Two surf towns. One laptop. Which one fits your remote-work lifestyle?
Portugal’s coastline has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote workers. Fast internet, a mild climate, great food, and world-class surf have helped attract freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads from around the world.
When people look beyond Lisbon, two coastal towns often come up: Ericeira and Nazaré. Both offer ocean views, surfing, and a relaxed lifestyle – but the remote-work experience can be very different. Here’s an honest comparison.
Ericeira
Ericeira is one of Europe’s most established surf destinations and the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe. The town has built a strong international community and has become a popular base for digital nomads over the past few years.
What people love about Ericeira
Several coworking spaces now operate in town, including dedicated spaces such as Kelp Coworking and Coastal Collective.
The reality
Popularity comes with trade-offs. Accommodation prices have increased significantly in recent years, especially during surf season. Finding a quiet apartment or workspace can be more challenging, and the town often feels busy during peak months.
If you are looking for an active social scene and easy access to Lisbon, Ericeira remains one of Portugal’s best choices.
Nazaré
Most people know Nazaré for one thing: the biggest waves on Earth. What fewer people realise is that Nazaré has quietly become one of the most attractive places on Portugal’s Silver Coast for remote workers who want a balance between productivity and lifestyle.
What people love about Nazaré
At the heart of the local remote-work community is Nazaré Coworking, a dedicated workspace designed for freelancers, founders, remote employees, and digital nomads.
Designed for getting work done
Unlike working from cafés, coworking gives you:
You can start with a day pass from €10, making it an easy option whether you are visiting for a few days or staying for several months.
The reality
Nazaré is quieter. If you are looking for Lisbon-style nightlife or a large digital nomad scene every night of the week, Ericeira will likely suit you better.
But if your priority is focused work, affordable living, and being close to the ocean, Nazaré offers a different kind of advantage.
Nazaré vs Ericeira for remote workers.
A direct comparison across the things that actually matter when you are choosing a base on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
| Feature | Nazaré | Ericeira |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated coworking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Private offices | ✓ Available | ~ Limited |
| Meeting rooms | ✓ Yes | ~ Varies by space |
| Beach access | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent |
| Surf culture | ✓ Big Wave Capital | ✓ World Surfing Reserve |
| Digital nomad community | ✓ Growing | ✓ Established |
| Distance from Lisbon | 1h 30m – 1h 45m | 45 min |
| Cost of living | Lower | Higher |
| Crowds | Lower | Higher |
| Long-term stays | Excellent | Good |
Which town should you choose?
Both towns work – it really comes down to what you want from your time on Portugal’s coast.
Choose Ericeira if
- You want to be close to Lisbon
- You enjoy a busy social scene
- You want a larger international community
- Surfing is your primary focus
Choose Nazaré if
- You need a reliable workspace
- You value quieter surroundings
- You want lower living costs
- You are staying for several weeks or months
- You prefer productivity during the day and the beach after work
Working from Nazaré.
At Nazaré Coworking, we built the space we wished existed when we started working remotely ourselves.
A place with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable desks, private offices, meeting rooms, good coffee, and a friendly community of people building businesses, freelancing, creating, and working remotely.
Whether you are spending a week on Portugal’s Silver Coast or looking for a longer-term base, we would love to welcome you.
Coworking passes
Ready to work by the beach?
Book your desk at Nazaré Coworking today – and see what focused remote work feels like on Portugal’s Silver Coast.