The Best Islands for Remote Work

Where to Work Remotely: 10 Dream Islands for Digital Nomads

Let’s be real, if you are going to be hunched over a laptop and juggling through Slack messages, you might as well be doing it with your feet in the sand and a coconut in the other hand.

Over the last couple of years, companies have undergone significant changes. Many encourage remote working, which means that people can ditch their grey cubicles and crowded cafes and head straight to an island.

However, not all islands are good for remote workers. Yes, there are beautiful beaches, cocktails, and incredible scenery, but remote workers demand other things, such as a fast internet connection and coverage, gig worker communities, low rent, and affordable food.

Therefore, choosing the right island isn’t just about the beaches. It involves digital entertainment, internet access, food, communities, and more.

So, where can you find stable internet, perfect beaches, and affordable living? Let’s round up the best islands for remote workers.

Madeira, Portugal (That's Not Just Hype)

‍If you are from Europe and Bali feels too far, you have Europe’s answer to Bali, with fewer scooters and more wine. We are talking about Madeira, Portugal. This little Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic has become a magnet for remote workers.

Why? Well, the island is beautiful, and it is built for productivity.
There is even a place called the Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol, which is designed specifically for remote workers. It has coworking spaces, networking events, and a steady stream of like-minded people.
So, you’ll not only be with other fellow remote workers, but also get inspired by them, share some ideas, which will help you grow.

Even when you’re working remotely from paradise, downtime is still important, right? Yes, island life offers sunsets, snorkelling, and good seafood, but what about digital entertainment when you are lying low at your Airbnb?
Working remotely isn’t only about the work you do. When looking for a remote working island, you have to check out its entertainment options, right? After all, you need somewhere to blow off some steam.
Some remote workers want partying and clubs, while others prefer to lay low in their rented home and play some video games. The good thing is that both options are available here.
You can either go to the local bar or play slots, roulette, or blackjack with your friends online. Casino games are actually quite popular with remote workers. They get a chance to entertain themselves, and at the same time, get a chance to win some money.

We live in a high-tech world where it is quite easy to find a mobile casino that works everywhere you go. On top of that, since these games are on your phone, you can access them during short breaks from work, where you can spin the reels even if you have just a few minutes. That way, you can enjoy playing casino games, as long as you have your mobile phone.

On top of that, the island offers strong internet access, which means that your work and casino games won’t lag, and they are all on your phone, which means that it has never been easier to mix a bit of entertainment with your remote work routine.

It’s important to mention that Madeira isn’t really cheap. But it is accessible, so you can visit home multiple times a year, and it is beautiful.

Barbados

‍What if you would like to stay in the Caribbean? Well, Barbados isn’t just your dream vacation, but also a place where you can work remotely. This is a place where they’ve launched a 12-month Welcome Stamp visa, which basically says, “Hey, remote workers, come live here for a year, we’ll make it easy.”

This is a place with great infrastructure, and many Wi-Fi-friendly cafes and solid internet access throughout the island. On top of that, English is the main language, so it is quite easy to find your way around.

The capital, Bridgetown, has coworking spots and plenty of gig working events throughout the year. Plus, you can enjoy some beach time in a short drive.

Bali, Indonesia

‍Yes, we all know Bali for its incredible beaches, interesting culture, and affordable living. It is also every influencer's dream to go to Bali. However, most people don’t know that Bali is also one of the best places for remote workers.

Over the years, thousands of remote workers have moved to Bali, so there are big gig worker communities, people are sharing houses and rent, and there are plenty of coworking spaces where you can meet like-minded people.

We are talking about an island with a serious remote work ecosystem.

Where to go? Well, you should consider Canggu and Ubud as the top two places packed with coworking spaces that feel like creative campuses. They also have great internet access, and the lifestyle is affordable. All you need to do is rent a villa, grab a scooter, and you’re in business.

The only negative thing about Bali is the rain, which can last for days during the rainy season.

Canary Islands, Spain

‍Tenerife and Gran Canaria are two islands you probably associate with holiday packages and sunburns. But in the last few years, they’ve become remote work havens—especially for Europeans who want a change of scenery without hopping too far from home.

What makes them great? Reliable internet, affordable rent, and temperatures that basically never dip below “pleasant.” Las Palmas in Gran Canaria has an especially vibrant nomad community, with coworking spaces that double as social hubs.

It feels like those beautiful, less crowded Greek islands.

The real win here is the timezone. If you’re working with teams in Europe, there’s no jet lag math to stress over. Just get your work done, then head to the beach before dinner.

Mauritius

‍Mauritius might not be the first place you think of when you picture remote work, yet. But it’s fast becoming one of the smartest choices for anyone looking to combine island life with serious productivity.

It’s politically stable, surprisingly tech-savvy, and has a digital nomad visa (the Premium Visa) that lets you live and work here for a year with very little hassle. English is widely spoken, the food is a dreamy blend of Indian, French, and Creole influences, and the internet is strong enough for video calls without pixelation panic.

If you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path but still has everything you need to get the job done (with a side of snorkelling), Mauritius is one to watch.

Even though working remotely isn’t a vacation, if you choose the right island, you’ll manage to combine them. These are some of the best islands for remote workers that will allow you to get a better version of your everyday life.