Coliving in Spain: How It’s Shaping the Future of Work and Travel

13h September, 2024

As the work and travel world continues to evolve, coliving in Spain is gaining massive popularity, especially among digital nomads and remote workers. This growing trend is revolutionising how people balance work and life, making Spain one of the top destinations for those seeking a seamless fusion of both. From the sunny beaches of the Canary Islands to the cultural heart of cities like Barcelona and Madrid, coliving spaces in Spain offer more than just accommodation—they create a community for like-minded individuals seeking productivity and adventure.

Whether you’re looking for a break from the traditional 9-to-5 or planning a long-term workation, Spain’s coliving scene offers the ideal setting to integrate work, travel, and lifestyle.

Coworking Space in Cactus La Gomera

Why Spain Is Perfect for Coliving and Working Remotely

Spain has long been a top travel destination for its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic weather. But it’s not just a place to vacation anymore. Over the past few years, it has become a hub for digital nomads and remote workers who want to combine work with travel. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid provide strong infrastructure, including reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a lively community of remote workers.

For those who prefer quieter and more laid-back environments, islands like Tenerife and La Gomera offer excellent coliving options. Tenerife, in particular, is one of the best destinations for digital nomads, boasting plenty of coworking spaces . If you're curious about how to make the most of your time on the island, check out our guide on the best coliving spaces for digital nomads in Spain in 2024. These resources can help you get settled quickly and easily.

The Spanish government has also been supportive, introducing digital nomad visas that make it easier for foreign workers to live and work in Spain legally for extended periods . Combine this with the country's affordable cost of living, and it's easy to see why Spain is a top choice for remote workers.

Rooms in Cactus La Gomera

Top Coliving Destinations in Spain

Spain offers diverse coliving locations that suit a variety of preferences, from city lovers to nature enthusiasts.

1. Canary Islands 

The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Gomera, are increasingly popular among coliving communities. Tenerife stands out due to its strong digital nomad infrastructure and beautiful landscapes. The island’s coworking spaces, like those at Cactus Coliving, make it easy to stay productive while enjoying the sunny beaches.

If you're planning to visit during the colder months, check out our blog on Top 5 Things to Do in Tenerife in Winter to maximise your experience. Coliving in Tenerife offers a chance to work in a relaxed environment while having endless opportunities for exploration, such as visiting La Gomera's stunning beaches or discovering local festivals in May.

Festival in Tenerife

2. Barcelona 

As one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, Barcelona has established itself as a major hub for remote workers. The city is famous for its architecture, beaches, and lively cultural scene, but it’s also a place where you can work effectively, thanks to numerous coworking spaces and reliable internet. The digital nomad community here is thriving, making it easy to network and meet like-minded people.

Barcelona (Source: spain.info)

3. Madrid 

Although Madrid may not have beaches like Tenerife, it offers its own charm. With a dynamic city life, rich cultural heritage, and a growing coliving scene, Madrid is ideal for those who want to mix work with the energetic buzz of a capital city. You'll find countless coworking spots, and the proximity to cultural sites makes it a great destination to explore after a productive workday.

Madrid (Source: spain.info)

Coliving’s Role in Sustainable Living and Travel

The concept of coliving goes hand in hand with sustainability. By sharing spaces and resources, coliving helps reduce the carbon footprint of travellers and workers. Many coliving spaces in Spain are designed with sustainability in mind, focusing on eco-friendly practices, like energy conservation and waste reduction. This aligns perfectly with the growing interest in sustainable travel.

For digital nomads who care about making their trips more eco-conscious, our blog on Sustainable Living Examples offers practical tips for reducing your environmental impact while travelling and working remotely. Whether it's through reducing plastic use or supporting local communities, coliving makes it easier to adopt green practices.

Spain’s coliving spaces often feature eco-friendly designs that use renewable energy and promote responsible water usage, making them ideal for travellers committed to sustainable living.

Solar Panels at Cactus Coliving

The Social Benefits of Coliving

One of the biggest advantages of coliving is the sense of community it offers. Many people who work remotely experience loneliness or isolation, but coliving spaces are designed to bring people together. Shared spaces, regular events, and a focus on community interaction make it easier to form meaningful relationships.

Coliving also fosters collaboration and innovation. Being surrounded by other professionals from various industries can spark creativity and provide new business opportunities. Many digital nomads find themselves growing personally and professionally through these connections. If you want to read some real-life examples, check out our blog Coliving Stories: Digital Nomads at Cactus, where colivers share their experiences about living and working in a coliving community.

Finding the Right Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and travel is no easy feat, but coliving spaces in Spain make it easier to create a healthy balance between productivity and relaxation. These spaces are designed to help digital nomads and remote workers maintain a work-life balance that enhances their overall well-being. If you’re still figuring out how to achieve this, consider our blog on Workation: Balancing Work and Vacation for tips on maintaining productivity while enjoying your travels.

Spain’s beautiful landscapes and slower pace of life are a perfect antidote to the stress that often accompanies remote work. Whether you’re hiking in the Canary Islands or exploring the art museums of Madrid, Spain offers countless ways to unwind after a long workday.

Renovated Garden in Cactus La Gomera

Why Coliving in Spain Is the Future of Work and Travel

The rise of remote work has allowed more people to travel while staying employed, and coliving spaces are at the forefront of this movement. By offering an environment where people can work efficiently and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, coliving in Spain represents the future of work and travel. With digital infrastructure improving and governments becoming more supportive of remote work, it's clear that this trend will only grow stronger in the coming years.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re ready to make the leap into coliving, Spain is an ideal destination to start. From its cities to its islands, Spain has something for everyone looking to mix work and travel. Don't forget to explore other resources, like Coworking in Tenerife, which will provide even more insight into optimising your work-life experience in Spain.

Cactus Colivers Kayaking

FAQs:

Is Spain a good place for digital nomads?

Yes, Spain is a top destination for digital nomads due to its excellent infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and beautiful locations like Tenerife, Barcelona, and Madrid.

What are the best coliving locations in Spain?

Tenerife and Barcelona are among the best destinations for coliving in Spain. Both offer strong digital nomad communities and numerous coworking spaces.

How does coliving help with sustainability?

Coliving reduces the environmental impact of travel by encouraging shared spaces and resources and promoting eco-friendly practices like energy conservation.

What are the benefits of coliving?

Coliving fosters a sense of community, reduces isolation, and provides opportunities for collaboration and networking. It also helps travellers maintain a better work-life balance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading! Stay updated by following us on social media for a weekly dose of fantastic content! 

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok

María Mayordomo
Founder of Cactus Coliving. In love with the Nature of the Canary Islands.

Other blog articles

Where would you like to book ?

Unlock our best rates: **Save 10% on 2 weeks stays** | **Save 30% on 30+ day stays**  | **Save 35% on 60+ day stays**! Shared room from €682/month and private room from €1.053/month for 2+ months