Everyone knows that Europe has been dealing with energy crises since the Ukraine war started. Russia’s invasion started soon after European nations agreed to rapidly shift to clean energy and shut down nuclear power plants, leaving them vulnerable to energy crises when Russia cut off natural gas supplies.
Digital nomads who are lucky enough to move to wherever they please can relocate to sunny European winter destinations, which keeps them from having to heat their homes, helping to save on electric costs and combat the energy crisis.
If you’re looking for a European destination that can serve as your temporary base for the winter, here’s a roundup of 7 sunny European destinations where you don’t need to worry about electric bills.
1. Malta
Malta is one of Europe’s best destinations for digital nomads. It’s scorching in summer, and winter days remain warm, perfect for spending time at the beach or exploring the great outdoors. So, it’s no wonder why hundreds of digital nomads are temporarily moving to this gorgeous archipelago in winter, which lies in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast.
Malta is home to many stunning beaches, and you’ll most likely spend most of your time at the beach. Winter is also a perfect time to explore the great outdoors and take up hiking. The weather is pleasant, and the rural landscape is stunning, allowing for the most scenic hikes.
Home to several digital nomad-friendly cities across the archipelago, it’s easy to feel at home when settling in Malta for the winter. Malta has a nationwide 5G network, which means you won’t have any issues keeping up with work deadlines regardless of where you are in the country. You will also find plenty of establishments offering free Wi-Fi, from where you can take up work, especially in major cities like Valletta and Sliema.
There are many fun things to do while living in Malta as a digital nomad. Aside from hanging out at the beaches and enjoying outdoor activities, you can explore historical museums, walk through ancient ruins, and discover the local eateries, which is a fantastic way to embrace the local culture.
For a peek into the country’s history, walk through the temple ruins at Hagar Qim and Ggantija Temple in Gozo. Visit the stunning Catholic Churches that date back to the Middle Ages. With plenty of things to keep you occupied in Malta, you’ll enjoy your stay there in winter. And if you’re from a country outside the EU, you can apply for the Malta Digital Nomad visa, allowing you to stay in the country for up to a year!
2. Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzarote is another ideal spot for digital nomads looking for a sunny destination in Europe. The island is blessed with good weather all year round and has longer daylight hours than many other European cities. Home to many gorgeous beaches and offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, you can enjoy a perfect work-life balance while living on the island as a digital nomad.
During your downtime, you can hang out at the beaches, treat yourself to refreshing drinks at a beachside bar, or indulge in mouth watering Canarian foods at the island’s best restaurants. During the weekend, spend your morning diving or snorkelling. In the afternoon, head out for a scenic hike at one of Lanzarote’s trails, such as those surrounding the Timanfaya National Park.
One of the best things about living as a digital nomad in Lanzarote is the lower cost of living. Compared to mainland Spain, the island has a much lower value-added tax, which explains why prices here are lower. You will find many affordable apartments to rent. According to Nomadlist, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Lanzarote is only $622 per month!
Most parts of Lanzarote have high-speed internet, so you won’t have any issues getting your work done regardless of where you are on the island. The cell network is superb and has 4G available in many places around the island. As more and more digital nomads are moving to the island recently, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to network with other nomads. There are co-working spaces and cafes where you can take up work. You can even work at a beach bar with gorgeous views of the ocean in your background!
3. Larnaca, Cyprus
Lying east of the Mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys a long season of warm and sunny weather. Many digital nomads moved to the island for its great weather, and others have chosen to relocate permanently, thanks to its relaxed immigration laws.
When living as a digital nomad in Cyprus, you’ll have plenty of options for your home base. Since you’re here for the sunny weather, consider staying in Larnaca, one of the country’s warmest spots. It’s also one of the easiest places to reach since it has an international airport with many direct flights to major European cities.
Larnaca lies on the southern coast of Cyprus between Nicosia and Limassol. It’s a tourist town that tends to get busy during summer. As a digital nomad in Larnaca, you’ll have numerous activities to enjoy during your town time. You can relax and swim at its beautiful beaches or enjoy a scenic walk along its bustling promenade.
Larnaca is a small town, so getting around is easy. You can cycle or walk to the town center and other parts of the town. It is centrally located, with famous tourist towns like Nicosia and Ayia Napa only an hour’s drive away.
Like most places in Cyprus, Larnaca has high-speed Internet, another plus for digital nomads. The country has excellent mobile and internet service providers, and you’ll have internet coverage regardless of where you will base yourself in town.
Larnaca is becoming very popular among digital nomads, and the town has a bustling digital nomad community, hosting weekly meetups and events.
4. The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region of Portugal enjoys over 300 days of sunshine yearly, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. Stretching along the Atlantic coastline at over 150 km long, the Algarve is home to Portugal’s most remarkable beaches, picturesque seaside towns, and stunning natural parks. The Algarve would be perfect for digital nomads looking to move to Portugal.
The Algarve has 16 municipalities, with Faro as the capital city and a popular base for digital nomads. Aside from Faro, Albufeira is another city popular for digital nomads in the Algarve, famous for its bustling nightlife.
Digital nomads love living in the Algarve mainly because of its great weather, stunning nature, and cultural activities. The digital nomad community is expanding in the region, especially after launching the Portugal digital nomad visa.
The Algarve has many beautiful beaches and where you will probably spend most of your downtime while living in the region. If you’re into nature, visit Ria Formosa, a beautiful and unspoiled nature park with scenic trails and home to an incredible wealth of wildlife.
The cost of living in the Algarve will mainly depend on your lifestyle. But compared to many cities in Europe, living in Algarve is cheaper for digital nomads. In Faro, the monthly cost of living is around $2,000, and you’ll find a studio apartment to rent for an average of $600 per month.
There’s no problem connecting to the internet while living in the Algarve, which is an advantage for digital nomads. You will also find several cafes and co-working spaces with decent internet, giving you plenty of options to take up work if you feel like working outside your apartment.
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is one of the sunniest areas in Italy and doesn’t get extremely cold during winter. It’s a sun-soaked Mediterranean island loved by digital nomads for good reasons. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, with several miles of dramatic coastlines and untamed nature. In addition, the cost of living in the island’s major cities, such as Palermo, is about 60% cheaper than in big cities like Milan and Rome. You will save even more if you base yourself in smaller towns and villages.
Offering the perfect balance of fun, work, and relaxation, Sicily is an ideal winter destination for digital nomads. You can hang out at the beach or explore bustling local markets when taking a break from work. Sicily is known for its fresh and mouth watering dishes since the locals love to use seasonal produce for ingredients. The market is the best place to learn more about the island’s local food scene.
Like many places in Italy, Sicily has a rich culture and history, giving you plenty to discover while living there as a digital nomad. It has more than 2,000 years of history, offering a range of historical sites, from Greek temples to Roman ruins and ancient cathedrals.
Most digital nomads in Sicily choose to live in Palermo, the island’s capital city. And although it’s a popular tourist destination, it’s not as crowded as many other major cities in Italy. You’ll find various co-working spaces and cafes to work in Palermo, with excellent Wi-Fi and serving the tastiest cappuccinos.
6. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes has the longest summer in Greece, which is one of the reasons why it attracts a lot of digital nomads. The island is rich in culture and history and an ideal base for exploring other islands in Greece since most islands are only a short ferry ride from here.
You’ll find plenty of things to enjoy while living in Rhodes, allowing you to enjoy a perfect work-life balance while living here as a digital nomad. Of course, it has beautiful beaches that every digital nomad seeks in a sunny destination. Rhodes is also home to magnificent archaeological sites that are a joy to explore during your downtime. Stroll around the Old Town, and you’ll find the Acropolis of Rhodes, which dates back to the 5th century BC.
Another reason Rhodes is a great place for digital nomads is the island has plenty of excellent accommodations that you can rent long-term. You can rent a one-bedroom studio in the centre for $1,000 per month, and you’ll find Airbnb properties costing only $60 per night.
The internet is not a problem in Rhodes, and you’ll find many cafes and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi. You can also get a local sim to get mobile data, allowing you access to the internet everywhere on the island. Since Rhodes has a thriving tourism industry, the locals are used to the presence of foreigners, and most speak English. Therefore, communication won’t be a problem. Although the cost of living is a bit higher, you can enjoy a higher quality of living, so it’s worth it.
7. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is famous for being the party island of Croatia and one of the sunniest islands in Europe. While it has a reputation for being the destination of choice for well-heeled travellers and celebrities, digital nomads will find plenty of things to love about this sophisticated island.
Home to narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a picturesque island with beautiful sandy beaches and an ancient old fortress. You’ll find plenty of things to do when you’re not working on your laptop. Explore the beautiful old town and indulge in delicious cocktails or champagne at one of the island’s fantastic bars.
If you fancy a swim at the beach, head to Dubovica beach, which you can reach by walking on a steep footpath. With scenic views along the way, it will be worth the effort!
Living in Hvar can be quite expensive since it’s a famous tourist island. However, if you search hard enough, you’ll find affordable apartments to rent for the long-term. You can expect to spend around $1,000 for the monthly rent in an apartment in the town centre.
You will have everything you need as a digital nomad to live in Hvar. The island has fast internet, and most cafes offer free Wi-Fi. It’s generally safe, and the locals are friendly and welcoming toward foreigners. Like any tourist destination, communicating in English won’t be an issue in Hvar.
