Imagine working from a cozy café in a sleepy ski resort town, or a serene beach with crystal-clear waters. Europe has countless hidden gems for remote work. Escape the usual touristic cities and find inspiration in unexpected places. Let’s speak about great alternative destinations for digital nomads in Europe.
Spain
Vilanova i la Geltru
Located about 40 km south of Barcelona along the stunning Catalonian coast, Vilanova i la Geltrú is fantastic value for money for those fed up with Barcelona.
With a population of 66,000, the town is brimming with local culture and history, and a look reminiscent of La Havana in Cuba.
The Wi-Fi is surprisingly robust, and the local community is incredibly welcoming. Plus, it’s just a short train ride from Barcelona, so you can easily indulge in the city’s vibrant life without the high cost of living.
Vilanova i la Geltrú offers the perfect balance between the convenience of being close to Barcelona and the absence of crappy tourists and high costs.
The nearest airport is Barcelona, and it takes less than an hour to get there.
Girona
Located about 100 km northeast of Barcelona in the heart of Catalonia, Girona is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Catalan experience away from the tourist crowds.
With a population of around 100,000, the city is rich in history (particularly Jewish history) and culture, boasting a well-preserved medieval old town with its iconic colorful houses along the Onyar River, reminiscent of Florence, Italy.
The Wi-Fi infrastructure is excellent throughout the city, and the local community is known for its warm hospitality. Plus, it’s just a quick train ride from Barcelona, allowing you to enjoy the bigger city’s attractions without the constant hustle and bustle. You’ll be able to reach fabulous beaches within less than an hour.
Girona offers an ideal blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, providing a more relaxed and affordable alternative to Barcelona while maintaining easy access to it.
The nearest major airport is Girona-Costa Brava, located just 12 km away, making it highly convenient for international travelers. Barcelona’s airport is also easily accessible, about an hour and a half away by car or train.
Bulgaria
Bansko
If you’re looking for an affordable yet outdoorsy place to work remotely, Bansko (population 18,000) is probably your best bet.
Best known as a winter ski resort, Bansko transforms into a tranquil haven during the off-season, offering stunning mountain views and crisp, clean air.
The cost of living is still pretty low, making it perfect for digital nomads looking for locations in Europe.
The town boasts several co-working spaces equipped with high-speed internet, and the local café scene is improving year by year. Currently, the best specialty coffee shop is Black Honey.
Bankso is surrounded by national parks. South of Bansko you’ll find the Pirin National Park, with the highest point of Vihren (2914 meters). North of Bansko, you can find the Rila Monastery National Park, with the highest mountain being the Musala (2925 meters), the highest in Bulgaria, and the second in the Balkans.
The easiest way to reach Bansko is from Sofia, and it takes about 2 hours by car.
Poland
Tarnow
Tarnów (population 108,000) is a charming and lesser-known town that’s perfect for remote work near Krakow. Imagine cobblestone streets, colorful Renaissance buildings, and a relaxed vibe.
Tarnów is rich in history, with numerous museums and historical sites to explore during your breaks. The town’s main square is a hub of activity, with quaint cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Polish cuisine.
The cost of living here is a fraction of what you’d spend in more tourist-heavy cities such as Krakow or Warsaw, yet the quality of life is superb.
The internet is fast and reliable, and the location is ideal for digital nomads seeking a small city vibe near big airports.
The best cafe in town is Sofa, just a couple minutes away from the Rynek.
It’s very easy to reach Tarnow, the closest airports are Krakow, Rzeszow, and Lublin.
Croatia
Rijeka
Now, if you haven’t heard of Rijeka (population 108,000), you’re in for a treat. This Croatian coastal city is a great choice for those looking for a laid-back location on the Adriatic coast.
Rijeka has a fantastic mix of history and modernity. You’ll find Roman ruins right next to hipster cafés and trendy bars. The local cuisine is varied, blending Balkan, Mediterranian, and Austrian influences. Luckily you’ll find great local wines here as well.
For remote work, Rijeka has a growing number of co-working spaces and a growing digital nomad community. The cost of living is quite reasonable, especially compared to Western Europe. Plus, you’re just a short ferry ride away from some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
One of the best remote locations in Croatia!
Czechia
Brno
Let’s now talk about Brno (population 379,000), a hidden gem for remote work in the heart of the Czech Republic.
Brno, the historical capital of the Czech Moravia region, blends some post-communist elements with the most vibrant of the Czech specialty coffee scenes outside Prague.
The tech scene here is booming, thanks in part to the Czech travel unicorn Kiwi, with a plethora of co-working spaces and start-up-focused meetups.
In Brno, you get a high-quality European lifestyle without the hefty price tag of cities like Prague or Vienna.
And when you need a break? Explore the lush Moravian countryside or take a weekend trip to nearby Vienna or Bratislava. Brno is the perfect blend of work and play, without the tourist crowds.
The closest airports are Brno, Bratislava, and Vienna.
Slovenia
Ljubljana
Ljubljana (population 279,000) is perfect for anyone looking to work remotely from a city that offers the comforts of a European capital and the advantages of a small city.
The Slovenian capital has a marked green vibe, what’s really magical about Ljubljana is its proximity to nature. In less than an hour, you can be hiking in the Alps, swimming in Lake Bled, or exploring underground caves.
The café culture here is phenomenal. You can hop from one cozy spot to another, each offering fantastic coffee and fast Wi-Fi. There are also plenty of co-working spaces that cater specifically to digital nomads, complete with networking events and community support. The people in Ljubljana are friendly and most speak excellent English, so it’s easy to settle in and make connections.
So, Ljubljana is an ideal base for combining work with adventure. The cost of living is moderate, and the quality of life is high. What else do you need?
The easiest way to fly into Ljubljana is Ljubljana airport, Venice, Zagreb, Trieste, and Klagenfurt.
What now?
Other incredible places to work from include Kutaisi, Yerevan, or Salamanca.
