Forget rainy London or overcrowded Amsterdam. Tech-savvy workers are swapping expensive global cities for up-and-coming destinations to both live and work remotely. This is the age of the digital nomad.
With over 40 diverse countries in close proximity, Europe allows for seamless travel between iconic cities, making it one of the most attractive regions in the world for remote workers. From bustling cities rich in culture to serene coastal towns, the continent boasts world-leading infrastructure, fast connectivity, and a high quality of life, ideal for digital nomads.
Today, many European countries make it easy for expats to work remotely and many offer attractive tax benefits. Some have special residence schemes for nomads to reside longer than a tourist visa would allow, and some offer relaxed permits for self-employed and remote workers, allowing long stays and easy work travel.
We analysed the top European cities based on a set of criteria for remote work, including visa requirements, cost of living, crime rates, healthcare provision, broadband access, climate, and the natural environment. Click here to read our full methodology.
Discover the top European destinations for digital nomads:
1. Vlorë, Albania
Albania is a digital nomad’s playground—where stunning coastlines meet mountain escapes, all while the cost of living is a fraction of most global cities. With a growing community of remote workers and co-working spaces, Vlorë located in the southwestern part of the country, offers nomads the ideal mix of work, relaxation and nomad-friendly visas.
2. Kalamata, Greece
Beyond the heat and sun, Greece offers remote workers cultural experiences, unique landmarks and budget-friendly accommodation. High-speed internet is widely available in major cities and Greece’s digital nomad visa also offers remote work in the country for at least a year.
3. Izmir, Turkey
Located on the Aegean coast, Izmir is a top choice for digital nomads due to its unique blend of modern amenities and historical charm. The country also boasts a relatively low cost of living, with affordable housing, dining, and coworking spaces, and is known for its lively arts, cultural festivals, and diverse food scene.
4. Valletta, Malta
Valletta combines historical charm with modern conveniences, featuring UNESCO-listed architecture, strong remote work infrastructure, and a walkable layout. Known for its favorable regulations on crypto and online gaming, Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit also makes it easy for digital nomads to settle and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
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5. Málaga, Spain
Málaga combines easy connectivity with a laid-back vibe, making it an attractive hub for remote workers. Additionally, Spain’s digital nomad visa and excellent travel connections within Europe make the country even more appealing.
6. Patras, Greece
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Durrës, Albania
9. Valencia, Spain
= 10. Catania, Italy
Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, just moments from the island’s main airport, Catania offers a blend of Mediterranean charm, historical landmarks, and modern amenities. Its mild climate, proximity to Mount Etna, beaches, and cultural heritage provide a great work-life balance for digital nomads. With the new Italian digital nomad visa, it’s an even more appealing destination for remote workers.
= 10. Athens, Greece
= 10. Larisa, Greece
13. Nicosia, Cyprus
As the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia offers a high standard of living with affordable accommodation and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities. Cyprus also has a favorable tax regime, including tax incentives for freelancers and remote workers, making it financially appealing.
14. Rome, Italy
15. Thessaloniki, Greece
16. Istanbul, Turkey
17. Naples, Italy
18. Bologna, Italy
19. Split, Croatia
20. Podgorica, Montenegro
A hidden gem in the Balkans, Montenegro is a little-known country that fits the bill for digital nomads. The cost of living is relatively low, with inexpensive accommodation, food, and transportation. The capital city, Podgorica, combines the hustle and bustle of a city with the laid-back charm of the Montenegrin landscape.
21. Zadar, Croatia
Croatia is an appealing destination for digital nomads due to its coastline, low cost of living and favorable quality of life. The country’s central location in Europe also allows for easy travel to other countries on the continent. Additionally, 2021 was a groundbreaking year for Croatia’s digital nomad scene, starting with the launch of the digital nomad permit, one of the first of its kind globally.
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22. Pula, Croatia
23. Faro, Portugal
Sunny, oceanfront, pastel-hued, among the most affordable in Europe, with excellent connectivity—Faro, the capital city of the Algarve region is set up for the nomad lifestyle. Portugal’s recent D8 digital nomad visa also offers residency opportunities for non-EU citizens to relocate to the country.
= 24. Madrid, Spain
= 24. Timisoara, Romania
The third largest city in Romania known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture and low cost of living, Timisoara is an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city is easy to navigate, with a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trams, and bike-sharing.
