The Canary Islands: Every digital nomad’s dream

Are you a digital nomad searching for your next stop or a potential remote worker wishing to work from anywhere in the world? The Canary Islands have put out the welcome mat already inviting you in!

Explore one of the top digital nomad destinations, find the best Canary Islands for remote work below and book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.

The magnificent Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife

Which are the best Canary Islands for digital nomads?

The most popular Canaries for remote work are Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. They all hit the spot for perpetual working travelers as they are the archipelago’s three largest islands meeting all the requirements for a digital nomad paradise.

Paradise, a strong word to use, right? With high-speed internet, great infrastructure, multiple nomad hubs, eternal spring weather all year round and captivating nature, no word is more fitting than paradise! Plus, all islands are part of the European Union and the cost of living is quite affordable.

If you have already convinced yourself that a workation in the Canary Islands is what you're looking for, read on to find out which of them best suits your needs.

Find your remote work paradise in Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the top remote-work destinations in the Canary Islands and one of the most popular Spanish islands in general. As it is the largest of the island group, digital nomad hubs spread throughout the island from the capital located in the north to the southern coast. 

We know that a digital nomad’s life is not always smooth sailing. There are challenges such as loneliness, bureaucracy issues and language barriers. However, none of the above consists of a problem in the Canaries! Here, you can find why:

• Find yourself getting inspired by other digital nomads and get fascinated by new, fresh ideas for your work in one of the many co-working spaces in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Frequent digital nomad meetups take place near the port of Santa Cruz! Meet people from all walks of life, exchange experiences and get motivated!
• Tenerife offers a spacious office with a sea view! Imagine sitting with your laptop on Las Teresitas each, only 5 km away from the city center and heading straight for stand-up paddleboarding or drinking after work. Are you already there?
• Work-life balance is one of the highlights of Tenerife. Everything is within walking distance, so no more crowded metro rides or endless traffic jams! Just long coastlines and tropical cocktails await you under the palm trees.
• Tenerife’s temperate climate is thanks to the unusual weather phenomenon known as “microclimates.” The 20 different microclimates are just another otherworldly feature of the island, boosting your productivity mood!

Tip: Tenerife attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. So, in case you are looking for a less touristy side of the island, head to Amarilla. There, you can find co-living, co-working space, surfing and yoga classes, all in one place!

Also, Tenerife is unique because it really adapts to everyone! The island is great for both nature and sea lovers. Its pristine natural beauty fills your week planner with plenty of fun activities. From hiking up to the top of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, to the trails of the enchanted laurel forest in Anaga Rural Park, the island leaves you with awe every time! 

Good to know: most digital nomads stay from 3 to 6 months in the Canary Islands. If that is the case for you, you should go during the winter months to enjoy both the Christmas celebrations and the colorful Santa Cruz Carnival.

A cozy co-working space in Tenerife

The fun remote working life in Fuerteventura

In addition to its warm climate and astounding landscapes, Fuerteventura has several advantages for all those who work remotely:

• Are you on the path to a location-independent career or a workation and you love surfing? Grab your surfboard and head to Fuerteventura, the King and Queen of watersports! As the island’s name indicates, the strong winds that blow throughout the year make it a hot spot for surf and kitesurf lovers.
• Join one of the best-known co-working spaces in Corralejo. WiFi speeds are up to 250 Mbps download, and there's always tea and coffee for all workers. Plus, the whole island is well-equipped with an excellent Internet connection and optical fiber speeding up to 600 MB.
• Fuerteventura has the privilege to have some of the most unique, mesmerizing beaches worldwide. Popcorn Beach or Playa del Bajo de la Burra is no ordinary beach as, instead of pebbles or sand, it is covered in white algae fossils. They look like buttery, puffy popcorn and it is definitely worth a visit!

Also, Fuerteventura is great for island-hopping during the weekend as it has a great position near beautiful islands such as Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Graciosa.

Tip: check available ferry routes from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote and Lanzarote to La Graciosa to plan your ferry itinerary!

Colorful kiteboards surfing on the beach in Fuerteventura

Remote work at the digital nomad hub of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is more like the Star Wars Millennium Falcon. It is compact but it has so much power in it! Even its shape resembles the notorious spaceship!

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries and was the first to attract digital nomads. Here, you can find all the reasons why Gran Canaria is one of the best destinations for a location-independent lifestyle:

• The beating heart of Las Palmas is Las Canteras Beach. You can find cozy co-working cafes only a few minutes away from the beach and go straight for surfing afterward.
• Las Palmas has a very active digital nomad community with many events and meet-ups running during the week.
• According to the digital nomad community, the northern part is more remote-friendly compared to the south. It offers more coworking spaces, faster internet connection and cheaper outdoor activities, such as surfing on the Las Canteras beach.
  Tip: the island's southern side is less touristy, so it is more affordable! However, not that many people speak English and there are fewer co-working spaces.
• Nightlife in Gran Canaria is late and loud, especially in the south! Las Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are the party hotspots. But, even if you are not into it, you will be as soon as you get there. The best clubs and bars on the island get everyone in the party spirit!
• A comfortable and cheap way of getting around Gran Canaria is by bus. Also, the taxis are fairly cheap and you can usually catch one on the street. Plus, the 11 km of bike lanes in Las Palmas are ideal for a bike ride to explore the capital's beauty.
• Gran Canaria is a perfect blend of old and modern towns. The picturesque villages of Tejeda and Mogán take you back to the old days while Las Palmas keeps up with the present trends. 

The spectacular southern beach Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria

Useful tips for digital nomads in the Canary Islands

Here are some must-know tips about the Canaries before joining the digital nomad hub:

• Living costs: the most affordable time of the year to visit the Canary Islands is during spring or fall. Also, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to experience the place like a true Canarian.
• Transportation: if you’re not traveling to the islands with a vehicle, we recommend that you rent a car to explore both the mountainous area and the hidden beauties of the islands. In addition, car rental is quite affordable!
• Visa: for EU citizens, there is no need for a visa; an identity card is enough. For non-EU citizens, a Digital Nomad Visa can be issued. Check out our section below for more information.
  Tip: all passports must be valid for at least three more months upon entry into Spain and the Canary Islands.
• Insurance and Medical Care: if you are an EU citizen, you are entitled to first aid treatment at no cost with the European Health Insurance Card. If not, then travel insurance with health coverage is a must.
• Communication: getting a Spanish SIM card is handy for calls and mobile data. Some Spanish mobile operators also offer home internet and TV packages, so it’s a good idea to check if any discounts are available.
• Accommodation: most homeowners prefer to rent their property for long-term contracts. If you plan to stay on the island for a couple of months, you can book monthly stays at co-living spaces.
• Weather conditions: bear in mind that during summertime Panza de burro (donkey belly) occurs. It is a meteorological phenomenon forming a sea of clouds that mostly cover Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.
• Ferry schedules: there are frequent ferry schedules in the Canary Islands year-round. Explore the latest ferry timetables for Spain and keep up with all updates on Ferryhopper.

Digital Nomad Visa for Spain

Non-EU remote workers who wish to plan an exciting workation in the Canary Islands of Spain need a Digital Nomad Visa to make their dreams come true.

Initially, the plan that Spain offers for non-EU digital nomads lasts up to 12 months and can be renewed for up to 5 years, ensuring long-term flexibility.

You can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (provided that you are not part of the European Economic Area) at your nearest Spanish Consulate. Once approved, Spain and its stunning Canary Islands will be expecting you, full of exciting opportunities for remote work and even some tax benefits!

The tranquil, mountainous village of Tejeda in Gran Canaria

Book cheap ferry tickets to the Canary Islands online

Can’t wait to work remotely while enjoying the endless blue and calming green of the Canaries? On our Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry connections leading you to the incredible sea view office for the next six months or more! Book cheap ferry tickets to the Canary Islands in easily and quickly on Ferryhopper and let the adventure begin!