There’s something magical about working from an island. Maybe it’s the sea breeze drifting through your window as you type, or the fact that every lunch break can turn into a quick swim. For me, the idea of island coliving has always been about more than just a beautiful location — it’s about lifestyle. Having spent time in the Azores and visited Madeira and Tenerife, I’ve seen firsthand how these remote yet connected places are becoming havens for digital nomads like me.
Why Islands Feel Different
Coming from Germany, I’ve learned to really value warmth — in both the weather and the people. After too many grey winters, the thought of living somewhere where you can walk to the ocean after work feels like a small luxury. The rhythm of island life slows you down in the best possible way. You still work hard, but you also notice the sunsets, the sea salt on your skin, and the laughter over shared dinners.
That’s exactly what drew me to Novovento Coliving in the Azores, and what now makes me curious about other island colivings around Europe.
My Stay at Novovento in the Azores
When I arrived at Novovento Coliving
, I didn’t quite know what to expect. São Miguel Island isn’t your typical digital nomad hub — it’s wild, green, and full of dramatic cliffs and hot springs. But that’s what makes it so special.
The coliving itself feels like a home away from home: light-filled rooms, a coworking space that looks out over lush hills, and a sense of community that happens naturally. We cooked dinners together, went surfing after work, and even spent weekends exploring volcanic lakes. What I loved most was how grounded it felt — not a flashy nomad retreat, but a real place where people come to live, work, and connect.
If you’re looking for somewhere remote yet surprisingly connected (yes, the Wi-Fi was great), Novovento might be the perfect place to start your own island work adventure.
The Lure of Madeira: Europe’s Nomad Island
Not too far from the Azores lies Madeira — another Portuguese gem that’s become a digital nomad hotspot. I spent a few weeks there, and even though I didn’t stay at a coliving, I could immediately sense the energy of the community. The island’s landscapes are breathtaking — steep cliffs, tropical gardens, and warm weather all year round.
HomeOffice Madeira
seems to capture that mix of productivity and paradise perfectly. It’s a cozy coliving space designed for remote workers who want to balance deep work with ocean views. They offer dedicated coworking areas, regular community events, and easy access to hiking trails and the sea. From what I’ve heard from fellow nomads, it’s one of those places where you arrive for a month and end up staying for three.
Tenerife and the Zen Den Experience
Tenerife has long been on my radar as one of Europe’s most reliable island escapes. With endless sunshine, strong internet, and a thriving nomad scene, it’s not surprising that colivings are popping up across the island.
One that really caught my attention is Zen Den Coliving
. True to its name, it looks like a place where you can find calm amidst the buzz of remote work life. The focus here is on mindfulness and balance — yoga sessions, communal meals, and a tranquil environment that encourages you to slow down. It’s the kind of coliving I imagine going to when I want to recharge and reset, without giving up the social energy that makes island living so special.
Rural Charm in Sardinia: Treballu Coliving
While I haven’t been to Sardinia yet, I’ve spent far too much time daydreaming about it. Something about the island’s mix of rugged coastlines, old villages, and Italian food makes it irresistible.
Treballu Rural Coliving
looks like the perfect base for nomads who want a more grounded, nature-focused experience. Located in a small village in central Sardinia, it combines a cozy coworking space with the charm of rural life. From what I’ve read, they often host dinners with local food, and the community seems tight-knit and creative. It’s less about nightlife and more about slow mornings, fresh air, and meaningful connections — exactly what many of us crave after years of city living.
Evolve Coliving: The Maltese Mix
Finally, there’s Malta — a Mediterranean island nation that blends history, culture, and sunshine in equal measure. I haven’t made it there yet, but every time I see photos of Valletta’s golden stone streets, I can easily imagine setting up my laptop in a sunlit courtyard.
Evolve Coliving & Coworking
seems to capture the island’s spirit beautifully. It’s a community-driven space where digital nomads from all over the world come together to work, collaborate, and explore. They organize workshops, social dinners, and even diving trips. From what I’ve heard, it’s one of those places where you instantly feel part of something bigger — a reminder that remote work doesn’t have to be lonely.
Why Island Colivings Just Make Sense
Island colivings bring together everything I love about the digital nomad lifestyle: connection, creativity, and freedom. There’s something deeply fulfilling about waking up to the sound of waves, finishing your tasks early, and heading out to explore hidden beaches or mountain trails. It’s not about escaping work — it’s about integrating it into a life that feels meaningful.
For now, the strongest infrastructure seems to be on the western islands — Portugal’s Azores and Madeira, and Spain’s Canary Islands. But I can easily imagine this movement expanding to the Greek islands, Cyprus, and beyond. There’s a growing desire for spaces that combine nature, community, and purpose — and islands seem to do that effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, staying at Novovento in the Azores reminded me why I became a digital nomad in the first place. The balance of productivity and peace, the sense of belonging, the simple joy of ending the day with a sunset swim — it’s hard to beat.
If you’re dreaming about your next remote work destination, I can only recommend exploring Europe’s island colivings. Whether it’s the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, the tropical charm of Madeira, or the Mediterranean glow of Malta, there’s an island out there that might just feel like home.
Find your next island coliving at FindYourCoLiving.com
— and maybe I’ll see you there someday.