We’ve all thought of the prospect of ditching the nine to five and travelling the world, working wherever we fancy exploring next. And with the rise in technological options available to us, it’s never been easier to work with this level of freedom.
Equipped with a computer and internet access, you can now become a digital nomad for yourself, and Andalucia is one of the top locations in the world for working remotely, surrounded by stunning scenery, great culture and friendly locals. If Andalucia has sparked your interest and you’re keen to take the leap to a nomadic way of working, these are some of the best locations for a fantastic work-life balance.
Why Andalucia?
Andalucia has breath-taking scenery, filled with rolling hills and rural countryside, charming villages and mountainous landscapes. There’s a good balance of peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, as well as access to the busier towns and cities that give you the best of both worlds.
Andalucia has great connectivity, numerous free WiFi areas and in some cases, subsidised living and workspaces, which make for an appealing prospect for those looking to live and work here. Several towns and villages across Spain are part of the Red Nacional de Pueblos Acogedores para el Teletrabajo, or National Network of Welcoming Villages for Remote Workers, which was set up to attract new residents to these areas. Several provinces in Andalucia are part of this programme.
Digital nomads require locations that are well connected, rich in cultural heritage and the potential for entrepreneurship and business connections, and Andalucia fits the bill for all of these factors. It offers an amazing climate, delectable cuisine, beautiful beaches, a rich culture and heritage.
Málaga
Málaga sits on the southern shores of Spain and boasts a warm climate, bags of history and culture, and a laid-back charm that makes it a popular tourist destination but also an increasingly common pick for working remotely. Málaga is packed with expats, making the community incredibly diverse and multinational, and it has a bright, warm climate that offers 320 days of sunshine every year. It’s renowned for its excellent quality of life too.
A leading local real estate agency explains that “buyers are especially attracted to Marbella because it is the capital of quality real estate and lifestyle of the Costa del Sol. It has a low volume of construction, amazing sporting and golf facilities (there are 52 golf courses just in the province of Málaga) and first class infrastructure and services”.
This area has great technological infrastructure, thanks to investments from large companies, with the likes of Google setting up base in Malaga so there’s plenty of potential talent and growth opportunity in the area. In the coming years, Málaga is expected to become a digital hub for technology firms and businesses, and this is evidenced by the fact that this area has the third highest start-up rate for businesses in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.
Sevilla
The capital city of Andalucia, Sevilla sits by the eastern banks of the Guadalquivir River and is blessed by year-round sunshine and a healthy work-life balance. It’s also an incredibly affordable location. So, it’s no surprise that Seville is attracting an increasing number of visitors every year, both holidaymakers and those looking to change their way of life.
According to expat community Internations, with “Seville rife with Moorish architecture and near the Portuguese border, this Spanish town is perfect for expats who are looking for a slower-paced lifestyle and without tons of tourists traipsing through every month. This Spanish city is also perfectly situated between the beach and mountains for expats who want both”.
It’s a destination fuelled by brilliant architecture, gastronomy, culture and an economical lifestyle, that makes it an attractive proposition for digital nomads. What’s more, Seville has excellent coworking facilities, high speed internet infrastructure and secure networks that make it possible to work remotely here. The laid-back pace of life and a great jumping spot for other destinations in Spain, Seville offers plenty to attract remote workers.
Granada
Granada has great people, a wealth of hidden gems and a wonderful atmosphere that make it ideal for living and working abroad. It’s a peaceful city but don’t let it’s quaintness fool you – it has plenty to offer, including the perfect balance of great weather, rich landscapes and beautiful traditions. Granada is renowned for its incredible food and drink, and a young university crowd that adds liveliness to the city.
For remote workers seeking a destination with authentic Spanish heritage, Granada is a fantastic choice. Cost of living here is relatively low, owing to the lack of major tourism and student population, and living here costs on average 34% lower than in London.
Young professionals tend to gravitate towards the neighbourhood of Realejo which is accessible and well-located, as well as Centre which offers up an abundance of older properties and historic apartments. The Albaicin is also well-known in Granada for its enviable location at the foot of the Alhambra and its vibrant atmosphere, but it’s considerably more expensive here as it’s become something of a tourist haunt.
Cádiz
One of the priorities for someone looking to live and work abroad is access to the beach, and Cádiz offers beautiful coastline, great weather and high speed internet connections that create a wonderful destination for digital nomads. Known as ‘La Tacita de Plata Cuenta’ or the Silver Cip, it’s a stunning location that has great travel connections and historic sights. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Cádiz is dotted with cobbled streets, sites of interest and historical architecture.
Cádiz is an economical destination, particularly when compared to more northern areas of Spain, so it’s great for freelancers living off a variable income from month to month. It offers a similar cost of living to Malaga, at between €500 and €700 per month for an apartment, according to Numbeo, and since it’s a smaller city, it’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter and calmer.
Although Cádiz is beloved by holidaymakers, it’s still developing its remote work scene, but paradoxically, it has a large number of coworking spaces that make it the perfect choice for someone looking for a more authentic Spanish experience.
One of Spain’s leading remote working hubs
Andalucia offers plenty for remote workers, from coworking facilities and technological infrastructure to a great work-life balance, beautiful scenery and rich culture. Moving abroad to live and work in a new destination is an adventure, these destinations in Andalucia make taking the leap all the easier.
Written by Justin Aldridge
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