What if I told you there’s a secret island in the middle of the Atlantic with fast internet, part of the European Union, boasting solid infrastructure and a lower cost of living—much like mainland Portugal?
I’d always been curious about the Azores, but for some reason, it never quite made it to the top of my travel list. Maybe because it’s tucked away in the middle of the ocean, far from the typical nomad circuits. It’s not in the top 20 destinations for remote workers, and it doesn’t flaunt world-class beaches like Bali or Mexico. But I knew it had a few things going for it: reliable internet, EU status, and an intriguing off-the-beaten-path appeal.
The first time I seriously considered the Azores for remote work was back in 2024, during the Nomad World Conference. The Azores Tourism Board was there, actively promoting the islands as an “ideal destination” for digital nomads. They even launched a dedicated platform—Azores Digital Nomads—showcasing everything from hiking and hot springs to coworking options and island infrastructure. That’s when it clicked: this place is serious about attracting remote workers.
I began planning my trip with a few things in mind. First, I didn’t want to fly in from too far away—adjusting to the time zone and climate can be draining. Second, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on flights. The most logical move was to base myself in either Lisbon or Porto and hop over from there. Flights from both cities to Ponta Delgada (the Azores’ main airport, located on São Miguel Island) take about 2.5 hours.
Since I’d spent plenty of time in Lisbon already, I chose to revisit Porto—where I hadn’t been in years—and work remotely from there for two weeks. Then I booked a one-way ticket to the Azores for just $70 USD. Not bad at all, though keep in mind this was in March, which is technically off-season.
And, of course, as a proper digital nomad, I needed more than a beautiful island—I needed community, fast Wi-Fi, and a place that “gets” remote work. That’s how I stumbled upon Lava Coliving, a charming villa designed for digital nomads and remote workers like us.
In this review, I’ll share what it’s really like living in the Azores at Lava Coliving Azores—from the workspaces and Wi-Fi to the people, events, and adventures that made this place feel like home. Let’s dive in.
Why Azores and Coliving in the Azores?
There’s something special about living in the Azores—and it’s not just the landscapes. This archipelago strikes a rare balance between good road and internet infrastructure and jaw-dropping natural beauty. You’ve got high-speed internet (yes, even in the middle of the Atlantic), peaceful villages, hiking trails that look like they belong on a postcard, and great internet (like the one at Lava Coliving Azores) that makes it incredibly easy to plug in and to some great work!
Compared to most European destinations, the Azores are refreshingly affordable. Whether it’s groceries, dining out, or long-term stays, you’ll quickly notice that living in Azores offers way more value for your money. They have the Portuguese supermarket chains on the island, like Pingo Doce and Continente, with prices very similar to the mainland (maybe +20%) on some items. Expect to pay about 2 Euros for a bottle of Orange Juice, 6 Euros on a high-quality steak. 6 Euros for a ready made whole chicken and maybe 10 Euros to eat fresh food at a canteen.
One of the unexpected things? The weather. While it’s not your typical tropical island climate (white sandy beachs, hot days and so on) but more like: mild temps, cloudy skies, and the occasional drizzle, it’s actually great for deep work. No FOMO from endless beach days—just the perfect cozy conditions to get into focus mode, especially when paired with ocean views and a good cup of Azorean tea! ( check out Che Gorreana Tea Plantation. Wow, what a place!)
In recent years, the Azores have started attracting more digital nomads and remote workers, slowly building a reputation as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for long-term stays and slow travel. Spaces like Lava Coliving Azores are leading that movement, offering a supportive community for people who value both productivity and connection in a traditional and safe setup.
One thing to note about living in the Azores, especially on São Miguel Island, is that you’ll definitely want to rent a car. Public transportation exists but it’s very limited, and many of the best spots—thermal springs, coastal viewpoints, hidden beaches, and hiking trails—aren’t easily accessible without your own wheels.
The good news? If you’re traveling off-season (which I highly recommend for better deals and fewer tourists), car rental prices can be shockingly low. I found deals starting from just €5 a day – yes, really!(with the company Ilha Verde which had great services). Even after adding insurance and some extras, it’s still incredibly affordable compared to mainland Europe or other popular nomad destinations.
Having a car also gives you a ton of freedom to explore the island at your own pace between work sessions—something that makes coliving in the Azores even more appealing. And if you’re staying at a place like Lava Coliving Azores, you’ll find that road trips and shared rides often become part of the community rhythm, whether it’s a spontaneous waterfall mission
Lava Coliving Azores – First Impressions
When I arrived at Lava Coliving Azores, I instantly got the feeling that this was more than just a place to sleep and work—it was a home. The space is set inside a beautifully renovated traditional Azorean house, the kind with character and charm, but upgraded with all the modern comforts we remote workers depend on.
The house is huge. We’re talking high ceilings, spacious private rooms with big windows that let in tons of natural light, and a massive living room that’s perfect for hanging out, sharing meals (where we did family dinners), or having a spontaneous conversation that coliving tends to spark. The coworking space is just as generous—plenty of desks, reliable Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment that makes living in the Azores as productive as it is peaceful.
Lava didn’t skip on the details either. There’s a laundry room, a solid coffee machine (lifesaver), and a fully equipped kitchen. Whether you’re in full work mode or just trying to live that slow-travel lifestyle, the setup really supports both. The place is quiet and you’ll have plenty of (head) space.
There are several outdoor spaces, but my favourite is the one from the coworking space. The outdoor terrace offers views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the lush green mountains on the other. It’s one of those spots where you can sip your morning coffee or wrap up your day with a glass of wine and just breathe.
In terms of location, Lava Coliving Azores is perfectly positioned between Ribeira Grande and Rabo de Peixe, two local towns with a strong Azorean vibe. You’re just 15 minutes from Ponta Delgada Airport and about 10 minutes from the nearest supermarket (by car, remember!), which makes settling in super easy.
Oh—and for the surfers out there? It gets better. The famous Santa Bárbara beach, arguably the best surf spot on São Miguel Island, is just down the road. So whether you’re hitting the waves or just watching the sunset with your feet in the sand, this place delivers.
Here's a nice walk through the Lava house if you want to get a feel for it!
Accommodation & Amenities
One of the things I appreciated most about Lava Coliving Azores was how thoughtfully everything was set up—not just for comfort, but for real remote work life.
In the private room, you’ll find comfortable workspaces, proper desks and ergonomic chairs, and even some rooms with en suite bathrooms for a bit of extra privacy. It’s the kind of setup that makes living in the Azores feel effortless—you can work from your room, the coworking space, or the terrace, depending on your vibe.
Now, let’s talk Wi-Fi—because let’s be real, no remote worker is going to a remote island without asking, “but how’s the internet?” I was honestly impressed. Speeds are usually over 50 Mbps, and during my entire stay, I didn’t have a single issue. No call drops, no lag, no downtime. Fun fact: there are underwater fiber optic cables connecting the Azores directly to mainland Portugal, so the connection here isn’t just solid—it’s seriously reliable. Perfect for Zoom calls, uploads, or streaming a cheeky Netflix episode between tasks.
The shared kitchen is another highlight. It’s large, well-equipped, and super organized—each room has its own labeled storage space, and you’ll find everything from cutting boards to coffee grinders. But more than just functional, it’s a social hub. This is where food is shared, conversations spark, and family dinners happen spontaneously. It really adds to the coliving Azores vibe: community, not just cohabitation.
Fitness lovers aren’t forgotten either. While it’s not a full gym setup, there are some weights, a pull-up bar, and yoga mats available in the coworking space. It’s more than enough to keep up a routine—or at least to stretch out after long work sessions.
And for the practical stuff: yes, there’s a laundry room, a printer, and even a projector setup with high-definition visuals. We watched a couple of movies during my stay, and the quality was actually great—definitely better than I expected from a coliving setup.
In short, Lava Coliving Azores ticks all the boxes for remote workers who want the full package: reliable infrastructure, a comfortable place to live, and a sense of community, though not very strong. More on this below.
It’s the kind of setup that makes you wonder why this place and Azores in general is not on the radar of more remote workers.
Coworking at Lava Coliving Azores
One of the key reasons I chose Lava Coliving Azores was the promise of a proper coworking setup—and I wasn’t disappointed.
The coworking space is around 90m², open 24/7, and honestly feels more like a startup studio than a basic nomad desk corner. There are about four large desks with ergonomic chairs, and you’ll always find enough space to spread out, focus, and get deep into your work.
The internet connection, as I mentioned before, is super stable and fast—perfect for video calls, uploads, or any heavy-lifting remote work. Whether you’re on back-to-back Zoom meetings or pushing big files to the cloud, the fiber connection (thanks to those underwater cables from Portugal) holds strong. It’s one of the reasons living in the Azores works surprisingly well for remote professionals.
And if you ever need total silence or a bit more privacy, all the rooms in the house are set up with a desk and a chair, so you can easily take your calls or focus in peace. It’s flexible, which is exactly what you want when your work rhythm isn’t 9-to-5.
The networking in the office space (and in the house, I’d say) varies depending on who’s around, of course, but the energy is usually relaxed and people work on and off from their rooms most times. It was quiet all the time when I was in the coworking space.
If you’re someone who values quiet space and not forced after-work activities, then this place nails the balance. Coworking at Lava Coliving Azores made my workdays smooth and social at the same time, as you are at your own pace and nothing is forced—and that’s not something every remote destination can offer.
SPECIAL OFFER! We’ve got an exclusive offer for you together with Lava Coliving. Head over to Lava Coliving and enter the code”RT5″ and GET 5% OFF from your stay in 2025!
Community, Events and Vibes in the house
The community vibe here is good, but I’ve seen better. I guess it depends on a few factors like the weather (which can be rainy and cloudy mos of the days in spring, autumn, and winter). Nevertheless people in the housewere open to share ideas, food and experiences and they were in the remote working lifestyle so there’s plenty of connections to be made.
The house naturally attracts a mix of digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers from all over the world (had house mates from Argentina and the US so yeah, VERY international), and everyone brings something different to the table. Most people are chill, open-minded, and easy to connect with, which makes socializing feel effortless. Whether it’s your first time in a coliving or your tenth, the atmosphere here feels inclusive and low-pressure.
One of my favorite parts of living in the Azores at Lava was the weekly family dinners. Sometimes we’d do potluck-style meals, where everyone prepared or bought a dish from their home country, and other times someone would just take the lead and cook for the group. These nights always turned into great conversations, music, and spontaneous plans for the weekend.
Speaking of weekends—there’s usually something going on. We had a group trip to the Caldeira Velha hot springs, which are super close to the house and the perfect way to relax after a long workweek. Hiking is another regular activity, and people usually organize impromptu trail missions through the house’s WhatsApp group. You don’t need to plan much—just drop a message, grab your hiking shoes, and you’ll probably find some people to go with. Otherwise, just get in the car and head towards the hikes on your own. MAKE SURE to leave a note on the group or tell someone what hike you’re doing to be on the safe eside. I recommend the “AllTrails” App which is fantastic for hike guides and maps, anywhere in the world, including Azores.
What I appreciated most is that everything is super casual—there’s no pressure to join every dinner or outing. You can dip in and out of the social stuff as much as you want. But one way or another, you’ll be caught up in some
So if you’re looking for coliving in the Azores that offers both a strong sense of community and the freedom to do your own thing, Lava strikes the perfect balance. You’ll leave with new connections, cool memories, and maybe even a few future travel buddies.
Costs, Booking & Value for Money
When it comes to affordability, Lava Coliving Azores really delivers value—especially compared to other Azores accomoodation options. Prices vary depending on the season, but to give you an idea: it can start from €270 for two weeks, and private rooms start from around €550 for the same period. If you’re visiting during the off-season or shoulder months, you’ll find it even more affordable. They offer – 10% for a 3-week stay, 15% for a 1-month stay and 20% for a 2-month stay
You can book directly through their website at lavacoliving.com, and here’s a little bonus—use the code RT5 for 5% off your stay (yep, I tested it myself, it works!).
Now, let’s talk about the broader cost of living in the Azores. Overall, it’s pretty budget-friendly. One of the best travel hacks here is renting a car—off-season rates start at just €5 per day, which is kind of insane. In high season, you’re looking at more like €30–€40 per day, but it’s still worth it to explore the island properly. Public transport is very limited, so if you want to hit the beaches, hikes, or volcanic springs on your own time, a car is a must.
Groceries are fairly priced too, slightly more expensive than Portugal, but cheaper than other European Countries. You’ll find cooked chicken for around €5, fresh pastries for €1, and local fruit like apples and bananas for cheap. Supermarkets are well-stocked with most essentials, although now and then you’ll find some veggies or fruits missing—after all, you’re on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. Coffee at local cafés goes for €1 to €1.50, and if you want to treat yourself, a good steak at a nice restaurant costs around €20.
All in all, Lava Coliving Azores gives you a great balance of quality and affordability. Combine that with the low cost of daily life, and you’ve got one of the most underrated places for remote work and coliving in Europe. It’s proof that living in the Azores can be both inspiring and accessible.
Life in Azores as a remote worker
So what does a typical life of a remote worker look like in the Azores, and what is there to do? Here’s what life is really like on these stunning Atlantic islands—slow-paced, nature-rich, and a little off the beaten path for digital nomads.
The Azores might look like a remote worker’s dream on Instagram—lush volcanic landscapes, thermal hot springs, ocean views, and a peaceful atmosphere. And while all of that is 100% true, the day-to-day reality of working remotely from the Azores comes with a few important caveats.
A Slow, Peaceful Lifestyle
Life moves slowly in the Azores. This isn’t a bad thing—it’s actually one of the islands’ biggest charms. There’s no rush, no traffic, and no pressure to constantly be “on.” It’s an amazing environment if you’re looking to reset, focus on deep work, or take a break from the hustle of big city life.
But that slow pace also means things like services, infrastructure, and even social life can feel really quiet. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environments, this might be a tough adjustment.
A Small (But Growing) Remote Work Scene
Unlike places like Lisbon, Madeira, or even certain parts of mainland Portugal, the Azores don’t yet have a well-developed digital nomad scene. You won’t find dozens of meetups or coworking events every week. In fact, chances are you might not even bump into another remote worker unless you’re staying in the same accommodation.
The community is small and fairly scattered across the islands, which makes it harder to meet people organically—especially if you’re living alone.
No Coffee Shop Culture for Working
If you’re used to working from trendy cafés with great Wi-Fi and oat milk lattes, the Azores might feel a bit limiting. Most cafés are more traditional—think locals sipping espresso and chatting rather than typing away on laptops (just like the ones you see in mainland Portugal). Very few places cater to remote workers, and finding a café where you can spend hours working isn’t really a thing here.
The reality? Most people either work from home or, better yet—from a coliving space.
Why Coliving is the Smart Move
Given the quiet lifestyle and limited social opportunities, living in a coliving space can be a game-changer. You’ll not only have reliable Wi-Fi and a setup designed for remote work, but you’ll also meet like-minded people who are navigating the same lifestyle. Some of the best connections and community in the Azores are found in these shared spaces.
Coliving takes care of the social side of things, which is otherwise quite hard to come by on your own here.
You’ll Need a Car—No Way Around It
Public transport in the Azores is limited and inconsistent, especially if you want to explore beyond the main towns. If you plan on staying more than a couple of weeks, renting or buying a car is pretty much essential.
Without a car, you’ll be restricted to very small areas—and the whole point of being in the Azores is to get out into nature, explore different villages, hike up volcanoes, and soak in thermal pools.
Best Areas to Live for Remote Workers
If you’re working remotely and looking for a good balance between nature, amenities, and peace, two main areas stand out:
Ribeira Grande (North Coast): A great base on São Miguel island. It’s not too touristy but still has enough infrastructure for a comfortable stay. Close to beaches, mountains, and decent shops.
Furnas (East Side): Known for its thermal baths and lush scenery, Furnas is stunning and relaxing. Great if you want to be immersed in nature, though it’s more isolated than other areas.
Both areas are ideal if you’re staying long-term and want the full Azorean experience without being too far off-grid.
Final Thoughts
Living in the Azores as a remote worker is about trading convenience and a bustling social scene for natural beauty, peace, and simplicity. It’s not for everyone—but if you’re someone who thrives in quiet places, loves hiking and solitude, and doesn’t mind driving everywhere, it can be incredibly rewarding.
That said, to make the most of your time here, choose a good coliving space, rent a car, and come with the mindset of slowing down. The Azores won’t give you hustle—but they might just give you something better: space to breathe.
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