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Remote working in the Costa Del Sol

[Disclaimer: this article was originally posted to LinkedIn part of a paid campaign in December 2023]

The Costa Del Sol in the south of Spain is best known for its beautiful beaches, sweeping mountains and bustling cities. It’s a popular destination for holidaymakers and long weekend getaways, but now it’s also becoming a popular option for digital nomads and remote workers.

At the end of November, I was kindly invited by the #CostaDelSol team to discover just a few of the reasons why this region is fast becoming a new favourite for remote lifers and why it could be your next destination also.

Home is where my laptop is: so what makes Costa del Sol stand out?

Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, the #CostaDelSol region boasts 320 days of sunshine a year. So straight off the bat, the weather alone makes it a great all-year round option for those who prefer a warmer (and drier) destination.

But also, for me, the Costa Del Sol is a feeling. For context, I lived in the region when I was a child for a few years, and it felt like coming home again during our trip. The breeze fresh off the mountain and sea, the smell of delicious dishes wafting through the air and the general feeling of joy and bustling community. These are just a couple of the ways I would begin to describe how it feels to live in the #CostaDelSol.

And as a digital nomad, I would now think also take into account the:

  • Growing remote work community: there are many initiatives, events and groups to join both online and in-person as more remote lifers take to the region. We were invited to a meet up at a cowork space where we got to know a plethora of people. From remote workers with full-time positions to entrepreneurs and freelancers, there was a variety of people to connect with. And with more businesses choosing the region as a base, I’m certain the communities will only increase.

  • Growing interest in the region for businesses: more and more entities are beginning to choose the Costa Del Sol region as a base. From products, to cafes to cowork spaces, there is becoming an increasing offering to suit many different ways of remote working and living.

  • Quality work-life balance: the Costa del Sol offers a high quality of life from choices of accommodation to food to entertainment at reasonably prices. The mellow vibes of the Costa del Sol lends itself to a stress-free lifestyle. I loved the idea of being able to harmonise work demands there with spending time at the beach or outdoor activities or tapas nights.

And what about the benefits of digital nomad tourism for Costa del Sol?

There are a few reasons for why digital nomad tourism could be beneficial to the region, but the one thing that stands out is sustainable tourism. Remote work inherently encourages a more sustainable, longer term approach to travel. Planning for longer stays, prioritising local experiences, and an interest in contributing to the local community and economy, digital nomads have the potential to generate more engagement and growth throughout the year. Slow travelling through different towns and villages, taking in more of the area - particularly exploring the lesser visited towns of Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol and taking in the language.

A morning on Nerja Beach

Memories from the trip (Camino Del Rey, Nerja Beach, Ronda, Málaga)

On the windy Camino Del Rey