Being a Digital Nomad in Ericeira: Everything you Need To Know

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing in the morning, working from a sunlit café, and wrapping up your day with sunset cocktails overlooking the Atlantic, Ericeira, Portugal, might just be your dream digital nomad destination.

This small surf town punches well above its weight when it comes to lifestyle, community, and remote work infrastructure.

I spent three weeks living the digital nomad life in Ericeira, where I worked remotely, surfed, danced until late, and connected with fellow remote workers from around the world.

Whether you’re seeking wellness retreats, weekend parties, or quiet time with your laptop and a view, Ericeira somehow offers it all without losing its laid-back charm.

I’m a solo traveller in my 30s, and I’ve worked remotely from cities and surf towns across 6 continents. Ericeira was one of the few places where I found that perfect balance of deep focus and connection to location. 

I think I can honestly say that Erceira isn’t just one of the best places for Digital Nomads in Portugal, but one of the best places in Europe. 

In this post, you’ll get all the information on what it’s really like to live and work remotely in Ericeira.

I’ll cover where to stay, the best coworking and café setups, how to get plugged into the local nomad scene, and what makes this town one of Europe’s top destinations for women craving adventure and community.

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Why Ericeira is the Perfect Digital Nomad Base

At first glance, Ericeira might just look like a picturesque Portuguese fishing village. But spend a day here and you’ll quickly realise it’s a buzzing hub for remote workers, surfers, creatives, and wellness seekers, which is all rolled into one charming seaside town.

Nestled just 35km west of Lisbon, Ericeira is far enough to feel like an escape but close enough to be practical. You can hop on a bus or hire a car and be in the capital within an hour, making it easy for visa runs, airport access, or a quick city break.

Plus, according to Numbeo, Ericeria is 25% cheaper than Lisbon to live in, so it’s a great option if you want to be close to the capital but not pay the price. 

What truly sets Ericeira apart is its atmosphere. It’s a designated World Surfing Reserve (the first in Europe), which means it draws surfers from around the world. 

But it’s not just about waves. The town is filled with cobblestone streets, indie boutiques, beachfront cafés, and a surprisingly diverse food scene. From plant-based brunches to local seafood cafes, there’s no shortage of flavour here.

Despite its small size, Ericeira is packed with things to do. Think surf lessons, yoga lessons, DJ nights, breathwork workshops, beach clean-ups, and pop-up art shows all happening in one week.

There’s a constant hum of energy, yet it never feels too overwhelming. It’s the kind of place you can choose to chill out, or to go wild, and whichever one you choose you are pretty much garueteed a great time!

If you’re someone who values nature, community, and balance, Ericeira offers the perfect foundation for a digital nomad lifestyle that feels both productive and relaxing.

Where to Stay as a Digital Nomad in Ericeira

One of the best things about staying in Ericeira is that you’re spoiled for choice,  whether you’re after a social hub, quiet focus time, or somewhere in between.

I stayed in four different areas across town during my three-week visit, and I tested out multiple accommodation options to see which ones truly support a remote work lifestyle.

Where I stayed 

Ocean House Ericeira 

This spot was a favourite during my stay. While it’s not officially a coliving space, it felt like one. The vibe is relaxed and social, with a communal kitchen, ocean views, and plenty of other digital nomads around.

I worked remotely from the common areas here with no issues. The Wi-Fi was reliable, and there was always someone around to have a chat and a coffee catch-up with.

It’s ideal if you want to work hard, surf often, and meet like-minded people (and be close to one of the best beaches in town, Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas).

Chill-In Ericeira 

I also stayed at Chill-In, which offers more of a hostel-style setup but had a surprising number of people working remotely while I was there. 

Every morning, laptops came out early, and the communal spaces filled up fast. While it’s a bit more casual and less structured than a dedicated coliving space, the Wi-Fi was dependable, and the people were friendly.

If you’re just passing through or want something affordable and easygoing, this is a solid pick.

Coliving in Ericeira for Digital Nomads

Nomadico Coliving Ericeira

I didn’t stay at Nomadico myself, but I heard great things from fellow nomads. It’s built for remote workers, offering great community vibes, scheduled events, and everything from surf lessons to skillshares. If you want to fit into a community right away, this is a good place to start.

Selina Ericeira

I actually tried to work from Selina one afternoon, but was turned away because their coworking space is only open to guests staying there.

It looked beautiful from the outside, and I’ve stayed at other Selinas around the world, but just a heads-up that you’ll need to be a guest to access their facilities here.

Três Bandeiras

Três Bandeiras is a gorgeous, boutique guesthouse that combines remote work with wellness. I didn’t stay here, but this is a great option if you’re looking for something a little calmer and more relaxing.

Villa dos Irmãos (Santo Isidoro)

Tucked away in a quieter area just outside town, Villa dos Irmãos is ideal if you’re looking for peaceful surroundings and time to focus. It’s more isolated than the central spots, but good for digital nomads who really want to disconnect after a day of working online.

Outsite Ericeira

This spot is a favourite among experienced remote workers. Outsite offers well-designed spaces, solid Wi-Fi, and a built-in community of creatives, developers, and entrepreneurs.

I didn’t stay here personally, but I’ve stayed at other Outsite properties, and they definitely deliver a great digital nomad experience.

Best Areas to Stay

• Near Praia dos Pescadores: Close to coworking spots, cafés, and nightlife:  walkable and vibrant.
• Ribeira d’Ilhas area: Quiet and immersed in nature, ideal for surf lovers and deep work.
• Old Town: Buzzing with restaurants, shops, and local culture.
• North end: A little removed from the hustle, but budget-friendly and peaceful.
  

⬇️MY TOP RECOMMENDATION⬇️
If I had to recommend just one place to stay, it would definitely be Oceanhouse Ericeira. It’s such a beautiful property, I met such lovely people whilst I was there, and it’s super close to one of the best surfing and sunset spots in Ericeria! 

Best Coworking Spots in Ericeira

You wouldn’t expect a small surf town to have such a solid coworking scene, but Ericeira delivers. Whether you’re after ocean views, high-speed Wi-Fi, or a creative community, there’s a space that fits. 

During my stay, I worked from several of these myself and scoped out others based on recommendations from fellow digital nomads.

Salt Studio

Salt Studio is a purpose-built coworking space just minutes from the beach. It’s airy, calm, and has all the essentials, including fast Wi-Fi, big desks, meeting rooms, and 24/7 access for members. 

This is where I worked the most, and my personal favourite.

The surfboard lockers and yoga-friendly vibe make it ideal if you’re working around your surf sessions and/or yoga lessons. There’s also a genuine sense of community here, but it never feels forced (you can get focused or find people to chat to over coffee).

• Salt Studio Website
• Day pass: ~€15 | Monthly: ~€160

Coastal Collective

One of the newer additions to Ericeira’s remote work scene, Coastal Collective is great for combining both coworking and community. It hosts a range of nomads, freelancers, and locals, with frequent workshops, events, and networking meetups.

• Coastal Collective Instagram

Kelp Cowork

Popular with creatives and freelancers. Kelp gives you that Ericeira surf town aesthetic with minimalist interiors and practical workspaces. It’s smaller than Salt but still a reliable spot to work from if you want something chill and stylish.

• Kelp Cowork Instagram

Balagan Ericeira

Technically a café-bar, Balagan is a treat for nomads looking for an office with a view. 

I worked here a few afternoons when I wanted a relaxed setting (and better food than typical cowork spots). The Wi-Fi was strong, the coffee was amazing, and the view was unbeatable. 

• Located near the heart of town
• Great food, community vibe, ideal for casual work days

Best Cafés for Remote Work in Ericeira

One thing Ericeira has no shortage of? Cafés. From cosy brunch spots to community-run centres, there are tons of laptop-friendly places to try. 

Just ask if it’s okay to set up your laptop, as most staff are used to remote workers and are super welcoming as long as you’re ordering.

O Spot (Ribamar)

Located in the village’s community centre, O Spot is hands-down one of the best café coworking setups around. There’s plenty of natural light, a big shared table, strong Wi-Fi, and excellent coffee. Best of all, the prices are super reasonable.

Maiikai Café (at 58 Surf Shop)

Just 10 minutes (drive) from some of the guesthouses (like Nomadico), this surf-and-skate-inspired café serves up a relaxed atmosphere, healthy food, and is very laptop-friendly.

Breakpoint

Set inside a tennis club, Breakpoint offers upscale brunch dishes and a sleek café environment. It’s a bit more polished, which is perfect if you fancy a change of scene and need a calm space with a bit of background noise (because if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to work in complete silence).

Balagan

Yes, it’s on this list twice (that’s how good it is). Right near Ericeira’s South beach, Balagan is a favourite for post-surf laptop sessions and people-watching.

Coworking and Surfing in Ericeira, Portugal

If there’s one town where you can genuinely build your day around the tides, it’s Ericeira. 

Living here as a digital nomad means you don’t have to choose between being productive and being in the water because you can do both.

My daily routine often started with a morning surf lesson at Ribeira d’Ilhas, followed by a coffee at Balagan and then a work session at Salt Studio or a nearby café. 

The best part? No one bats an eye if you show up all sandy and salty post surf because the surf culture is so embedded into the town. 

Best Beaches to Surf Before Or After Work

• Ribeira d’Ilhas – famous break, advanced surfers, beautiful vibe
• Praia do Sul – scenic and slightly less crowded
• São Lourenço – a local favourite just a bit north of the town centre
• Praia de São Sebastião & Praia do Matadouro – right in the town centre, great for advanced beginners and intermediates

If you’re new to surfing or want to brush up on your skills, I highly recommend booking a surf lesson in Ericeira. I had several lessons during my time in Ericeira, and it was such a fun way to join the community and get to know the waves safely. 

Most instructors are locals who know the breaks inside out and can tailor your session to your level.

Community Events in Ericeira for Digital Nomads

One of the reasons I fell in love with Ericeira is the instant community. For a relatively small town, it has an amazing ability to connect you with the right people, whether you’re staying for a week or a few months. 

There are events happening almost every day, from yoga sessions and beach clean-ups to DJ nights, workshops, and language exchanges and honestly so much more.

You don’t need to be ultra-extroverted to get involved either. Most of the nomad-friendly events are super relaxed and welcoming.

Where to Find What’s On in Ericeira

Here are the best ways to tap into what’s happening locally:

• Top Instagram Pages to Follow:
  • Ericeira Lovers 
  • Ericeira Community 
  • Ericeira Events 
  • Sailer App

These pages regularly post about everything from market days to silent discos.

• Top Facebook Groups:
  • Ericeira Digital Nomads – Great for local tips and weekly meetups
  • Expats in Ericeira – Broader expat crowd with local integration tips
    
• WhatsApp Groups to Join:
  • Ericeira Community 
  • Ericeira Tribe

These tend to be more informal and faster-paced, which is great for hearing about spontaneous and last-minute plans. 

Popular Types of Events

• Beach cleanups + ocean awareness workshops
• Surf meetups + skill-share circles
• Sound healing, cacao ceremonies, yoga flows
• Live DJ sets, rooftop dinners, and wine tastings
• Co-creation spaces and networking events for remote workers

Quick Things To Do in Ericeira

When you need a break from your laptop, here are a few easy wins around town. If you want the full list, head to my Things To Do in Ericeira post or check out my guide to the Best Beaches in Ericeira.

• Go surfing – It’s what Ericeira is known for. Tons of beginner-friendly spots and great surf schools.
• Beach hop – Ribeira D’Ilhas is great for learning to surf, Foz do Lizandro has unreal views, and Pescadores is best for swimming.
• Catch a sunset at Mar das Latas – Great views, decent wine, and a fab place to wind down.
• Wander the Old Town – An easy way to get your steps in and soak up the character and charm of the town.
• Check out the shops – Oslo and Biju are small but worth a look if you’re into boutique-y stuff.
• Food spots – Loads of great cafés and restaurants—Balagan, Indigo, and Dear Rose are some of my go-tos.
• Wellness scene – Yoga, breathwork, and more if you’re in the mood for something slower.

Easy Day Trips From Ericiera 

Need a change of scenery? These spots are all less than an hour from Ericeira and totally doable in a day:

• Lisbon (45 min) – Portugal’s capital is close enough for spontaneous city escapes. Great for museums, rooftop bars, and a proper pastel de nata fix.
• Sintra (40 min) – Think fairy tale castles, misty forests, and lots of photo opportunities. Don’t miss Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
• Mafra (15 min) –  A super quick trip. Worth it to see the huge Baroque palace and its beautiful library. You can grab your entry ticket here if you want to avoid the ticket line.
• Cabo da Roca (35 min) – The westernmost point of mainland Europe. Windy, rugged cliffs and epic ocean views. Best combined with a stop in Sintra if you’re driving.
• Nazaré (1 hr) – Home to record-breaking waves and dramatic ocean cliffs. Even if you’re not into big-wave surfing, the views and seafood are worth the trip​​. There’s even a unique day tour from Ericeira with a former pro athlete that’s perfect if you’re car-free.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to stay in Ericeira longer than a tourist visa allows, Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa might be your golden ticket. 

This visa allows remote workers and freelancers to legally live in Portugal while working for non-Portuguese companies, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular options for digital nomads in Europe.

Who Is The D8 Visa For?

The D8 visa is designed for:

• Non-EU citizens who work remotely
• Freelancers, entrepreneurs, or employees of foreign companies
• Individuals earning a consistent remote income

Basic Requirements

• Minimum income: Around €3,280–3,480 per month (4x Portuguese minimum wage)
• Proof of employment or business: Contracts, invoices, or a letter from your employer
• Portuguese NIF number (tax ID)
• Portuguese bank account
• 12-month lease or accommodation contract
• Clean criminal record
• Private health insurance valid in Portugal
• Passport valid for the duration of your stay

You’ll need to apply at a Portuguese consulate in your home country or through AIMA (Portugal’s immigration office) once you’re in the country. Processing times vary, so it’s best to start early.

Resources to Get Started

• Portugal D8 Visa Overview – Nomad Embassy
• Official Immigration Portal
• How to get a NIF in Portugal
• Remote Portugal Community Support 

Tips for Working Remotely in Ericeira

Remote work in Ericeira is a dream, as long as you come prepared. The town has everything you need to stay productive, but there are a few quirks and local details that are worth knowing before you go.

Internet & Connectivity

Wi-Fi in coworking spaces and cafés is generally reliable. I never had major issues at Salt Studio, Ocean House, or Chill-In. 

Most Airbnbs and colivings also offer fast connections, but if you’re working with large files or streaming, always ask for a speed test screenshot before booking.

As a backup, grab a local SIM card with data from MEO or Vodafone. You’ll find shops in town, and topping up is easy. Or if you want to avoid the hassle of setting up a physical SIM card, then I recommend setting up an eSIM with Airalo before you arrive.

Daily Routine Tips

• Start your day early if possible; the surf is better, and cafés are quieter
• Avoid working from cafés during peak lunch (12:30PM–2:30PM) unless you’re eating there
• Take advantage of the long Portuguese lunches to fully disconnect midday (if your job allows)
• Don’t feel guilty about breaking up your day (that’s the point of being here)

Budgeting for Remote Work Life

• Coworking spaces: €10–€20/day or €150–€250/month
• Coffee + snacks at cafés: €3–€8
• Eating out: ~€10-30
• SIM cards: ~€15–20/month for decent data
• Gear rentals: Surfboards ~€15/day; bikes/scooters available too
• Surf Lessons: ~€40
• Wellness Classes (yoga & breathwork etc): ~€15-€40

Local Services & Support

• Laundry: Self-service laundromats are available, or ask your coliving/hostel
• Workspace supplies: Small stationery shops around Old Town
• English-speaking help: Most locals in tourism or hospitality speak excellent English — you’ll be fine

The Best Travel Insurance For Digital Nomads In Portugal 

Whether you’re planning to surf every morning or cowork from cafés, having reliable travel insurance really is a non-negotiable (wherever you are in the world), especially for long stays or remote work abroad.

I use and recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance as a digital nomad. It’s really affordable and built specifically for people like us (freelancers and remote workers).

I’ve had to claim on my SafetyWing 3 times (during my trip to another Digital Nomad Haven in Sri Lanka), and it’s always been a straightforward and fast process.

I somehow managed to get ill 3 times in Sri Lanka (and needed medication each time), and my SafetyWing payouts were sent to me within 2-3 days of making my claim. 

Coverage starts from around $45/month, and it includes things like emergency medical, travel delays, lost luggage, and even COVID-19 coverage.

One of the best features of SafetyWing is that you can start your policy after you’ve already left your home country. It also renews automatically every four weeks, so you’re not stuck paying for a full year upfront.

Why SafetyWing Works for Digital Nomads

• Global coverage, including all of Europe and most countries
• Start your plan anytime, even if you’re already abroad
• Covers remote work needs, like unexpected travel delays or lost electronics
• Includes emergency medical, hospital visits, and even COVID-19 treatment
• Budget-friendly — starting at around $45/month

You can cancel anytime, pause your coverage when you’re home, and even add on home country coverage if you’re planning a trip back.

🔗 Get your SafetyWing policy here and travel to Ericeira with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is Ericeira Right for You?

If you’ve been craving a slower, more soulful kind of remote work life, Ericeira might be your answer. It’s a place where you can balance productivity with play. 

What makes it special isn’t just the waves or the coworking spaces, it’s the people, the energy, and the fact that you can land here alone and then end up with a large community of friends that will make it very hard to leave.

If you’re still wondering how to fill your weekends or lunch breaks, check out my full post on things to do in Ericeira (there’s way more than just surf).

You can also dive into my tips on the best beaches in Ericeira and exactly where to eat in Ericeira to make the most of every moment here.

And if by chance you’re looking for somewhere with the same energy on the Algarve coast, then I can really recommend visiting the town of Sagres.

Whether you’re testing out the nomad lifestyle or looking for your next longer-term base, Ericeira will definitely welcome you with open arms.

⬇️CHECK OUT MY OTHER PORTUGAL GUIDES BELOW⬇️
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The Best Things To Do In Ericeira, Portugal
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7 Of The Best Beaches In Ericeira, Portugal
Digital Nomad in Ericeira: Work, Surf & Stay