🍩 Pastel Portugal

Where sun-kissed beaches meet ancient charm and culinary delights awaken the senses.

Explore the land of sea-farers by savoring fresh seafood by the ocean, while losing yourself in the soulful melodies of live Fado music in the Lisbon night. Don’t forget to take in the city’s colorfully vibrant azulejo tiles that decorate the buildings throughout the city.

If that’s not enough, discover the magic of the historic city of Porto—a city that is purportedly older than Rome—while tasting renowned Vinho Verde wine from the Douro Valley.

🍽️ My Experience: From Pastel de Nata to Porto

Lisbon is one of those cities that seems to glow—like you tweaked the filter settings for your photo—it radiates yellow warmth.

You might spend too much time getting caught up in the sights in the old side of town in the Alfama district—but that’s not to stop you from exploring the rest of the city or planning. I’d even sneak in a Fado performance (I enjoyed O Corrido – Casa de Fado).

Just know that if you’re remote working, Portugal’s beauty will make it hard for you. If you want to hunker down and do productive work—then I’d choose Porto. Otherwise between Lisbon, Estoril, and the Azores, let alone the Algarve—you will spend more time outside without your laptop than you would back in the States dragging it along pretending you’re going to work.

My tip? Use Porto as your base, then train to Lisbon or south to Algarve. And yes—I still think about that custard tart I had in Porto.

🧳 Quick Nomad Intel

🌊 Coastal Calm vs. City Pulse

• Lisbon: Capital of cool and color. Beautiful energy that creates its own vibe. You can just get lost looking at the many tiles—and even find your favorite street.
• Azores: I hate to put this one here. This one is a secret gem. Plan to stay for a while and when it’s time to go your heart will begin to ache.
• Porto: Gritty, wine, and ruggedness. I definitely recommend visiting the main brewery—Super Bock.
• Lagos & Algarve: Cliffside beaches, crystal water, and surf vibes.
• Ericeira: Surf-town meets slow-living. Under-the-radar gem for long-term nomads.

🍻 What I Loved Most

“Hearing the crunch of the gravel under my Hokas, I peeked over the ledge—Sete Cidades crater in all its glory. No wonder why people love the Azores.”

Portugal is one of those countries—like Mauritius—that punches above its weight.

It’s not just the affordability that makes it easy for a digital nomad to post up. It’s the way the people bring you into their home—literally. That’s what happened in Porto.

From the warmth of the people to hearing the waves crash to the fresh food—it’s just hard not to relive those moments.

And yes, that Vinho Verde is that good.

✅ TL;DR: Is Portugal Worth It for Remote Work?

Triple yes. From the mainland to its scenic islands. The cost of experiencing a coastal life—right on the beach—is made easier with affordable living, friendly faces, and a welcoming culture.