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espite being still a somewhat discreet concept, co-living – which mixes the sharing of a house but also a workspace (co-working) – begins to seduce some professionals, who are attracted by the idea of living in the heart of a big city without having to to spend a fortune or, on the contrary, by the idea of living in a community far from the big cities and in direct contact with nature.
Coliving.com describes this concept as “a way of living and sharing a home with other like-minded people”. They add that “The greatest value of the collectivity is access to the community. These spaces are specially designed to create an inspiring environment for people to interact and share experiences with each other.”
Portugal is not behind in this trend. Increasingly asserting itself as an important destination for digital nomads – a type of professionals normally very adept at this lifestyle – from the north to the south of the country, there are already co-living spaces that allow sharing an address. Some facilities are open throughout the year, others only during very specific periods. Here are some of the best co-living spaces you can find in Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira islands):
1. Selina Secret Garden
Selina has quickly become one of the most popular places for digital nomads who want Lisbon to be part of their travel itinerary. This space – which is a kind of hotel for remote professionals – offers a wide range of accommodation options, from the simplest and most shared dormitories to suites with greater comfort and privacy. In addition, Selina hotels have a common room, a co-working area, a rooftop, a bar and even a swimming pool. And, of course, high-speed wifi. Another interesting fact: they are pet friendly.
2. Same Same
Same Same was, perhaps, one of the first co-living spaces in Portugal, and combines the comfort of a home with the feeling of belonging to a community. Located right in the center of Lisbon, in the heart of the Mouraria district, one of the most typical neighbourhoods in the city, the accommodation is divided into shared and private areas. In addition, it has laundry services, furniture and appliances, water and energy supply, and cleaning. You can stay here for a minimum of one month and a maximum of six months.
3. Smart Studios
Further north, in Porto, you can find Smart Studios. It's kind of a hybrid between a student residence and a co-living space. The studios, which operate on an all-inclusive basis, are fully equipped and furnished for rent to both professionals and students, in the typologies of studio flats, 1-bedroom flats, duplex and reduced mobility.
4. Zmar
Would you like to live and work in a campsite that offers you the necessary amenities to carry out your work? And where, at the same time, you could be in contact with nature and with other campers? Zmar is the place for you! It's very close to Zambujeira do Mar and a refuge in the heart of the Alentejo countryside. It has almost 300 wooden houses, a water park with three swimming pools, activities for children, events and workshops and, more recently, the Eco Resort has also created special packages for telecommuters and nomads. Definitely worth a visit, don't you think?
5. Sunago
Inevitably known for surfing, Ericeira welcomes more and more visitors from all over the world who stroll through its narrow streets and fill up the seafood restaurants. Here you will have the feeling that you are on a vacation all year round. If you like water sports and a relaxed and sunny atmosphere, you are in the right spot. Sunago combines the amenities of a hotel with the space and privacy of a home.
8. Calçada Guest House
If you are looking for an authentic and typical Algarve experience, Calçada Guest House is the right choice. With bed and breakfast, this space, located in the oldest streets of Tavira, has a common room, a roof terrace where you can relax and socialise, access to free wi-fi in all parts of the house, as well as many other amenities.
7. Quinta do Bom Despacho
On the islands, more specifically in the Azores, Quinta do Bom Despacho invites you to live and work with other inspiring people from all over the world. But the concept is a tad different from the others: the idea is that you reduce your cost of living and that, at the same time, you increase your quality of life. And how can you do this? By reducing your carbon footprint and being part of a community. In this farm you will stay in a traditional family house built in the 17th century, just a 15 minute-walk from the centre of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel.
