The Canary Islands, a picturesque archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, have become a magnet for digital nomads and remote workers. With their year-round pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and affordable living costs, these islands offer an attractive alternative to the hustle and bustle of mainland Europe. But with seven unique islands to choose from, where should digital nomads and remote workers go? This blog post explores the best places in the Canary Islands for digital nomads focusing on the advantages each island offers and why Las Palmas de Gran Canaria stands out as the top choice.
Why the Canary Islands Are a Great Destination
The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, but their location just off the coast of Africa gives them a distinct cultural and geographical flavour. Known for their volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and stunning beaches, the Canary Islands offer a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. But beyond the obvious appeal of the islands' natural beauty, there are several practical reasons why digital nomads and remote workers flock here.
1. Lower Cost of Living
First and foremost, the cost of living in the Canary Islands is lower than in many parts of mainland Europe. Thanks to favourable import taxes and a lower VAT (IGIC) than the rest of Spain, everyday expenses are more affordable, making it easier for remote workers to stretch their budgets. Here’s a quick overview of typical costs:
- Pint of beer: 3 €
- A meal in a restaurant: 5-15 €
- Coffee: 1-2 €
- Cigarettes: 3 €
- Taxi: 2.95 € + 0.8 €/km
- 1-bedroom apartment: 600-1000 €/month
- Petrol: 1.2 €/litre
- Car rental: 20-40 €/day
In addition to affordable living costs, the Canary Islands boast an extensive public transport network, making it easy and cheap to get around.
2. The Canary Islands' Inviting Climate
One of the biggest draws of the Canary Islands is their exceptional climate. Often referred to as the "Islands of Eternal Spring," the Canary Islands enjoy mild temperatures year-round. The weather varies slightly from island to island, and even many micro-climates can be found on each of them, but in general, you can expect temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer.
This consistent climate is ideal for remote workers who want to escape the harsh winters of northern Europe or the scorching heat of southern Spain. Whether you're working from a beachside café or a coworking space, the pleasant weather ensures you can enjoy outdoor activities during your free time without worrying about extreme temperatures.
3. A Wealth of Activities for Digital Nomads
The Canary Islands are not just about work; they also offer a vibrant culture and a wide range of activities to enjoy during your downtime. Each island has its own unique charm, but all offer something special for digital nomads looking to immerse themselves in local culture and outdoor adventures.
Festivals and Cultural Events
The Canary Islands are rich in cultural heritage, and there are plenty of free festivals and events throughout the year where you can experience local traditions and international shows. For example:
- Carnival: Celebrated in all the islands around February and March, with the most famous ones in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Carnival is a vibrant festival featuring parades, music, and dancing.
- Fiesta Fundacionales de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Celebrating the founding of Las Palmas every June, this festival includes concerts, cultural events, and traditional Canarian activities.
- TEMUDAS Festival: Held in Las Palmas every July, this festival showcases theatre, music, and dance performances in various public spaces, making it accessible to everyone.
For those interested in learning more about Gran Canaria’s events, we’ve detailed several others in our blog post titled 12 Events in Gran Canaria We Recommend at Sky Coworking Las Palmas.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Canary Islands will not disappoint. The archipelago is a paradise for water sports, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You can try your hand at surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing on the famous beaches of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, or go hiking in the lush forests of La Gomera and La Palma.
For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the islands offer numerous coastal walks, whale-watching excursions, and stargazing opportunities, especially in La Palma, which is known for its clear skies.
4. High-Speed Internet and Connectivity
Reliable internet is crucial for digital nomads, and the Canary Islands have got you covered. Most urban areas and tourist zones are equipped with high-speed internet, making it easy to work from virtually anywhere on the islands. Coworking spaces, cafés, and even some beach bars offer Wi-Fi, ensuring you can stay connected whether you’re on a conference call or uploading your latest project.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in particular, has a well-established infrastructure for remote work, with numerous coworking spaces that cater to a community of digital nomads and remote workers that's probably the biggest on the Canary Islands. We have collected the List of Coworking Spaces in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in our previous blog post.
5. Favourable Time Zone
The Canary Islands operate on Western European Time (WET), the same as the UK and Portugal, making it an ideal location for remote workers who need to coordinate with clients or colleagues in Europe. The time zone allows for a good overlap with working hours in both Europe and the Americas, making it easier to manage cross-continental projects without the need for late-night or early-morning calls.
6. Thriving Digital Nomad Community
A key factor in choosing a remote work destination is the presence of a like-minded community. The Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, have developed thriving digital nomad communities. These islands host a growing number of coworking spaces, networking events, and meetups, making it easy to connect with other remote workers and expats.
We have shared everything about how to Find the Remote Working Community in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in our previous blog post.
Which Canary Island to choose?
Having lived in both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and after visiting all the islands, we’ve gained a unique perspective on what each island has to offer. Here’s our breakdown:
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote
If you prefer a quiet and calm getaway, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote might be your ideal choice. These islands are less crowded with tourists and expats, allowing you to focus on your work and hobbies, especially water sports like surfing. The beaches here are some of the best in the Canary Islands, and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.
La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro
For an even more remote experience, consider exploring the western islands of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. These islands boast breathtaking natural beauty and are perfect for hiking and exploring. However, they might feel a bit isolated for longer stays, and you could find yourself running out of things to do after a few weeks. These islands are ideal for short getaways from your base on a larger island.
Tenerife
While Tenerife is popular among tourists, it may not be the best choice for long-term digital nomads. The southern part of the island, where the climate is most favourable year-round, is dominated by tourist resorts and has a relatively small remote working community. It’s great for a short stay if you don’t mind the lack of a digital nomad community or cultural experiences. The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has a larger community, but the weather is cloudy during the first half of the year, and the city lacks a beach that you could reach easily from the centre.
Gran Canaria
All things considered, our top recommendation for digital nomads is Gran Canaria, and more specifically, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Southern Gran Canaria: If your main priority is guaranteed sunshine and warm weather all year round, the southern part of Gran Canaria is a fantastic choice. The region is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and excellent nightlife. However, it’s also a major holiday resort area, filled with tourists and offering a smaller remote work community. The cultural offerings are somewhat limited, focusing more on entertainment for holidaymakers.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: This city is the crown jewel for digital nomads in the Canary Islands. It has the largest expat and remote worker community, making it easy to find like-minded individuals and networking opportunities. Las Palmas boasts a world-renowned urban beach, Playa de Las Canteras, where you can surf, swim, or simply relax after a day of work. The climate is agreeable year-round, but if beach weather is your priority, the best time to visit is between August and December. Even outside of these months, the temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F), though it can be cloudy at times. But if the clouds roll in, the always sunny beaches of the south are just a 30-minute drive or a 7-euro public bus ride away.
Las Palmas offers a rich cultural life, with numerous festivals, events, and a diverse culinary scene, including three Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether you’re into local Canarian cuisine or international flavours, Las Palmas has something for every palate. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Coworking Spaces in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is home to a variety of coworking spaces, each with its own vibe and community. We have written a comprehensive blog post about the List of Coworking Spaces in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and we highly recommend checking it out. However, let us mention here why we think Sky Coworking stands out among them.
Why Sky Coworking is Different
Sky Coworking is a rooftop coworking space in the new centre of Las Palmas, near Las Canteras Beach and Santa Catalina Park, offering a unique vibe where you can work and socialise with the sky always in sight. It's perfect for digital nomads and freelancers looking for a well-equipped, modern, and comfortable workspace. Sky Coworking is one of the few coworking offices in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where you can step out on a terrace directly by your workstation.
Key Features:
- A rooftop terrace with a barbecue
- High quality office chairs and electric standing desks
- Free screens and high-speed internet
- Meeting room, phone booth and a fully equipped kitchen
- Unlimited coffee (hot and cold brew with steamed milk)
- Sound system, microphone and a 65-inch TV for presentations
- Regular networking events and workshops
Sky Coworking is more than just a workspace in Las Palmas; it’s a place where digital nomads and remote workers can thrive. If we’ve captured your imagination and you’re interested in seeing what we offer, book a tour that includes coffee and/or tea. After your 30-minute tour, you can stay the rest of the day for free!
In summary, while the Canary Islands offer a variety of experiences for digital nomads and remote workers, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria stands out as the best overall choice. Its combination of a large remote working community, great climate, urban beach, vibrant cultural life, and excellent coworking spaces makes it the ideal destination for those looking to balance work and leisure. Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning a longer-term relocation, Las Palmas offers everything you need to live a fulfilling and productive digital nomad lifestyle.
So, if you’re considering a move to the Canary Islands, make Las Palmas de Gran Canaria your top choice. It’s a decision you won’t regret!