When the internet became a thing, there were a few predictions that we might all turn into hermits. With everything and anything available at our fingertips, it was a real concern that we might just not want to go outside anymore!
Thankfully, this hasn’t happened. In fact, if anything, the internet has inspired us to see more of the world than ever before, and this is especially true for digital nomads.
In 2023, a person can earn a living from working online and – because they are not fixed to a single business location – have the ability to travel while they are doing it. This travelling can be on a small scale, such as working in a different coffee shop every day, or on a large scale, such as crossing borders and travelling overseas.
One of the places that has become a digital nomad hotspot over the last few years is our beloved Tenerife. The Canary Islands, specifically, boasts some of the best broadband networks in all of Europe, ensuring that digital nomads can work comfortably while staying in a subtropical paradise.
So why exactly has it become such a ‘hotspot’, and if you’re a digital nomad, why should it be your next go-to location? Here are 3 of the top reasons.
All-Round Access
For people who work remotely, a fast and reliable internet connection is absolutely critical. As mentioned previously, the Canary Islands has excellent connection capabilities, with optical fiber speeds of up to 600MB.
In light of this, it’s also worth mentioning that digital nomads don’t just work hard – they play hard, too. With more games, both console and iGaming-related, needing ultra-strong internet access – ahem, we’re looking at you, Sony Playstation Portal – Tenerife provides that action to ensure you can let your hair down at the end of a long day.
Playing an AAA game like Assassin’s Creed: Mirage while lazing away on the beach? No problem. Getting involved in some casino action with live real-time croupiers before your first morning coffee? No sweat. Tenerife can seamlessly deliver the whole digital experience.
Digital Nomad Visa
Tenerife has long been a popular tourist destination, but only recently has it been considered a digital nomad hotspot, and this is largely due to the action taken by the Spanish government earlier in the year.
At the beginning of 2023, Spain launched the much-anticipated digital nomad visa, allowing digital nomads from several foreign countries to actually live and work in Tenerife for up to one year. To become a successful applicant, all you need is an income of $2,313 per month.
This has become an incredibly popular option for nomads in Europe, especially with the current cost-of-living crisis. Flights to Tenerife are also on the cheap side, being only four to five hours away from most major European cities. To give an example, roundtrip tickets typically cost around $41, $54 from Germany, and $44 from London. Visiting other locations is also perfectly doable on a budget, with islands such as La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria only a short boat ride away from the island of Tenerife.
Tenerife is one of the cheapest islands off the coast of Spain, making it possible to enjoy a good quality of life for less than $2,000 per month. If you earn more than that, you can even stay in a luxurious apartment, go out to restaurants regularly, and go on a few shopping splurges every now and then. Oh, also, if you live in one of the colder countries in Europe, you don’t have to worry about those monstrous heating bills!
Community And Beauty
The very simple reason why Tenerife is such a hotspot for digital nomads is because it’s beautiful. Whether you’re staying in La Orotava, Garachico, or Masca, there is so much to see and so much to do.
One of the most popular is Volcan El Teide, an incredible volcano that is set in an almost alien landscape of lava flows and bizarre structures. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, there’s also Siam Park, which has multiple water slides and rides to test your nerves. One of the most popular is the “Tower of Power”, which offers a 60ft plunge into a chute through a shark tank. Sounds fun, right?
What’s more, while enjoying everything Tenerife has to offer, you will feel a strong sense of togetherness. Tenerife has a growing digital nomad community, with multiple coworking spots across the island that host regular events and meet-ups.
If your first language is English, there are also several expat communities, including Benahavis, Marbella, and San Fulgencio, each of which have English-speaking communities so you don’t feel too far away from home. If, however, you’re travelling to Tenerife to really mix into a new lifestyle, the Spanish community is incredibly friendly and open to people willing to learn the language.