Ericeira, located on the West Coast North of Lisbon is an example of a town that has nurtured its reputation as a destination for digital nomads.
Ericeira provides an example of what other small towns could consider as part of their strategy to attract digital nomads.
Located 50 kilometres from Lisbon, Ericeira was primarily a fishing village perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. It has stunning views up and down the coast and a number of popular beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores.
The Portuguese surf scene arguably emerged from this part of Portugal and surfing has become a significant feature of life in Ericeira. Surfers now come from around the world for the many surf breaks and to participate in international competitions. Surfing has been seamlessly integrated into the economic fabric of Ericeira with all year-round surf schools, surfing products and associated shops.
So how did a small town like Ericeira transition to become a destination for digital nomads?
It was a logical transition with lessons learnt from the surfing community that gradually grew with Ericeiras reputation as a big wave destination. Ericeira harnessed the ‘lifestyle vibe’ associated with the surfer community and made it amenable to spend extended periods of time in Ericeira and feel welcome.
The same has happened with digital nomads.
The steady growth of interest in remote working, meant more and more individuals began exploring the possibility of working in Ericeira. This was due to the exponential growth in digital nomads in Lisbon, Ericeiras proximity (to Lisbon), its natural beauty, and its small-town charms.
Mostly importantly, however, was the fact that Ericeira was already well placed to attract digital nomads. Ericeira responded to the initial trickle of new visitors with facilities, accommodation, and other support. While COVID inevitably had detrimental impacts, it ultimately highlighted the possibilities of remote working and Ericeira has taken advantage of this.
Ericeira has developed lots of co-working spaces and cafes where digital nomads can do their work including:
The Salt Studio Cowork Ericeira;
Mama’s Caffes Ericeira
Kelp Co-working Space Ericeira;
Amour Soul space;
The Base Co-work Space;
Sunago Coliving & Coworking House
There are a number of other facilities and support networks (formal and informal) in Ericeira.
If Ericeira can do it – what other small towns could also take advantage of digital nomads? The medium – longer term question is how could Ericeira or any small town turn digital nomads into a sustainable fabric of the local economy and add value to the community who live there?
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