Sagres and Outsite Vilamoura, these coliving spaces are designed for digital nomads. Both locations feature high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, modern amenities, and friendly communities, making them ideal for remote workers looking to stay connected and inspired.

Lagos Digital Nomads – A coworking space in Lagos with a strong community of remote workers.
 

Cost of Living in the Algarve

Living in the Algarve is more affordable than in Lisbon, though costs vary depending on location and lifestyle. Here’s a rough idea of monthly expenses:

Getting Around

Public transport in the Algarve includes buses and trains that connect major towns.

Trains: The Algarve train line runs from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, with stops in Portimão, Albufeira, Faro, and Tavira. Journey times between major hubs:

Lagos to Faro: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Faro to Tavira: ~40 minutes
Albufeira to Faro: ~40 minutes

Buses: Local buses run between towns, with companies like EVA and Vamus operating the routes. They are reliable but not as frequent as in big cities.

Car Rental: Renting a car is the best way to explore the Algarve’s hidden beaches and countryside. Prices start at around €25 per day in the low season.

Ride-sharing: Bolt operates in major towns like Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos, providing an affordable and convenient alternative to taxis.

A Digital Nomad’s Day Trip in the Algarve

The Algarve is well-connected, making it possible to visit two cities in a day. With an early start and efficient transport, you can work in one city and explore another, or enjoy two different coastal towns in a single day.

Option 1: Lagos & Portimão (Work + Explore)

• Morning: Work session at a café in Lagos
• Midday: Lunch at Praia da Rocha in Portimão, followed by a beach walk
• Afternoon: Explore Portimão’s marina or visit Ferragudo
• Evening: Return to Lagos for sunset at Ponta da Piedade

Travel Time: ~30 min by train/bus

Option 2: Vilamoura & Albufeira (Relax by Day, Party by Night)

• Morning: Enjoy coffee at the marina or work from a café, and take a slow start.
• Midday: Grab lunch by the water, with fresh seafood options; Stroll along the luxury marina.
• Afternoon: Explore Old Town and relax at Praia dos Pescadores.
• Evening: Experience Albufeira nightlife, full of beach bars, live music, or clubs.

Travel Time: ~25 min by bus or car
 

Finding Community in the Algarve

Although the digital nomad community in the Algarve isn’t as big as in Lisbon, it’s growing. There are Facebook groups and Meetup events where you can connect with other remote workers. Coliving spaces also host events and gatherings, which makes it easier to meet like-minded people.
 

Ready to book? Outsite offers discounts on 30+ day stays, and you'll be instantly connected with the digital nomad community in Portugal. 

Check out our other digital nomad guides to Sagres, Vilamoura and Lisbon.