Trade traffic and fluorescent lights for ocean breezes and Wi-Fi with a view.
Working remotely has unlocked a new kind of freedom—one where your office can be anywhere with solid internet and a decent coffee. And if you’re going to work remotely, why not do it with the sound of waves in the background?
In a world where work is no longer tied to one location, why not live in a place that feels like a vacation?
These spots offer more than just nice views—they come with community, affordability, adventure, and balance. Whether you’re in it for a few months or a few years, you can live well and work remotely—with the sound of waves in the background.
From tropical beach towns to European coastal gems, here are 10 seaside destinations where Americans can live and work remotely—with comfort, community, and a killer ocean view.
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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1. Lagos, Portugal
Why it’s great: Stunning cliffs, golden beaches, reliable internet, and a growing digital nomad scene in the Algarve. Portugal also offers a D7 visa for remote income earners.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,800
Perks: Friendly locals, great surf, and easy day trips to Lisbon or Spain
Bonus: Europe’s best sunsets
Located in the Algarve region, Lagos combines golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a growing digital nomad scene. Portugal’s D7 visa (or digital nomad visa) makes it easy for Americans to stay longer than a tourist visa allows.
Pros:
Reliable Wi-Fi and coworking spots like LACS or Mar d’Estórias
Affordable cost of living (outside peak summer)
Incredible seafood, surf spots, and sunny climate
Safe, friendly, and English widely spoken
Things to Do After Work:
Kayak through sea caves at Ponta da Piedade
Sunset hikes along the cliffs
Wine tastings and live music in the old town
2. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Why it’s great: A long-time favorite for U.S. expats, Playa offers coworking spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and beach access—all with tacos on tap.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,500
Perks: Near Cancun airport for quick trips, vibrant nightlife, cenotes nearby
Visa: 6-month tourist visa, or apply for Mexico’s Temporary Residency
Playa is a hotspot for digital nomads—especially Americans—thanks to its proximity to the U.S., solid infrastructure, and vibrant expat scene. It’s touristy but also extremely convenient, with coworking spaces, great cafés, and beach access all in walking distance.
Pros:
Co-working hubs like Nest and Bunker
Low cost of living and no long-distance time zone jumps
Plenty of accommodation options from beachfront condos to budget hostels
Delicious, affordable street food
Things to Do After Work:
Swim in freshwater cenotes
Take weekend trips to Tulum, Cozumel, or Mérida
Salsa dancing, yoga, and beach bootcamps
3. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Why it’s great: Surf-friendly beaches, laid-back living, and one of Central America’s most stable countries. Costa Rica now offers a digital nomad visa valid for one year.
Monthly cost of living: ~$2,000
Perks: Jungle meets ocean, eco-friendly culture, good healthcare
Bonus: Pura vida lifestyle that’s hard to beat
Tamarindo is perfect for nature lovers, surfers, and wellness-minded workers. It’s a small town with an easygoing pace, beautiful beaches, and solid internet for your Zoom calls.
Pros:
Friendly nomad community
Coworking spots like Sand & Surf
Easy to stay 90 days on a tourist visa (with options to extend)
Safe and walkable, even solo
Things to Do After Work:
Surf Tamarindo’s consistent breaks
Watch sunsets with a cold Imperial beer
Visit nearby national parks like Rincon de la Vieja
4. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Why it’s great: The unofficial capital of remote work in Southeast Asia, Canggu combines rice fields, waves, smoothie bowls, and every coworking setup imaginable.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,200
Perks: Active expat community, wellness culture, Instagrammable cafés
Visa: Indonesia’s Second Home Visa or digital nomad-friendly tourist extensions
Canggu is famous for being a digital nomad hotspot—and it’s easy to see why. With trendy cafés, a huge community of freelancers, surf breaks, and stunning villas, it’s one of the most appealing places to work remotely by the sea.
Pros:
Co-working giants like Dojo and BWork
Affordable living and vibrant health food scene
Spiritual retreats, yoga, and wellness abound
One-month visa on arrival, with extensions available
Things to Do After Work:
Surf or learn at Batu Bolong Beach
Attend networking events or live music nights
Hop over to Ubud for a weekend detox
5. Chania, Crete, Greece
Why it’s great: Mediterranean charm meets laid-back island life. Chania has ancient streets, nearby beaches, and surprisingly fast internet.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,800
Perks: Authentic Greek lifestyle, low tourist density compared to Athens/Santorini
Visa: Greece offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU workers
Crete’s second-largest city is a mix of Venetian harbors, white-sand beaches, and historic charm. Chania’s digital nomad scene is still growing, making it ideal if you want authentic Greek life without sacrificing connectivity.
Pros:
Mediterranean lifestyle with modern conveniences
Long-stay national visas now available for remote workers
Incredible local cuisine, from souvlaki to dakos
Slower pace of life, low stress
Things to Do After Work:
Explore the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos
Work from seaside cafés in the old town
Hike the Samaria Gorge on weekends
6. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Why it’s great: A Caribbean alternative to Tamarindo, this boho town is rich in reggae vibes, wildlife, and beachy tranquility.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,600
Perks: Close-knit expat community, Afro-Caribbean influence, laid-back pace
Bonus: Wildlife sightings from your hammock
On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is more rustic and remote than Tamarindo—but equally rewarding. With its Afro-Caribbean influence, reggae rhythms, and proximity to lush rainforests, it’s a haven for creatives, writers, and laid-back surfers.
Pros:
Slower, simpler living
Strong community of expats and backpackers
Close to stunning natural reserves
Decent internet at hostels and cafes
Things to Do After Work:
Chill at Playa Cocles or Playa Negra
Bike into the jungle
Spot sloths in the Cahuita National Park
7. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
Why it’s great: Part of Spain, but closer to Africa, the Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, low taxes, and top-tier infrastructure for remote workers.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,700
Perks: Good surf, EU healthcare, and direct flights to Europe
Visa: Spain’s new digital nomad visa makes long stays easy
Part of Spain but located off the coast of Morocco, Gran Canaria offers year-round sun, low cost of living, and solid EU infrastructure. Las Palmas has become a major European remote work hub—with beach access.
Pros:
Popular coworking hubs like The House and Soppa de Azul
Inexpensive by European standards
Direct flights to mainland Europe
Friendly to Americans staying under 90 days (Schengen rules apply)
Things to Do After Work:
Surf at Playa de Las Canteras
Grab tapas at Mercado del Puerto
Hike inland to rugged volcanic landscapes
8. Koh Lanta, Thailand
Why it’s great: Quieter than Phuket or Koh Samui, Koh Lanta is popular with digital nomads who want tropical life without the crowds.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,000
Perks: Affordable beach living, motorbike freedom, jungle + sea scenery
Visa: Thailand’s remote work visas and extensions keep improving
While more mellow than Canggu or Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta is ideal for digital nomads who want a quiet tropical setting with a real sense of community. It’s affordable, peaceful, and incredibly scenic.
Pros:
Coworking spaces like KoHub
Relaxed, community-first vibe
Affordable cost of living (think $1 pad thai)
Thai friendliness and hospitality
Things to Do After Work:
Explore secret beaches by scooter
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters
Watch fire dancers at beach bars
9. Split, Croatia
Why it’s great: Old town charm, Adriatic views, and a rapidly growing digital nomad hub. Croatia was one of the first to launch a remote work visa.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,600
Perks: Island hopping, Mediterranean lifestyle, stunning old-world architecture
Bonus: Great wine and seafood
Croatia’s second-largest city is a coastal gem. Its Roman ruins, turquoise waters, and rising remote work infrastructure make it a favorite for nomads who want history, beauty, and sea air.
Pros:
The new Croatia digital nomad visa allows up to 12-month stays
Safe, walkable, and tourist-friendly
Stunning coastline and islands like Hvar nearby
Mediterranean diet and lifestyle
Things to Do After Work:
Walk the Riva promenade
Visit Diocletian’s Palace
Take a ferry to nearby islands
10. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why it’s great: Off-grid meets online work. Colorful houses on stilts, clear Caribbean water, and strong Wi-Fi for your Zoom calls.
Monthly cost of living: ~$1,300
Perks: Laid-back island life with English spoken widely
Visa: Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa is expat-friendly and long-term
Bocas is a collection of laid-back Caribbean islands on Panama’s north coast, known for their surfing, snorkeling, and remote island lifestyle. It’s not for everyone—but if you love barefoot beach living, this place might be your dream office.
Pros:
Small but tight-knit expat community
Surf breaks and clear waters
Inexpensive living
Americans can stay up to 180 days visa-free
Things to Do After Work:
Paddleboard through mangroves
Work from an overwater café
Party at Filthy Friday or unwind in the jungle
How to Choose the Right Spot for You
Here are a few questions to help you pick the perfect coastal base:
Time Zone
Need to work U.S. hours? Playa del Carmen, Puerto Viejo, and Bocas del Toro are ideal.
Europe-friendly? Choose Lagos, Las Palmas, or Split.
Working asynchronously? Anywhere works—just communicate clearly.
Budget
Best for tight budgets: Koh Lanta, Canggu, Playa del Carmen
Mid-range: Lagos, Split, Las Palmas
Splurge-friendly: Chania, Bocas del Toro (depending on the season)
Lifestyle Fit
Wellness + yoga: Bali, Costa Rica
Party + networking: Playa, Las Palmas
Quiet + nature: Koh Lanta, Puerto Viejo
Cultural richness: Istanbul (a bonus pick), Split, Chania
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.