Unlocking Madeira for Digital Nomads: Join Our Gang
If the natives of Lisbon, Portugal have something up their sleeves, the next big thing in remote work might just be a tiny archipelago, famously known as the "European Hawaii."
Gonçalo Hall, a remote work consultant, is helping set up a digital nomad community in a tiny village in the autonomous region of Madeira, Portugal, often translated as "small." In essence, it signifies a beginnings kind of situation.
"Now, as many people are leaving the big cities, we wanted to create a smaller village where people can establish deeper connections than in the city," Hall, 33, told Digital Nomads Madeira.
With support from the Regional Government of Madeira and Startup Madeira, the pilot project launches on February 1st in the picturesque village of Ponta do Sol with its red-tiled roofs, preparing to welcome up to 100 remote workers in co-working spaces and nearby rentals. There are also plans for expansion to other buildings within the village and on the island.
As with everything Covid-19 related, the situation is constantly evolving. On January 29th, Portugal, in response to the alarming rise of Covid-19 cases, extended its lockdown and closed its border with Spain. Citizens are allowed to stay out of the country for a maximum of 15 days.
The project plans are hinging on the current situation, with organizers monitoring developments closely: Will they build it, and if so, will remote workers come?
Find Your Freedom and Follow Your Passion
As of now, around 75 digital nomads have committed to working in this idyllic village with approximately 8,200 inhabitants, nestled in a lush valley along the southwest coast of the island Madeira, and with a sandy beach beyond.
Hall, currently residing on the island and having met with several digital nomads, said that around 40 people are expected to arrive on February 1st, representing countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, and others, including the Czech Republic.
Carlos Soares Lopes, CEO of StartupMadeira Enterprises, told us that the coworking space is located in the John Dos Passos Cultural Center, and that 40 different houses, as well as a hotel, are already available in Pulta do Sol. Accommodations are scheduled for remote workers. Additionally, the project's incubators support local businesses on the island.
Thousands of people from South Africa, the United States, and Nigeria have expressed interest through the website, said Hall. These individuals will then be added to the Slack community, where they will receive housing tips, find potential housemates, and stay updated on local Covid-19 restrictions, as well as other tips.
The American Jenn Parr, who lives with her husband in Porto on the Portuguese mainland (she can travel to Madeira since she is from an EU country), signed up as a resident of the Madeira Digital Nomad Village and arrived on the island on Sunday.
The 37-year-old mindfulness coach from Maryland said she's no "city slicker" and was drawn to the island's natural beauty, hiking, mild climate (winter temperatures hover around 60 °C), and the opportunity to connect with like-minded independent individuals. The prospect of collaborating with fellow workers was also an attractive draw.
"Coworking spaces appeal to me," she said. "It's inspiring to meet entrepreneurs or people who have found ways to create more freedom in their lives and follow their passions."
Pal and her husband interviewed potential housemates they met through Facebook and Slack groups and shared a three-bedroom apartment between Funchal (Madeira's capital) and Pulta do Sol, which costs 1,800 Euros (approximately 2,200 USD) per month.
Gabe Maruşca and Ralu Enea, a Romanian married couple, who have been working remotely from Madeira since September 2020, recently learned about the nomadic village and are considering joining to meet other remote workers.
Having visited places like Bali, Cyprus, Malta, and Spain, said Maruca, that the island, long popular with British sun-seekers, offers a "full service."
Maruca highlighted the perks of the island like proximity to mountains and the sea, friendly locals, and "lightning-fast" internet, along with the island's small size, better suited for finding a community and staying longer. The larger cities have been less inviting, she noted.
"We don't want to work in one place for a month and then move onto the next - that's just too exhausting," said the 36-year-old founder of Digital Finest, who shares a three-bedroom apartment with sea view in Funchal, Portugal, for 1,200 € per month with his wife, 31-year-old Ralu Enea.
A Small Town with Big Dreams
Hall, who assisted in launching the project in September 2020, came to the idea while on his first business trip to Madeira since his childhood.
"I knew the digital nomad community, but why don't people go there?", he wondered.
Lopes of StartupMadeira Enterprises said Ponta do Sol was chosen as a testbed for the project, with plans for expansion to other areas of the island.
The co-working space is almost complete and offers space for 22 tables and chairs in the interior (with some covered outdoor seating also available). Hall said that the coworking space will be used in shifts to maintain social distancing and Covid-19 regulations, with strong WI-FI, printers, and, most importantly, coffee machines.
During the first rollout phase, which runs from February 1st to June 30th, the use of the coworking space and community membership is free, provided the individual stays for at least one month. Community events, workshops on topics like cryptocurrencies, yoga courses, and hiking are now collective events for the community.
There are no plans to require membership fees in the future, said Lopez, adding that the project's goal is to prepare local communities for the development of new businesses in niche markets.
Coworking - But the Journey Begins First
EU and Schengen nationals can travel to Madeira; however, they are advised to check their national travel advisories and prepare accordingly for presenting negative Covid-19 PCR test results at the time of arrival.
Americans, especially those wishing to join the digital nomad village via means other than Slack, will need to wait, as not all necessary travel to Portugal and the EU is currently possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.
"While many countries currently have travel restrictions to Portugal, including the United States, Canada, and Brazil, we are welcoming the registration of citizens from these countries, as we assume they cannot travel to Madeira at this time, but they can still learn about our island and plan for the future," said Lopez.
Local support for the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents, businesses, and even lawyers showing interest in participating, according to Lopez. Rental properties for prospective workers are being lined up by the project organizers in and around the village.
Portuguese architect Luis Vilhena, who has lived on the island since 1989 (coming for a six-month job and never leaving), was surprised by the charm of the island.
"The landscapes here are breathtaking – there's nothing like it that I have ever seen before," Hall said about the archipelago of four islands (with only two inhabited) located in the North Atlantic near the Canary Islands. Morocco is larger than continental Europe.
"I thought, 'Why don't digital nomads go there?'," he added.
Lopes of StartupMadeira said that Ponta do Sol was chosen as a testbed for the project, with plans for expansion to other areas of the island.
The co-working space is almost complete and offers space for 22 tables and chairs in the interior (with some covered outdoor seating also available). Hall said that the coworking space will be used in shifts to maintain social distancing and Covid-19 regulations, with strong WI-FI, printers, and, most importantly, coffee machines. The hope is that digital nomads will begin to spread out before expanding to other locations, helping inject much-needed revenue into the local economy struggling with the impact of the epidemic that is placing an enormous burden on the livelihoods of local residents.
"Challenges," said Lopez, are related to the tourism industry.
During the first rollout phase, which runs from February 1st to June 30th, use of the co-working space and community membership is free, provided the individual stays for at least one month. Community events, workshops on topics like cryptocurrencies, yoga courses, and hiking are now collective events for the community.
There are no plans to require membership fees in the future, said Lopez, adding that the project's goal is to prepare local communities for the development of new businesses in niche markets.
Enrichment Data
The digital nomad community in Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal, is being set up through a comprehensive initiative by the Regional Government of Madeira, Startup Madeira, and Gonçalo Hall (digital nomad hub). The main goals of this initiative are to attract digital nomads to the island and boost the local social and economic impact. Here are the key aspects of the community establishment and the benefits it offers to remote workers:
Establishment of the Community
- Infrastructure: The initiative provides dedicated infrastructure for remote work, including:
- Free Working Space: A free co-working space in Ponta do Sol, equipped with fast internet and modern telecommunications infrastructure[1][4].
- List of Working Spaces: A list of available working spaces to cater to different needs and preferences[1].
- Local Accommodation: A list of local accommodation options, including affordable and comfortable living arrangements[1][4].
- Community Engagement: The community is actively engaged through various social and cultural events, such as:
- Exclusive Events: Exclusive social and cultural events tailored for digital nomads, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants[1].
- Local Hosts: Local hosts are available to provide support and guidance to digital nomads, helping them integrate into the local culture[1].
- Community Organization: The community is organized through various channels, including:
- Slack and WhatsApp Groups: Communication is facilitated through Slack and WhatsApp groups, where community leaders like Marelin and Luis organize weekly meetings, parties, workouts, trips, workshops, and volunteering activities[4].
- Facebook Group: A Facebook group where digital nomads can connect, share rides, and participate in group hikes and other activities[4].
Benefits to Remote Workers
- Year-Round Tourism: The initiative aims to create a year-round tourism economy, mitigating seasonal fluctuations traditionally associated with island destinations. This means that remote workers can enjoy a consistent and vibrant environment throughout the year[2].
- Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: Madeira offers stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an attractive destination for those who value both work and leisure amidst beautiful landscapes[4].
- Digital Nomad Visa: The availability of a Digital Nomad Visa smooths the path for longer stays, allowing remote workers to potentially establish Madeira as a more permanent base for their work[2][5].
- Cultural Enrichment: The initiative incorporates elements of local culture and cuisine, offering cooking classes and tours that enrich the experience for longer-term visitors[2].
- Community Support: The strong community of digital nomads in Ponta do Sol provides a supportive environment, with opportunities for socializing, networking, and engaging in various activities[4].
Overall, the digital nomad community in Ponta do Sol, Madeira, offers a unique blend of infrastructure, community engagement, and cultural enrichment, making it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a balanced lifestyle.
