Portugal Presents Europe's First Digital Nomad Village

JAKARTA - A beautiful island in Portugal, Madeira, was lined up as a digital nomad village in Europe. This makes Madeira's name even more famous, after previously being one of the favorite tourist attractions on the Blue Continent.

Launched in Ponta do Sol Village on February 1, Digital Nomads Madeira aims to attract digital nomads, remote workers who travel the world while they work.

Located on the south coast of the island, the nomad village offers remote workers free workspace with tables and chairs at the John do Passos Cultural Center, access to the Slack community, and free wifi from 8 am to 10 pm daily.

The project was developed by the Madeira Regional Government, through Startup Madeira, and with the help of a digital nomad consultant. It aims to attract digital nomads from all over the world, which is increasing as office closings are rampant due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Launching Euronews, the management is still registering for interested digital nomads. Although the capacity is only 100 travelers, the number of applicants has reached 3 thousand people.

The Chosen Island

Of course, it is not without consideration that Madeira was chosen as a digital nomad village. One of them, the island for the sixth time in a row was selected as the Leading Island Destination in the World, after winning the title at the 2020 World Travel Awards.

According to Digital Nomads Madeira, Ponta do Sol offers the perfect conditions for travelers looking for warm weather, sun, and a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature.

It is hoped that the travelers will have a very positive impact on Madeira Island, the hometown of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, by staying longer, building communities, helping to fight tourism downturns and the tourism market season.

The project also collaborates with local businesses such as real estate, hotels, and car rental companies for travelers to use.

Meanwhile, Ponta do Sol Village itself has an outer 43 square kilometers and is inhabited by 8,200 residents. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, it is the warmest village with the most sunlight and is Madeira's only highland.

Madeira is currently considered one of the safest destinations in Europe. To make visitors feel safer, Madeira has adopted a series of safety measures in various places on the island, including to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone arriving in Madeira is required to show a negative PCR test which was taken 72 hours prior to arrival. Or to take the test on arrival and quarantine their accommodation for 12 hours while waiting for the results.