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Your First Digital Nomad Base in Europe: Spain vs Portugal vs Italy

San Sebastian, Spain, Photographer: Mazur Travel / Shutterstock

Spain looks exciting. Portugal feels “safe.” Italy is tempting. But if you choose the wrong one for your budget, schedule, or work style, your “dream move” can turn into a stressful, expensive experiment fast.

That’s the part most beginner guides skip.

They give you a list of “best cities,” but they don’t help you choose the right first base for how you actually live and work. And your first base matters more than people think. If it’s easy, you build momentum. If it’s a mismatch, you burn money, feel isolated, and start wondering if nomad life is even for you.

This guide gives you a beginner-friendly decision framework for choosing between Spain, Portugal, and Italy based on what actually matters in your first month abroad: time zone, budget, safety/comfort, ease of setup, and community. No hype. No pretending there’s one perfect answer for everyone.

In this article:

What is the Best First Digital Nomad Base in Europe?

Is Spain, Portugal, or Italy Best For Digital Nomads?

Is Spain or Portugal Better For Digital Nomads?

Spain vs Portugal For Cost of Living

Is Italy Good For Digital Nomads?

Which European Country Is Easiest For First-Time Digital Nomads?

Best Cities in Spain, Portugal, and Italy For First-Time Digital Nomads

Do I Need a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain, Portugal, or Italy?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best First Digital Nomad Base in Europe?

The best first base in Europe is usually not the most famous city, the prettiest place on Instagram, or the one everyone in nomad groups keeps naming.

It’s the place that gives you the lowest-friction start.

For a first base, “best” usually means:

  • you can work reliably
  • you can settle in quickly
  • your budget feels manageable
  • you don’t feel overwhelmed by basic daily life


That’s why this article focuses on five things beginners should use to decide:

  1. Time zone fit (especially if you work US hours)
  2. Budget (not just rent — your daily rhythm too)
  3. Safety and comfort (how easy it feels to live there day to day)
  4. Ease of setup (housing, transit, groceries, workspace, routine)
  5. Community (how easy it is to meet people and not feel isolated)

💡 Shortcut:If you’re still in the “I don’t even know what my first month should look like” phase, start here too: Your First 30 Days Abroad Game Plan. It’ll help you think about your base choice in a much more practical way.

Seville, Spain, Photographer: f11photo / Shutterstock

Is Spain, Portugal, or Italy Best For Digital Nomads?

This is the question almost everyone asks first — and it makes sense. If you’re planning your first base in Europe, you want to know which country is the “best” choice before you spend time researching cities, neighborhoods, and visas.


The truth is: there’s no universal winner. Spain, Portugal, and Italy can all be great first bases — but they work for different kinds of beginners.

The best choice usually comes down to what you want your first month abroad to feel like:

  • easy and structured

  • social and beginner-friendly

  • lifestyle-first and slower-paced

  • flexible with lots of city options


Here’s the easiest way to think about each one:

Spain

Spain is often the easiest “yes” for beginners who want options.

It’s a strong first choice if you don’t yet know exactly what type of base fits you, because Spain gives you a wide range of city experiences without locking you into one lifestyle. You can choose:

  • a bigger city with more energy and infrastructure

  • a smaller or slower city

  • a coastal setup

  • a more international environment

  • a base that feels more local and low-key

That variety is a huge advantage for first-time nomads, because your first base is usually a test. Spain makes it easier to pivot within the same country if your first pick isn’t quite right.

✅ READ: Thinking of moving to Spain? Don’t Miss the 5 Things to Know About Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Madeira, Portugal, Photographer: Leonid Sorokin / Shutterstock
Portugal

Portugal often feels like the safe pick — and for a lot of beginners, that’s a good thing.

Many remote workers and expats start in Portugal, which can make the experience feel less intimidating. If you’re worried about the “What if I get there and feel lost?” part of nomad life, Portugal can feel like a softer landing because there’s often a more visible path for:

  • finding community

  • getting into a routine

  • meeting other remote workers

  • settling into daily life quickly


That doesn’t mean Portugal is automatically “better.” It just means it can be a strong first choice if your top priority is feeling comfortable and settled fast.

✅ READ: Portugal sounds amazing… until the income proof catches you off guard. Read this first.

Milan, Italy, Photographer: givaga / Shutterstock
Italy

Italy is the wildcard — and sometimes the best choice for the right person.

It can be an incredible first base if your priorities are more lifestyle-driven: slower pace, day-to-day quality of life, and choosing a place you genuinely enjoy living (not just “the most practical option”).

Where beginners can struggle with Italy is when they choose it for the fantasy version of the move, without planning for the practical side:

  • city choice

  • neighborhood fit

  • workspace setup

  • daily routine logistics

If you’re willing to be a little more intentional upfront, Italy can be a fantastic first base. It’s not always the most plug-and-play option, but it can be the most rewarding if it matches your pace and priorities.

✅ READ: Best cities in Italy for digital nomads – where should you live?

So which should you choose?

There’s no perfect answer — but there is a best fit for your first month.


The right choice depends on whether you care most about:

  • easiest onboarding

  • biggest city variety

  • strongest lifestyle fit

  • lower stress during your first 30 days


If you use those priorities (instead of just “which country looks best”), you’ll make a much better first-base decision.

Porto, Portugal, Photographer: artem evdokimov / Shutterstock

Is Spain or Portugal Better For Digital Nomads?

This is one of the most common questions people ask — and the honest answer is: it depends on what you need in your first month.

If you want a shorter version:

  • Portugal can feel easier if you want a softer landing and a more “I know other nomads are here” experience.
  • Spain can feel better if you want more city options and flexibility in the kind of base you choose.
Spain vs Portugal For Cost of Living:

It’s tempting to compare countries as a whole, but in real life, city choice matters more than country choice.


A more useful way to think about it:

  • “What does my life cost in this city?”
  • “Can I build a routine here without constant spending friction?”
  • “Will I need coworking right away, or can I work from home comfortably?”


For example, comparing Spain vs Portugal at the country level is less helpful than comparing:

  • Lisbon vs Porto
  • Barcelona vs Valencia
  • Madrid vs Málaga


If you’re choosing your first base, focus less on “Which country is cheaper?” and more on:

  • how much housing costs in the city you want
  • whether you’ll need coworking
  • how much transit and everyday life will cost you in practice
Spain vs Portugal For Digital Nomad Community:

This one matters more than people think.

If it’s your first time abroad for more than a vacation, community can make the difference between:

  • “This is amazing”
    and
  • “I don’t know anyone and I’m overthinking everything”


Portugal often attracts beginners because it has a strong remote-worker and expat ecosystem in popular cities. Spain also has strong communities, but with more city variety (which can be a plus if you want options beyond the usual places).

A good rule:

  • If you want a strong “soft landing” feel, prioritize community and onboarding ease.
  • If you want more city variety and long-term flexibility, Spain may feel stronger.
Spain vs Portugal For First-Time Ease:

For your first base, “ease” is everything:

  • How easy is it to find a neighborhood that fits your routine?
  • How easy is it to get around?
  • How easy is it to buy groceries, set a routine, and get work done?


You don’t need a perfect city. You need a city where your first month feels manageable.

🇪🇸 If you’re leaning Spain and you’re planning longer than a short test trip, read this next before you build your timeline: 5 Things to Know About Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.

Florence, Italy, Photographer: givaga / Shutterstock

Is Italy Good For Digital Nomads?

Yes — for the right person.

Italy is often underestimated because beginners assume it will be “too complicated” or “too touristy.” But Italy can be a great first base if what you want is:

  • a lifestyle-first experience
  • a slower pace
  • a city where daily life feels rich, not just efficient


Where people get tripped up is when they choose Italy for the idea of Italy instead of the reality of their work/life setup.


For a first base, Italy can work well if you:

  • choose your city carefully
  • prioritize a functional neighborhood (not just a pretty one)
  • plan your housing and work setup in advance


It may not be the most plug-and-play option for everyone, but it can be one of the most rewarding if it matches your pace and priorities.

🇮🇹 If Italy is your top contender, it’s smart to understand the visa/income side early so you’re not planning around assumptions: Digital Nomad Visa: what is Italy’s income requirement and how does it compare?

Which European Country Is Easiest For First-Time Digital Nomads?

If you’re looking for the lowest-friction first month, use this as your shortcut:

  • Pick Spain if you want the most city variety and easy backup options (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga).

  • Pick Portugal if you want the softest landing and the easiest built-in nomad community (Lisbon, Porto, Madeira).

  • Pick Italy if you want a lifestyle-first base and you’re okay being a little more intentional upfront (Milan, Rome, Florence).


The easiest country is the one that fits your work schedule, budget, and lifestyle right now — not the one that looks best on Instagram.

Best for working in US time zones:

If you work US hours (especially with calls), your evenings may become your workday — so you’ll usually want cities with stronger infrastructure and more workspace backup options.

Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
These are better “safe bets” if you need flexibility in where you work (apartment, café, coworking) and want multiple neighborhood options to find a setup that actually works for your schedule. Spain is also a good fit if you’re not sure yet whether you want a bigger-city or more balanced routine.

Portugal: Lisbon
Lisbon is often the easiest Portugal pick if your work schedule is demanding, because it has a more visible nomad/remote-worker ecosystem and lots of work-friendly options. If you need a place that feels “plug-and-play,” Lisbon is usually the strongest starting point in Portugal.

Italy: Milan
If you want Italy but need a more work-structured city, Milan is usually the best first option. It tends to fit people who want Italy’s lifestyle but still need a city that feels more like a “working base.”

Best for budget-conscious beginners:

“Budget-friendly” is usually less about the country and more about choosing the right city inside the country. Though budget will depend on your preference, location and time of year.

Spain: Valencia or Málaga
These are often easier first picks than jumping straight into the highest-cost, highest-intensity city option. They can give you a strong base without the same level of pressure many people feel in bigger capitals.

Portugal: Porto (and sometimes Madeira depending on your setup)
Porto is commonly seen as a calmer alternative to Lisbon and can be a better fit if you want Portugal without starting in the busiest option. Madeira can also work well if you’re intentionally going for a focused routine and don’t need a big-city setup.

Italy: Florence (lifestyle-first) or Bologna/Turin if you add them later
For Italy, the key is not “cheap vs expensive” — it’s choosing a city where your daily routine is manageable. Florence can be great for a lifestyle-focused first month if you don’t need a giant city. (If you later build Atlas pages for Bologna/Turin, those are often worth considering too.)

Best for easy setup (housing, transport, routine):

If your goal is to feel settled fast, prioritize places where you can build a routine quickly.


Portugal: Lisbon
If you want the easiest setup in Portugal, Lisbon is usually the first pick because the remote-work infrastructure and community are already very visible. It’s a strong option if you don’t want to overthink your first month.


Spain: Valencia or Madrid

  • Valencia if you want a more balanced first base

  • Madrid if you know you thrive in a major-city routine

Spain’s biggest advantage here is choice: you can pick a setup that matches your pace instead of forcing yourself into one default city.


Italy: Milan (for work-first) or Florence (for lifestyle-first)
Italy can absolutely work — it just helps to be clearer about what you want:

  • Milan = stronger “work base” feel

  • Florence = more lifestyle-focused first month

Valencia, Spain, Photographer: Sina Ettmer Photography/ Shutterstock

Best Cities in Spain, Portugal, and Italy For First-Time Digital Nomads

This is where the decision gets real. Country matters — but city and neighborhood usually matter more.

Below are strong beginner-friendly examples to consider. (And if you’ve already built Atlas pages for these, this is the perfect place to plug them in.)

Best beginner digital nomad cities in Spain

Valencia:
  • Best for: a balanced first base (city life without the most intense pace)
  • Why it works for beginners: often recommended as a more manageable first step than Spain’s biggest city options
  • Biggest tradeoff: depends heavily on neighborhood fit and season
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days to test your routine


Explore Valencia →


Málaga:
  • Best for: warm-weather, lifestyle-first beginners who still want city infrastructure
  • Why it works for beginners: often a strong “soft landing” option in Spain
  • Biggest tradeoff: seasonality can change the feel and costs
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days

Barcelona:
  • Best for: people who want a bigger-city experience and don’t mind more energy
  • Why it works for beginners: international feel, lots happening, easier to find your “type” of scene
  • Biggest tradeoff: can be overwhelming (and more expensive) if you choose the wrong setup
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days with a functional neighborhood choice


Explore Barcelona →


Madrid:
  • Best for: big-city nomads who want structure, transit, and a strong urban base
  • Why it works for beginners: a good fit if you know you like a major-city routine
  • Biggest tradeoff: not the “slow” Europe experience people sometimes expect
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days

Seville:
  • Best for: lifestyle-driven beginners who want a strong local feel
  • Why it works for beginners: can be a great fit for the right season and work style
  • Biggest tradeoff: timing/season matters a lot
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days (with season planning)


Explore Seville →

💡 Explore all Europe destinations with budget and vibe smart filters here →

Best Beginner Digital Nomad Cities in Portugal

Lisbon:
  • Best for: beginners who want strong energy, lots of options, and a visible nomad/expat scene
  • Why it works for beginners: easy to find resources, communities, and routines
  • Biggest tradeoff: your experience can vary a lot by neighborhood and housing setup
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days


Explore Lisbon →


Porto:
  • Best for: a slower, more grounded first base while still having city structure
  • Why it works for beginners: often appeals to people who want Portugal without the busiest option
  • Biggest tradeoff: depends on your work style and what kind of social scene you want
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days


Explore Porto →


Madeira:
  • Best for: remote workers who want a more focused, lifestyle-heavy setup
  • Why it works for beginners: can be a strong fit if you already know you don’t want a major city
  • Biggest tradeoff: not the right “first Europe city” feel for everyone
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days if your work setup is dialed in


Explore Madeira →

💡 If Portugal is your top choice and you’re thinking longer stay, read this before you build your timeline: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Income Requirements →

Rome, Italy, Photographer: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Best Beginner Digital Nomad Cities in Italy

Milan:
  • Best for: people who want structure, pace, and a stronger “working city” feel
  • Why it works for beginners: good fit if you like a more organized urban rhythm
  • Biggest tradeoff: may not match the “slow Italy” fantasy some people expect
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days

Rome:
  • Best for: beginners who want history, energy, and a big-city base
  • Why it works for beginners: there’s a lot to explore while still building a routine
  • Biggest tradeoff: can feel chaotic if your housing/neighborhood isn’t a fit
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days with a strong neighborhood plan

Florence:
  • Best for: lifestyle-first nomads who want a smaller-feeling city experience
  • Why it works for beginners: good fit if you want a more walkable, slower day-to-day rhythm
  • Biggest tradeoff: can feel limiting if you need lots of “big city” options
  • Ideal first stay: 30 days

Do I Need a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain, Portugal, or Italy?

This depends on one thing first: Are you testing Europe, or moving to Europe?

If you’re doing a shorter “test” stay, your path may be different than if you’re planning a longer base and residency setup.

If you’re trying to figure that out, read this first: Do I Need a Digital Nomad Visa to Move to Europe?

That article breaks down the short-stay vs long-stay decision clearly so you can stop guessing.


If Portugal is your front-runner:

Before you plan around a longer stay, check the income proof side here: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Income Requirements


If Spain is your front-runner:

Start with the practical basics in 5 Things to Know About Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (members-only)


If Italy is your wildcard:

Review Digital Nomad Visa: what is Italy’s income requirement and how does it compare? (members-only) before you build your plan around assumptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spain or Portugal better for first-time digital nomads?

Both can work well. Portugal often appeals to beginners who want a softer landing and strong community, while Spain appeals to people who want more city variety and flexibility. The better first choice depends on your work schedule, budget, and the kind of lifestyle you want.


Is Italy a good first country for digital nomads?

It can be — especially if you care about lifestyle and you’re okay doing a little more planning upfront. Italy may not be everyone’s easiest first setup, but it can be a great fit for the right work style and pace.


What is the easiest country in Europe for US digital nomads?

There isn’t one universal answer. The easiest option is usually the one that best matches your schedule, budget, and preferred routine. For many beginners, “easy” comes down to city and neighborhood choice more than the country itself.


What is the cheapest European country for digital nomads?

That depends heavily on which city you choose and how you live (housing, coworking, food, transportation). Country-wide comparisons can be misleading, so it’s better to compare the specific cities you’re considering.


Do I need a digital nomad visa for Europe if I stay less than 90 days?

It depends on your situation and where you’re staying, but the short-stay vs long-stay distinction is the key place to start. Read this: Do I Need a Digital Nomad Visa to Move to Europe?

💡 Make it easy: explore 100+ destinations and use our smart filters on Nomad Atlas to make your choice quick & simple!

If you want the fastest way to choose your first base, explore our Europe beginner-friendly bases collection inside Nomad Atlas.

We’ve grouped beginner-friendly options by budget, vibe, and work setup so you can stop bouncing between tabs and choose a first base that actually fits your life. Explore: