Since September 2021, I've decided to quit my job as a software architect to follow my idea of freedom. I want to talk deeply about this topic in the future, anyway, in my opinion, freedom means to live where I want to live, work how much I want to work, and choose the person I decide to meet.
When I decided to revolutionize my lifestyle ultimately, I moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, my first destination as a digital traveler. I arrived in las palmas in January 2021, 8 months before confirming my decision to quit the job. After almost one year that I live a year, I want to tell you my experience in a very synthetic way, trying to figure out what you need to know.
Pro
- The wheater is the best I have tried in my entire life, especially in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it is not too hot and not too cold all year long, but the wind could be strong some days from winter to summer.
- It's moderately cheap, especially for north Europeans (I'm from Italy), but not as southeast-Asia or south America. I discuss the costs better in the next paragraph.
- It's a safe place. In one year, I've never perceived any case of micro or macro criminality.
- It's possible to do any sport. I did surf, diving, skydiving, dancing, jetski, and kayaking, but there are more opportunities than these.
- Gran Canaria island it's a microcontinent very rich in biodiversity. You can find the beach, the mountains, trees, and the desert.
- You can meet persons from all around the world. The energy is very positive, and it's easy to meet new people.
- Internet is high-speed and cheap (300 or 600 Mbps).
- Fiscal advantages instead of the European average.
Cons
- The bureaucracy's not particularly efficient. To access many public services, you'll need the NIE (Foreigner ID). You can do it if you are an employee or entrepreneur in Spain or demonstrate your study here. For a person external to the European Union, it would be more difficult to stay here for non-touristic reasons.
- I've had the luck to know amicable local people. Meeting other expats, it's amazing to participating in parties and social events, but most are temporary relations cos digital nomads tend to stay 1-4 months in the same place.
Budget
My budget to stay here is about 1800€/month. I can live a comfortable life with this budget doing more or less everything I want. I have a 60mq apartment 50m far from the beach of Las Canteras, the most touristic zone. Usually, I have dinner outside 2-3 nights, and on the weekend, I used to do some activities, like jetski, surf, diving, and stuff like this.
- The cost of my apartment is 700€/month. It's easy to look for a cheaper solution. A Studio can cost around 500€/months and a room 350€/month.
- Cost of utilities: 33€ Internet, 15€ water, and 35€ electricity each month.
- My weekly budget for groceries and fun is 200€. I think this budget it's very subjective and depends on personal preferences.
*Eating in a restaurant can cost around 15-30€ on average. - Considering that the temperature in Las Palmas is all the year between 16-30C, the gas doesn't exist at home and is not necessarily spend a large amount for clothes.
It is possible to have a comfortable lifestyle with a fork between 1300€ - 2000€.
Conclusions
Personally, I fall in love with this unique island for the energy that it transmits. Every time I walk for the Las Canteras promenade, I feel lucky to see another stunning sunset.
Obviously, the perfect place doesn't exist, and again, most depend on personal preferences. At this moment, my mood is to stay away from big cities and to live the slowest life. Still, if you got a sabbatical or want to work remotely in a different location, I would recommend staying here at least for 3 months to enjoying the most of what this island can offer to you.
Now I'm planning to move to Asia for a limited period. Still, currently, I think Gran Canaria could be a lovely base for a digital traveler, who can decide to stay the most here for 5-8 months and travel to new places the other part of the year.
I'll let you know. Stay tuned!
If you need any other information, let me know in the comments.
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