Living as a digital nomad in the Canary Islands: work from paradise

Can you imagine working from a terrace overlooking the sea with the sun shining down on you all year round? It might sound too good to be true, but it isn't The Canary Islands are one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. They have it all - good weather, great internet connection, amazing cuisine, leisure activities, beautiful nature and so much more.

If you need any more convincing, we've put together a guide on what it's like to live and work as a digital nomad in the Canary Islands. If you're into leisure and want a wide range of amenities right on your doorstep, Gran Canaria or Tenerife make excellent bases. Or, if you're looking for a natural environment where you can disconnect after a day glued to your screen, you might prefer the quieter islands of La Palma or Fuerteventura. 

If all this sounds like something you'd be interested in, keep reading - your new life may be about to begin!

Why are the Canary Islands a paradise for digital nomads?

If you work online and like to move from place to place, the Canary Islands are a safe bet. And we're not just saying that because they have incredible beaches (which they do), but because everything here is designed to make life as a digital nomad comfortable, practical and, ultimately, an experience that anyone would envy.

First of all, the climate. With an average temperature of over 20°C all year round, there's no freezing cold winters or suffocating heat in summer. No matter what time of year you arrive, you can work from a terrace in the sun and take a dip in the sea in between meetings.

What's more, the internet connection in the Canary Islands is excellent. The main islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, have fibre optic networks covering most of the island, so you can work at lightning speed. You'll also find coworking spaces with internet where you can meet other digital nomads too.

Another plus point is the international atmosphere. Many international professionals decide to change their lives and move to these islands to enjoy the endless summer, so you can meet lots of people from other countries with whom you can enjoy activities outside of work with too.

And if that wasn't enough, the cost of living is reasonable compared to other areas of Spain, especially if you move to the less touristy islands or look for homes in less congested areas, such as villages or inland areas.

Where to set up your base: Gran Canaria and Tenerife

If you're thinking of spending a good amount of time working from the Canary Islands, we'd recommend starting your digital nomad adventure with Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Although these islands are popular tourist destinations and prices can rise during peak season, they offer the best infrastructure for digital nomads — from reliable internet and lots of leisure activities to an international atmosphere and excellent ferry links to other islands and flights to other countries.

Gran Canaria: the leisure and beach life you need

In my opinion, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is, without a doubt, the epicentre of digital nomads in the Canary Islands. Here you'll find cafés with Wi-Fi, coworking spaces very close to the beach and a multicultural atmosphere. Las Canteras beach is a great spot - work in the morning and as soon as you finish, enjoy a well-deserved swim at the beach.

What's more, you'll have all the amenities you need at your fingertips. But it's not all about the beach, you can also escape inland to go hiking or visit small, traditional villages such as Teror and Tejeda.

Tenerife: be inspired by Mount Teide and leave your screens behind

Tenerife is our second recommendation. This island has a slightly different atmosphere - it's more spread out between tourist areas with quiet corners where you can work in peace, but it's definitely a great option if you're wanting to discover breathtaking landscapes every weekend, from the impressive Mount Teide to the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

I recommend choosing Santa Cruz or La Laguna if you're more of a city person or looking for more amenities, or El Médano if you prefer the sea, as it's a great spot for surfing.

Just like Gran Canaria, you can also find coworking spaces and a large community of online workers spread across the island which means it's a great place for meeting new like-minded people.

More peace and authenticity: Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro

If you'd prefer to base yourself somewhere quieter than Gran Canaria or Tenerife then there's plenty of other smaller and more peaceful options too.

Fuerteventura, for example, is ideal if you like surfing, beaches and coastal villages. It feels like time stands still here. The internet connection is good and accommodation is usually more affordable than on other more populated islands. Of course, you'll have fewer leisure activities and fewer coworking spaces, but if you're just looking for peace and quiet... who cares?

And if you fancy something even more authentic, La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro offer just that: tranquillity, green landscapes and a local community that will welcome you from the moment you arrive. You may also struggle to find coworking spaces or trendy cafés, but the quality of life here is hard to match. Many digital nomads choose to spend a few weeks on these islands to disconnect and recharge their batteries.

Moving between islands on your days off: how to make the most of your life in the Canary Islands

One of the great advantages of living as a digital nomad in the Canary Islands (and my favourite) is that you can easily move from one island to another, allowing you to discover the variety of landscapes that this archipelago has to offer. And the best option? The ferry, without a doubt.

Travelling by ferry in the Canary Islands gives you something that flights don't offer: freedom and flexibility. You can take your car or motorbike, all the luggage you want (including your laptop), choose the schedule that suits you best and, most importantly, enjoy a breathtaking journey through the archipelago's stunning waters. Because here, travelling between islands is also part of the experience.

Imagine watching the sunrise from the deck as you leave Tenerife behind or approaching Fuerteventura with its golden-coloured coastline...

Here are our recommended routes for travelling between the Canary Islands:

• Tenerife – Gran Canaria: one of the busiest and most convenient routes. Ideal if you work on one island and want to spend the weekend on the other. There are several departures a day and fast ferries take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
  Best if: you want to combine urban atmosphere, coworking and beach without the hassle of flights.
• Lanzarote – Fuerteventura: the shortest route in the archipelago, taking only about 25 minutes. Two very different islands, separated by a stretch of turquoise water.
  Best if: you fancy a change of scenery, where you can go from the volcanoes of Lanzarote to the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago.
• Tenerife – La Gomera: A perfect connection if you fancy a few days of nature and tranquillity. The ferry leaves from the port of Los Cristianos and takes less than an hour.
  Best if: you want to disconnect for a few days and enjoy trails through forests, viewpoints and quiet villages
• Gran Canaria – Fuerteventura: This journey is a must! Did you know that the beaches of Fuerteventura are the best in the Canary Islands? Perfect if you want to surf, go on dune trails or simply change your surroundings for a few days.
  Best if: you fancy a wilder, beachier experience.
• Tenerife – La Palma: a bit longer, but highly recommended. The journey takes about three hours, perfect for enjoying the sea and arriving relaxed.
  Best if: you want to spend a week surrounded by nature, forests and volcanic landscapes.

Top tip: If you are going to be staying in the Canary Islands for a while, apply for resident status, as you can get great discounts on ferry tickets. For more information, see our article on ferry discounts for residents.

Frequently asked questions about being a digital nomad in the Canary Islands

Are there coworking spaces in the Canary Islands?

Yes, and more and more are popping up. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife have a wide range of coworking spaces, but options are also emerging in quieter places such as El Médano (Tenerife) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Some even offer accommodation and activities to create a community for digital nomads.

How is the internet connection on the smaller islands?

In general, the internet connection is stable throughout the archipelago. On the larger islands, fibre optic is available in most urban areas, whilst on the smaller islands there may be some limitations in rural areas. Even so, with a good SIM card or portable router, you will have no problem working online.

Can I take my car or motorbike on the ferry?

Yes, all ferries connecting the islands allow you to bring your own vehicle on board. This is a very practical option if you plan to stay for a while or move around frequently, as it gives you complete freedom to explore every corner at your own pace.

What is the best time of year to work from the Canary Islands?

Any time of year is good, but many nomads choose to spend the winter here because of the mild climate. Whilst other parts of Europe are cold, the islands enjoy mild temperatures, ideal for working from a terrace or enjoying outdoor activities after work.

What is daily life like for a digital nomad?

Very balanced. Distances are short, so it's easy to combine work with leisure. You can start the day with an online meeting and end it watching the sunset on the beach or dining at a beach bar. The locals are friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

Are there tax advantages or subsidies for digital nomads?

The Canary Islands have a special tax regime within Spain, with reduced VAT (IGIC) and some advantages for companies and self-employed workers. You do not need to be a permanent resident to benefit from the lower prices, but if you decide to settle there, it's a good idea to find out about the conditions for remote workers.

Conclusion: Your next office between volcanoes and beaches

Living as a digital nomad in the Canary Islands is much more than just working with a sea view. It means enjoying a more relaxed pace of life, with incredible weather, delicious food and the possibility of changing scenery whenever you feel like it.

And if you're still thinking about it... isn't it time to make a change and start living differently? Pack your bags, choose your favourite island and use our search engine to find the best ferry routes and timetables. 🌴 Take the first step towards your new life...and we'll see you on board!

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