My Remote Work Life at Lava Coliving São Miguel

Thinking of relocating to the Azores as a remote worker? 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. 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.

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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.