Looking for the best digital nomad destinations for 2026? If you’re considering moving abroad or exploring new places, there’s never been a better time for it!
From tropical islands to vibrant cities, there are so many incredible places that you could live this year. There are also loads of countries now offering digital nomad visas as well as destinations that are a lot more welcoming and understanding of remote workers.
With all these choices, it can be tricky to decide where to go next. So if you’re struggling to decide which destination is best for you, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re an established nomad or you’re making your first move abroad, I’m here to help you out! Here’s my pick of the 15 best digital nomad destinations that you need to have on your radar this year.
Best destinations for digital nomads in 2026
1. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. It’s a country that boasts a lot, with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and gorgeous tropical scenery.
Costa Rica is known for having a big focus on eco living. It’s also one of the happiest countries in the world so it’s an amazing place to move to!
Across the country, there are several spots that are great for digital nomads, but Santa Teresa is one of the best options for 2024.
This laid-back beach town is the ideal place for remote workers who want a bohemian vibe and a more relaxed and mindful lifestyle. There’s a big health and wellness community here so you’ll be able to practice yoga, go surfing, and enjoy a simple way of life.
Another bonus of Costa Rica is that its Central time zone aligns with much of the US. So if you need to schedule calls or work to set hours, this could be your dream option!
2. Bali, Indonesia
It’s no surprise that Bali is one of the world’s best digital nomad destinations. This gorgeous island is a tropical paradise and has so much for remote workers to love.
As well as lush scenery and a rich and vibrant culture, Bali has a cool and friendly vibe that makes it perfect for digital nomads. Even though it’s an exotic destination, it also feels somewhat familiar thanks to its huge community of expats and solo travelers.
For some people, Bali’s popularity might be off-putting – but it also means it’s a lot easier to move here, meet new people, and still work productively!
It’s so common to work from Bali, that you’ll find coworking and coliving spaces across the island. So whether you want to live and work by the beach or surrounded by jungle – Bali has you covered!
Bali is also a fantastic wellness destination so it’s ideal if you want to find somewhere with a better work-life balance. You’ll find spas, yoga studios, and cute and healthy cafes for when you want to relax and unwind.
Check out our 7-day Bali Itinerary!
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you’re craving an urban environment, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best digital nomad cities. This amazing destination has so much to offer and is a perfect spot if you want somewhere that feels lively and modern, while still having a rich and traditional culture.
Within the city, you’ll find everything you’d expect from a bustling capital with skyscrapers, contemporary shopping, and foodie spots, as well as markets, temples, and cultural sites.
There’s also a brilliant choice of apartment buildings that offer a high standard of living at a relatively low cost. Plus, Kuala Lumpur boasts some of the fastest internet in Southeast Asia and has a choice of coworking spaces across the city.
This is also a city that’s well connected, which makes it a great base for exploring other destinations within the country and across Asia.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Like Bali, Chiang Mai has long been a favourite with digital nomads and it’s still a top place to have on your list for 2024.
There’s a reason why so many solo travelers and remote workers flock here. With a thriving digital nomad community, as well as a strong wifi connection, great coworking spaces, and work-friendly cafes, there’s everything you need to feel at home!
Chiang Mai is also one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia so it’s great for female travelers. And as a digital nomad capital, you’ll easily find like-minded people and friends to spend time with.
The city itself is unique and vibrant with incredible spots to explore. As well as being surrounded by nature, Chiang Mai is a destination that’s overflowing with culture and spiritual charm.
It’s also one of the cheapest places for digital nomads, where you’ll still have a brilliant quality of life. You’ll get delicious food, great accommodation and so many fun and affordable things to do in your time off.
5. Madeira, Portugal
If there’s one destination that’s becoming a lot more popular with digital nomads, it’s Madeira. This beautiful island off the coast of northwest Africa is a paradise gem that has so much to brag about.
Known as the Hawaii of Europe, Madeira is incredibly photogenic and is a dream spot for hiking, diving, and surfing. It’s also one of Europe’s warmest destinations with a lush, subtropical climate that’s perfect for escaping the winter months.
With its wild volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches the island has many similarities to Bali. So if you love nature and jaw-dropping scenery – this is the place for you!
Because Portugal has a digital nomad visa, Madeira has a thriving remote work scene. You’ll find a great choice of working spaces across the island as well as fast and reliable internet.
6. Malta
If you’re dreaming of living in a sunny European destination, Malta is an amazing option. Known for being one of the hottest places in Europe, this little island is a good choice for sunseekers.
Even though it’s a remote destination with gorgeous old cities, Malta has widespread 5G coverage, fast internet speed, and coworking spaces. English is also one of the official languages so you’ll have no trouble settling in.
Malta has loads of places that offer peace and tranquillity so it’s ideal if you want a destination that feels a little quieter. And if you love nature, it’s a wonderful country to explore.
As well as golden beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, and cute fishing villages, the capital of Valletta is a historic city that’s overflowing with culture and charm.
Flights to other European destinations are also affordable from Malta. It’s a really great base if you want to explore the rest of the continent during your time off.
7. Merida, Mexico
When you think of remote working in Mexico, you probably think of Tulum. As a tropical paradise on the Caribbean coast, Tulum is a fantastic destination, but it’s not the only spot to consider.
If you want an alternative destination, the city of Merida is an amazing option. It might not be on the coast, but Merida has a brilliant setting in the Yucatan Peninsula, where you can still enjoy nearby beaches, cenotes, and cultural sites. It’s also a city with a rich culture and the best food!
As the largest city in the state, there’s decent wifi in Merida as well as several coworking spaces and cafes to work from. It’s also Mexico’s safest city, which definitely gives it extra points!
Compared to places like Tulum, Merida has a slightly older crowd and a quieter nomad vibe. So if you’re looking for somewhere that feels a bit more relaxed, this could be your perfect choice.
8. Athens, Greece
Athens isn’t the most common digital nomad destination in Europe, but it’s a good choice to consider this year. As a city that’s bursting with history, it’s an amazing place to choose if you want to immerse yourself in culture.
There’s loads to see and do in Athens. It’s a unique digital nomad city that’s blessed with charming neighborhoods and fascinating landmarks. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Greece’s nearby islands and beaches.
If you choose to live in Athens, you’ll find relatively affordable accommodation as well as stable internet. Plus, with the growing population of digital nomads, you’ll be able to join coworking spaces and social events across the city.
9. Phuket, Thailand
If you’re dreaming of swaying palms and white sandy beaches, Phuket is probably your ideal destination. As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has tons to offer and is a fab choice for digital nomads wanting a tropical setting.
If you get itchy feet and love to explore during your time off, you can’t go wrong with Phuket. As well as incredible beaches, Phuket has jungles, national parks, and fascinating cultural sites. It’s also a bustling destination where day or night there’s something to do.
Coworking spaces have become popular in Phuket so it’s easy to find somewhere to focus and be productive. There are also loads of cafes with fast and reliable wifi.
Phuket is also an affordable place to live, with different areas you could choose depending on your travel style. Whether that’s near the beach in somewhere like Rawai, or closer to the cafes in Old Phuket Town.
Like many world-class destinations, Phuket offers a luxurious side for those seeking an indulgent, high-end experience.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
Set in the mountainous landscapes of Georgia, Tbilisi is one of those places that’s really unique. As well as being an up-and-coming digital nomad destination, this is a city with a diverse heritage and boasts a ton to do.
It’s a location that feels a little off the beaten track. So if you want somewhere with an adventurous edge (that still has the infrastructure to work remotely), it’s definitely a good option for 2024!
Tbilisi is becoming a lot more popular with digital nomads and it’s easy to see why. The city is vibrant and interesting. It’s rich in culture and history, has friendly locals, and offers a lively bar and restaurant scene.
Tbilisi is a generally safe destination and is also extremely affordable for digital nomads. Plus, if you want to settle for longer, Georgia has a visa-free policy for many nationalities, which makes it easy to stay for up to a year.
11. Mauritius
Powdery beaches, sunny weather, and delicious food – what’s not to love about Mauritius?! This tropical island might be one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations, but it’s amazing for digital nomads, too!
Compared with other Indian Ocean islands (like the Maldives), Mauritius feels lively and it also has a lot of attractions and things to do in your time off.
Obviously, you’ll find beautiful beaches in Mauritius, but the country also has lush natural scenery, a vibrant culture, and the most welcoming locals. It’s easily one of the best digital nomad destinations if you want an island paradise!
As a country with a digital nomad visa, it’s easier to stay longer term in Mauritius, too. It also means you’ll find modern coworking spaces and cafes with reliable wifi.
12. Split, Croatia
There’s so much to love about Croatia. It’s one of Europe’s best travel spots and is a top digital nomad destination. There are several cities you could choose if you want to live in Croatia but Split should definitely be on your list.
Split is one of the best places to live as a digital nomad. Not only is it safe, laid-back, and relatively affordable, but it’s a city that’s bursting with charm. With a stunning coastal location, it’s also a great choice if you want to live by the beach and still have the conveniences of being in a city.
If you don’t like working from home, there are coworking spaces popping up across the city, as well as cute cafes that you could work from.
There’s also so much rich history and loads of things to experience in Split so you’ll never be bored. It’s also a great destination for island hopping and exploring the rest of the country.
13. Chania, Greece
Greece has so many islands but Crete is one of the best choices for digital nomads in 2024. As the country’s biggest island, you’ll get the best of island life in Crete while still having plenty to see and do.
If you’re looking for a sunny digital nomad destination, Crete ticks the right boxes. It’s an island with hot and dry summers and relatively mild winters. It’s also affordable and offers reliable internet connection so it’s easy to stay connected.
Even though there are several spots you could base yourself in around Crete, my recommendation is Chania. This coastal city is really beautiful and has so much character. It’s also close to some of Crete’s best beaches and attractions.
Across Crete, there’s so much to love. It’s an incredible destination for nature lovers with beautiful beaches and diverse landscapes. It also has breathtaking hiking trails so it’s a great choice if you want to stay active and healthy.
14. Budapest, Hungary
If you want a city that’s good value for money, you’ll want to consider Budapest for your next digital nomad destination. Even though it’s a capital city, Budapest is relatively inexpensive and has so much to love.
Not only is Budapest a pretty city with historic castles and grand buildings, but it’s a safe one, too. It’s also a compact destination that’s easy to get around on foot or by affordable public transport.
Across the city, there are lots of great coworking spaces with speedy internet so you’ll have no trouble getting things done.
The city is also famous for its ruin bars and lively nightlife so it’s a fab choice if you want to socialize. You’ll find regular events for expats and digital nomads where it’s easy to make new friends.
15. Barbados
Not many places can compete with the Caribbean when it comes to beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. If you’re dreaming of living in paradise, Barbados is one of the best digital nomad destinations!
This is a country that has everything you’d expect from the Caribbean with swaying palms, sandy white beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It might seem like a romantic island for couples, but Barbados also has a digital nomad visa that lets remote workers live in the country for up to 12 months.
Although it’s not the cheapest destination, the standards of living are high in Barbados. It’s also a brilliant place to live if you want somewhere that feels friendly and homely. As a small island, it’s easy to get to know people and feel part of a community.
Surfing and watersports are big in Barbados, so it’s perfect for staying active. Plus, Barbados has great wifi as well as cafes that you can work from. It’s also in the Atlantic time zone, which is ideal if you need to work during US hours.
Digital nomad destinations – Final Thoughts
It’s never been easier to move abroad as a digital nomad. Across the globe, there are so many brilliant places to work from with lots of countries now offering digital nomad visas, too.
Whether you’re dreaming of living on a paradise island, in a lively city, or at a cute coastal spot, there are so many places to fall in love with.
About the author: Hannah is a travel writer, honeymoon expert, and the founder of Mariee Travel. For 8 years she worked as a wedding magazine editor, writing about the world’s best honeymoons and luxury escapes. Having traveled to 5 continents and numerous bucket-list destinations, she helps her readers plan their next dream trip.
So far, I’ve been to four of these destinations: Bali, Split, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. I loved all four. But I’d warn against visiting Chiang Mai during burning season as the air quality is really terrible. But otherwise, it’s a great place.