The boat left me in South Portugal, marking the beginning of an unplanned road trip. Guided by my inner compass, I discovered welcoming places with amazing people and forged unforgettable connections. These places turned out to be unexpected, interesting surf and coliving lifestyle spots. Here’s my journey from Portugal to Sri Lanka
Surf for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Algarve, Raposeira
My first stop was the Good Feeling Hostel and Surf School in Raposeira, Algarve. Although they don’t call themselves a coliving space, they embody the coliving spirit. The local people here formed an incredible team, truly becoming the engine of this community of connections and waves. Close to the best beaches, this hostel offers activities for any kind of guest.
It’s a paradise for digital nomads and remote workers who find the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation. One of the highlights is Castelejo Beach, where the inland nature meets the coastline, displaying fascinating bodies, geometries, and fractures that playfully interact with the tide.
Explore
Moving north, I reached Ericeira, recognized as a world surf reserve. But what exactly is a world surf reserve? It’s a designation given to areas that are considered critical to the sport of surfing. These reserves protect and preserve wave breaks and their surrounding environments, ensuring that they remain unspoiled for future generations. Ericeira, with its consistent waves and rich surf culture, is an example of such a reserve.
Additionally, Ericeira is home to many coworking spaces fully dedicated to remote workers, making it an ideal location for digital nomads who want to balance work and surf.
Next, I arrived at the Caparica coast, known for its fossil landscape. This location offers a break from Lisbon city. The fossil cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to the consistent waves, making it a favourite spot for both surfers and nature enthusiasts. The coastline here is a living museum, displaying remnants of ancient life that add an extra layer of wonder to the surfing experience.
Surfing in Sri Lanka as a Digital Nomad
The same scene was unfolding on the other side of the world, in Sri Lanka. Known for its constant waves, amazing people, and wild nature, Sri Lanka is home to another vibrant surf spot: Gypcey Lounge in Arugam Bay. My connection with this part of the world was online.
This place is the first coworking cafe in town. Work, sip, and connect with high-speed internet, artisanal coffee and healthy snacks. It’s a destination for creativity and collaboration.
Here, freelancers, digital nomads, and creative minds converge, fueled by the soothing sea breeze and the pulsating energy of the eclectic beach town.
Gypcey Lounge offers a welcoming space where productivity meets relaxation. Artisanal coffees, delectable treats, and locally sourced delights fuel creativity, while cozy corners and spacious workstations inspire collaboration and foster productivity. The laid-back atmosphere encourages connections and meaningful conversations. Perfect spot to enjoy Surf and Coliving Lifestyle.
Gypcey Lounge is just the peak of the wave. Ask them about travel experiences and accommodation to make the most of your stay
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The surrounding region offers a wealth of natural wonders that are perfect for those seeking to connect with the island’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
Wild Safari in Kumana National Park offers the chance to spot iconic Sri Lankan wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and sloth bears in their natural habitats
Pottuvil Lagoon: A Mangrove Ecosystem of Ecological Importance which plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Mangroves are renowned for their ability to capture atmospheric carbon, storing it in their biomass, thus contributing to the fight against climate change. The area is rich in biodiversity, housing a variety of flora and fauna, and serves as a vital sanctuary for elephants.
Conclusions
Hosts
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Travelers
As Sunny mentioned in the article Maxime your coliving experience : Setting intentions will guide your experience and help you make the most of your time
I confess… I’m not a surfer. I don’t chase the waves; I chase connections. I follow my instincts and trust fellow travelers who are passionate about these surf spots mentioned above. These places perfectly blend the surf passion with the coliving lifestyle, creating a unique environment where adventure and community thrive.
When and where will the next wave break?
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
More about the author:
I’m a lifelong solo traveler with a passion for exploration. Along the way, I found my own coliving space and I contribute to several projects: digital networks, coliving and coworking communities. I help founders of colivings spaces through Connectivism, a project that bridges the gap between physical and digital coliving spaces, facilitating a network of nodes and creating a new connection that extended beyond geographical boundaries.
