The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping and your wish list for sunny destinations is getting longer. Fortunately, there are ways to escape winter in the Netherlands and your drab workplace. With the flexibility of remote working, the world is open to you. And what could be better than opening your laptop in a warm sunny setting? Here are the top 5 winter sun destinations for a wonderful workation!
1. On workation to Gran Canaria, Spain
Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands, has an ideal climate for winter. With temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees and an abundance of sunshine, you can work here just fine while enjoying the beach in between. There are many digital nomads wintering there, good wifi and affordable accommodations make the island a popular choice for remote workers. I think I’m going there myself this winter. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Gran Canaria and I’m curious to see what it’s like there now. Last year I went to Tenerife, also highly recommended for a workation. Stay far away from Playa de las Américas though, unless you like hordes of tourists and neon lights. The smaller towns in particular are really nice! And the island is also great fun to explore by car. Why Gran Canaria for a workation?
- Fast Internet connections and a growing community of digital nomads.
- Plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with wifi in the capital city of Las Palmas.
- Affordable accommodation ranging from vacation homes to apartments.
After-work activities: Take a hike in the mountains of Roque Nublo or explore the historic Vegueta district in Las Palmas.
2. As a digital nomad to Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a green paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. This Portuguese island is known for its mild climate and spectacular landscapes. Its beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere make it the ideal destination for those who want to work in peace. Madeira combines beautiful nature with many good work facilities, making it an attractive destination for workations. Why Madeira for a workation?
- The quiet pace of the island helps you to be more relaxed.
- Several coworking spaces in the capital city of Funchal.
- You can find more and more coworking spaces and networking clubs for digital nomads in recent years.
After work activities: Explore the beautiful levada hiking trails, visit the tropical gardens of Monte Palace or take a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales.
3. Wintering in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a destination that has everything: sun, sea, mountains and culture. While it is winter in the Netherlands, it is summer in Cape Town. The city has a growing community of remote workers and offers good work facilities. Moreover, the time difference with the Netherlands is only an hour or two, which makes it convenient for meetings with your colleagues or clients. If you have the time then I would definitely recommend combining your visit to Cape Town with a tour of South Africa. Then not so much to work remotely, but rather to discover the beautiful nature and wildlife of this wonderful country. This is one of the most impressive trips I have ever taken myself.
Why Cape Town for a workation?
- The small time difference with the Netherlands (1 to 2 hours) makes working remotely easy.
- Good infrastructure and many coworking spaces in the city. Power outages need not be a problem.
- The alternation between city and nature provides inspiration and relaxation.
After-work activities: Climb the iconic Table Mountain, enjoy a wine tour in the nearby winelands, or visit the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Looking for the perfect workation accommodation?
Recently you will find on our website accommodations that are perfect for your workation. Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner or with a group. We have checked these extensively and are sure you will have a great time there. They have a nice workplace, reliable internet, friendly owners and are located in the most amazing places!
4. A tropical workation in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one of the most famous digital nomad hotspots in the world. The combination of low costs, delicious food, a warm winter atmosphere and excellent coworking spaces makes this city a perfect choice for a workstation. The winter season (November to February) has wonderfully pleasant temperatures. I personally like it a lot better than Bangkok because there it is so incredibly hectic and busy. Why Chiang Mai for a workation?
- Affordable lifestyle with many dining options and inexpensive accommodations.
- A large and vibrant community of digital nomads to network with.
- Wide range of coworking spaces scattered throughout the city with high-speed internet.
After-work activities: Visit beautiful temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, take a bike and ride through the rice fields or take a cooking class to learn more about Thai cuisine.
Curious about other workation destinations in Asia? Then read the ultimate guide for digital nomads in Asia here.
5. Remote working in sunny Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the west coast of Africa, has year-round sunshine, with temperatures around 25 degrees in winter. There’s often a nice breeze, so as far as I’m concerned, that’s the perfect temperature. This makes it an ideal destination to escape the cold Dutch winter. The islands are still relatively undiscovered by the masses, making it a quiet place for a workation. There are still plenty of places where you can really get a good impression of local life here, which has made a huge impression on me personally. Especially after I started volunteering in one of the poor neighborhoods. I found Mindelo in Sao Vicente and Santa Maria on Sal to be the best places for a workation. There you have plenty of places where there is good and stable wifi. Which is not yet the case everywhere in Cape Verde. There is also more than enough to do on those islands, at the times when you are not working. Why Cape Verde for a workation?
- Constant, nice temperatures and lots of sunshine during the winter months.
- Quite quiet and unspoiled environment, ideal for those looking for an authentic destination.
- Several opportunities for adventure such as kitesurfing, hiking and island hopping.
After-work activities: Relax on the beaches of Sal Island, learn to kitesurf in a beautiful location or explore Mindelo’s colorful markets.
Time for your sunny workation
Whether you choose a tropical island, a bustling metropolis or a place in nature, these winter sun destinations offer the perfect place for your workation, with a good balance between work and relaxation. I have now been going away in the winter for 10 years myself and would never have it any other way. So pack up your laptop, leave the cold Dutch winter and let the sun boost your creativity and productivity!
More tips on remote working and workations:
- An unforgettable workation experience in idyllic Italy
- Here’s how you can do remote business: tips for remote success
- How to best combine travel and work
