The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our habits and brought out new desires and new ways of living, especially following the temporary closure of many sectors of economic activity and the massive implementation of teleworking. Many places around the world, especially those where the sun shines generously, have not hesitated to set up devices to attract digital nomads, meaning workers who only need a computer and a good internet connection to work. Bringing in mobile workers is an excellent way to keep the local economy alive and kicking! All of this, of course, is linked to the application of an adapted and safe sanitary protocol. In Spain, the entire destination of Barcelona is one of those places that wish to attract nomadic workers to enjoy the Catalan way of life. Barcelona Workation means working and living the Barcelona way, enjoying one of the country's most pleasant cities, but also its surrounding nature, and there is something for everyone!
A device to work serenely under the Catalan sun
The Barcelona Workation campaign aims to attract to the Catalan capital and the entire Barcelona region this new public that the pandemic has revealed: the digital nomads. The fact that all you need to work is a computer and an internet connection means that you can sit anywhere for a while and enjoy everything a destination has to offer. In Barcelona, the campaign allows foreign workers to be accompanied in the different administrative procedures, including international insurance to protect themselves in case of health problems COVID-19 and others. But also to settle in one of the accommodations suitable for telework (apartment, hotel, camping, rural house, etc.), as well as by providing a card to enjoy Barcelona with advantages in cultural places, leisure facilities and possible visits in the area.
Why is Barcelona a leading destination for mobile workers? In addition to its pleasant surroundings and vibrant cultural life, a part of the city called District 22@, located in the Poblenou district, has evolved from a former industrial area to the city's technological district. More than a quarter of Barcelona's residents were born outside Catalonia. The city is home to more than 180 different nationalities and places like Sitges more than 90. It is easy to connect with Barcelona's international community, participate in activities and discover the city. There are companies, startups, coworking spaces and mobile workers are welcome, with a wide selection of apartments, spaces for rent and ideal conditions to work.
Barcelona, a city of many interests
Barcelona is known around the world for being a city of many facets. It is both a beautiful historical city and a lively city where the international community and foreigners are welcome to live together and exchange. Strolling through the city means seeing some of Gaudi's magnificent monuments such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, then wandering through the streets and alleys of the Barri Gòtic to admire the exceptional concentration of gothic architecture, stopping in charming squares or entering trendy shops. On another day, there's nothing like a walk along the Rambla, from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell, to enjoy the lively atmosphere and stop for a coffee in the sun. And then, in these times when it is recommended to spend time outdoors to be in contact with others, what better way than to go to the Barceloneta and Port Olímpic districts to sit on your towel on the beach and sunbathe under the blue sky, or to play a good game of beach volleyball.
In Barcelona, you can't help but enjoy the local gastronomy and the good products of the region. The famous Boqueria market is the place to go to stock up on cold meats, cheeses and seafood and to prepare tasty meals
Nomadic workers also enjoy financial advantages when visiting Barcelona's main cultural sites. The Picasso Museum, Parc Güell and the Joan Miró Foundation are all exceptional places to immerse yourself in the city and discover the works of some of Spain's greatest artists.
The Province of Barcelona for a setting close to nature
Temporarily settling in the Barcelona region as a nomadic worker is a great opportunity for those who wish to set down their suitcases in municipalities that are closer to nature. Waking up in a fishing village, going on a cultural excursion to a small historical town, visiting a remarkable monument or going to a natural area where you can live from day to day, go hiking or swimming, all these experiences are possible in Barcelona and its different counties
In the Vallès Oriental, Granollers is a city with a superb heritage and surrounded by nature that is ideal for hiking, with the hilly landscapes of the Montseny Natural Park. In the Vallès Occidental, Sabadell and Terrassa welcome workers who want to settle in pleasant towns that offer quick access to the mountains of the Muntanya de Montserrat and Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac natural parks
And what about Berga, the capital of the Berguedà and a small village located at the foot of the Queralt mountain? Here you can enjoy a more peaceful setting and a town with a reputation for gastronomy
Whether you move to Barcelona or to one of the less populated municipalities in the province of the same name, you can easily reach beautiful areas such as Montserrat and its breathtaking views, not forgetting the two places of interest that are the monastery and the Santa Cova cave. Close to the sanctuary of Montserrat and the natural park is the charming town of Igualada, on the banks of the river Anoia. It is another town close to the enchanting nature in which nomadic workers can choose to settle down to practice their profession from a distance. Another alternative is the municipality of Vilafranca del Penedès, which boasts a rich medieval heritage and emblematic places such as the Basilica of Santa Maria. The green Mediterranean landscapes of the Alt Penedès region offer walkers the chance to enjoy beautiful views and stop off to taste some good wines at the wineries
For a good dose of culture, an interesting trip is to Vic, located in the county of Osona. It is here that the Episcopal Museum of Vic opens its doors for a journey into the heart of medieval art. Founded in 1891, the current building was inaugurated in 2002 and houses unique collections of Romanesque and Gothic paintings and sculptures
The Barcelona region is also a delight for sea-loving digital nomads. They can take advantage of the Barcelona Workation campaign to reach the most beautiful towns and beaches of the Catalan coast. Just 30 minutes from Barcelona, Castelldefels beach boasts translucent waters, a beautiful place for those who want to cool off on sunny days. Moving to Garraf or Sitges gives you the chance to wake up facing the sea and enjoy the many advantages of living by the Mediterranean, between the beach and the party scene.
The great advantage of Barcelona as a destination is that the road and rail links make it easy to go from one of the counties to the centre of Barcelona and thus vary the pleasures during a stay
Barcelona with advantages is also the possibility of participating in a number of activities. Renting an electric bike to ride around the city, joining a golf course or a tennis club, all this is possible and allows nomadic workers to have a good time between two work sessions at home.
More information on the websites of Barcelona Turisme, Barcelona is much more, Visit Barcelona Workation, Visit Barcelona Tickets, and on the Visit Barcelona Instagram page
