ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
With watches set to the same time zone as the UK and Ireland, Portugal is an easy option for workers who want to clock in at the same time as their colleagues.
Expect 300 days of sunshine per year and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C – an environment more appealing than the average office block.
The Algarve introduced a Clean & Safe campaign to help fight
Covid and the local government is encouraging long-stay visitors with open arms.
“With first class healthcare and with English widely spoken, it is a perfect place to work from for an extended period”, says Joao Fernandes, President of Algarve Tourism.
Many hotels are offering reduced rates to entice remote workers. Robinson Club Quinta da Ria (robinson.com), for example, offers the Workstation package, promising quiet rooms with fast, stable internet connection for video conferences, or an ergonomic desk chair in a separate office. After work, visitors can enjoy the golf course, a massage, tennis or a bike tour in the surrounding nature reserve. Prices start at ¤67 per person per night.
Hotel Faro (hotelfaro.pt), overlooking the Ria Formosa natural park, also offers a package with high-speed wi-fi, TV in the room with HDMI connection, second monitor and laptop support option, private meeting room and access to a co-working space. Rates are ¤825 for 15 nights and ¤1500 for 30 nights.
It is still illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays. Always follow current COVID-19 rules. See gov.uk/foreign-travel for further advice