Based in Northwestern Spain, I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some of Europe’s most inspiring community-driven coliving and coworking spaces. These aren’t just places to sleep or work—they’re living, breathing communities built for creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and anyone with a project or a dream. Some I’ve watched grow from the ground up, others I’ve followed through friends or social media, and a few I’ve even experienced firsthand. All are within a reasonable train ride, a scenic motorhome journey, or a quick flight or ferry.
Here’s my shortlist—each with its unique vibe, story, and reason for being on my radar, plus a few practical details to help you imagine yourself there.
SPAIN
A mushroom picking event led by Se – Anceu, Spain
Sende (Senderiz, Galicia)
A true institution in rural coliving, Sende has become a cornerstone of the Fixar program and a model for rural innovation. Over the past decade, they’ve hosted thousands of people—from startups and Google teams to artists and festival organizers—creating a vibrant, supportive community in the Galician mountains. Their outdoor coworking spaces, legendary communal dinners, and annual Bosquexo festival are just the beginning. Sende is now even expanding with a tent-based satellite in Setúbal, Portugal. I can’t wait to finally stay for a while and experience firsthand the slow living and creative energy that have inspired so many.
- Location: Tiny rural village in the Galician mountains, NW Spain
- Capacity: 15–20 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms in beautifully restored stone houses
- Budget: €600–€900/month, all inclusive
- Vibe: Rural, creative, slow-living, and deeply community-focused
iSlow (Costa da Morte, Galicia)
Just an hour from my base, iSlow is a luxury coliving set in a beautifully renovated stonehouse on the wild Galician coast. They welcome families and offer a blend of high-end comfort, warmth, and intentional community. I’m drawn to their attention to detail and the genuine love that radiates from their team and residents. Their approach to slow, meaningful living is something I’m eager to experience up close.
- Location: Wild Atlantic coast, Costa da Morte, Galicia
- Capacity: Up to 12 residents
- Rooms: Private rooms, some family-friendly suites
- Budget: €800–€1200/month, includes coworking and some events
- Vibe: Luxury, family-friendly, slow-living, and intentional
Maraya Coliving (Tenerife North, Canary Islands)
I’ve followed Maraya’s journey from its very first Instagram posts, watching them pull off a fast, efficient, and budget-friendly renovation that never lost sight of community. The house is gorgeous, with stunning ocean views and a creative, business-minded crowd. I love how they’ve balanced entrepreneurship with a strong, genuine community vibe. It’s a testament to what’s possible with vision and teamwork.
- Location: La Orotava, Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Capacity: Up to 14 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared, many with ocean or mountain views
- Budget: €700–€1100/month, all inclusive
- Vibe: Creative, entrepreneurial, scenic, and supportive
Nine Coliving (La Orotava, Tenerife, Canary Islands)
Nine is legendary—a true pioneer that’s inspired countless other colivings and served as a base for hundreds of digital nomads. The rooftop terrace, yoga, and surf culture are iconic, but what really stands out is the founder’s approach: gathering 20 volunteers to help launch the project, naming the rooms after them, and setting a collaborative, respectful tone from day one. “Niners” are everywhere in the scene, and a stay here feels like a rite of passage. I’d love to discuss with the founder how she pulled it off—volunteering, community-building, and all.
- Location: Historic Canarian house in La Orotava, Tenerife
- Capacity: 14–18 residents
- Rooms: Private rooms, some with en-suite; shared bathrooms
- Budget: €900–€1200/month, includes coworking, yoga, events
- Vibe: Pioneer, surf/yoga, collaborative, and iconic
Rooral Coliving (Benarrabá, Málaga)
Rooral is a movement, not just a place—bringing new life to tiny Spanish villages through coliving. Each location is chosen for its beauty, history, and potential for community impact. Residents are a mix of remote workers, social entrepreneurs, and creatives, all interested in rural innovation and authentic local connection. I’m particularly intrigued by their winter stays (I’ll skip the summer heat!) and the projects that emerge from these experiences.
- Location: Various villages in Spain
- Capacity: 8–15 residents per location
- Rooms: Private rooms in village houses
- Budget: €700–€1000/month, all inclusive
- Vibe: Rural revitalization, social innovation, and authentic community
PORTUGAL
A group of young people sitting in Baleal beach, Portugal
The Valley (Ericeira)
Set on a lush property just outside Portugal’s surf capital, The Valley is all about creativity, wellness, and connection. The space hosts a mix of artists, remote workers, and entrepreneurs, with regular workshops, yoga, and communal meals. The vibe is relaxed but inspiring, and the natural surroundings—forests, cliffs, and ocean breezes—make it easy to recharge and create.
- Location: Lush countryside just outside Ericeira
- Capacity: Up to 20 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms in a large villa
- Budget: €800–€1300/month, includes coworking, yoga, and events
- Vibe: Creative, wellness, nature-inspired, and communal
Pomar Coliving (Estoi, Algarve)
I first heard about Pomar from Alejandra, a volunteer community host I met in Anceu last fall. Set on a 15-acre apricot farm, Pomar is rural, high-end, and deeply connected to local life. The founders focus on authentic integration with the region, and the community is friendly, entrepreneurial, and values yoga, surf, hiking, and slow living. It looks like a natural paradise for focused work and genuine connection.
- Location: 15-acre apricot farm near Estoi, Algarve
- Capacity: 10–12 residents
- Rooms: Private rooms in a renovated farmhouse
- Budget: €900–€1300/month, includes coworking, some meals, and events
- Vibe: Rural luxury, nature, wellness, and authentic integration
FRANCE
Etretat magical cliffs as seen from a coastal viewpoint during a 2024 van trip
Cloud Citadel (Briançon, French Alps)
Cloud Citadel is a coliving and coworking space for mountain lovers, set in a historic building in Europe’s highest town. While it doesn’t have a garden or outdoor space, being at the heart of the Alps means the outdoors is always at your doorstep—skiing, hiking, and adventure await. The community is international and welcoming, and the energy is perfect for artists, remote workers, and anyone who thrives on mountain air and creative collaboration.
- Location: Briançon, Europe’s highest town, French Alps
- Capacity: 15–18 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms in a historic building
- Budget: €850–€1200/month, all inclusive
- Vibe: Mountain, adventure, international, and collaborative
Pyren’Escape (Saint Lary Soulan, French Pyrenees)
The first coliving in the French Pyrenees, Pyren’Escape is set in a large house with incredible views and a family-like, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a paradise for outdoor activities—skiing, canyoning, paragliding, hiking, and more. I love the idea of affordable stays at the end of the ski season, surrounded by a caring, warm community of fellow creatives.
- Location: Saint Lary Soulan, French Pyrenees
- Capacity: 10–12 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms in a large house
- Budget: €600–€900/month, includes coworking and some activities
- Vibe: Outdoor, affordable, relaxed, and supportive
Chateau Coliving (Normandy)
Chateau Coliving is a dream: a cozy castle in a private park, surrounded by nature and close to one of Europe’s prettiest coasts. The space is grand yet welcoming, with fireplaces in the garden, a dedicated family area, and vibrant residents from around the world. I’ve followed Katia (the founder) through podcasts and friends, and the community’s blend of creativity, comfort, and inspiration is magnetic. It’s also family-friendly, which is a huge plus.
- Location: A traditional French castle in Normandy, France
- Capacity: 15–25 residents, with family suites available
- Rooms: Private rooms, some en-suite, and family apartments
- Budget: €950–€1500/month, includes coworking, events, and some meals
- Vibe: Grand, creative, nature-rich, and family-friendly
SWITZERLAND
Hiking in Switzerland, 2024
Alpiness (Val d’Hérens, Swiss Alps)
If I could teleport anywhere for a creative sprint, it would be here first! I met the founders during a Finland trip a decade ago, and it’s been amazing to watch their journey. Alpiness is a cozy, design-forward coliving where the mountains are both backdrop and playground. The vibe is focused and adventurous: deep work sessions, shared meals, and spontaneous hikes or ski trips. They’re expanding, so more colivers can join the magic. Spending a whole winter here—skiing, coworking, and sharing stories—has been a dream of mine since my mid-twenties when I got to visit several French Alps resorts while leading skiing and snowboarding trips.
- Location: Remote Alpine village in Val d’Hérens, Switzerland
- Capacity: 8–12 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms in a traditional chalet
- Budget: CHF 1200–CHF 1800/month (~€1250–€1850), includes coworking and activities
- Vibe: Alpine, focused, adventurous, and cozy
ITALY
Via Francigena, late 2010s.
Casa Netural (Matera, Basilicata & Friuli Venezia Giulia)
I’ve followed Casa Netural on social media for years. They’re pioneers in social innovation and rural revitalization, running creative projects and community events that have real local impact. Their blend of collaborative spirit, Italian hospitality, and focus on sustainability makes them a model for coliving with purpose.
- Location: Matera (Basilicata) and Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Capacity: 10–15 residents
- Rooms: Private rooms and shared apartments
- Budget: €600–€1000/month, includes coworking, events, and community projects
- Vibe: Social innovation, Italian hospitality, and sustainability
Nestaway Coliving (Outside Rome)
Still under renovation, but I’m hooked on their updates—watching the transformation unfold has been inspiring. Nestaway promises rustic charm, modern comfort, and a lively, international community just outside Rome. It’s a social farm with donkeys, goats, and a spirit of sustainable living and skill-sharing. Can’t wait to see what they build.
- Location: Rural setting outside Rome, Lazio region
- Capacity: Expected 12–16 residents
- Rooms: Private rooms in a rustic farmhouse; some with en-suite
- Budget: Projected €800–€1200/month, all inclusive
- Vibe: Rustic, farm-based, sustainable, and community-driven
MOROCCO
Technically Morocco isn’t in Europe, we all know that. However, it’s that close that I believe it deserves a spot in this list.
Sundesk (Taghazout)
Taghazout has a special place in my heart—I may have already stayed at Sundesk during a 2018 winter trip, or at a very similar spot (was this a hotel before?). Either way, it’s a dreamy base for surf, sunsets, and creative work. I was based in a Moroccan pop-up coliving in 2017, so a return for a 10-year reunion in 2027 would be a full-circle moment. The vibe is international, relaxed, and perfect for blending productivity with beach life.
- Location: Taghazout, a surf town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast
- Capacity: 15–20 residents
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms, many with ocean views
- Budget: €700–€1100/month, includes coworking, yoga, and breakfast
- Vibe: Surf, relaxed, international, and creative
BULGARIA
Bansko (Bansko & Semkovo)
Bansko has become a coliving/coworking hub, especially since adding Semkovo. The town is famous for skiing, thermal waters, and a pioneering digital nomad scene. While opinions are mixed—some say it’s too big, others love the energy—I’ve met some of the most passionate and creative people from Bansko, and I think it’s worth a visit, even if it’s a bit further afield. The scale and energy are unique in Europe, and it’s a place where coliving and coworking have truly transformed a town. Plus, Bulgarian nature is unparalleled!
- Location: Bansko ski town and Semkovo mountain resort, Bulgaria
- Capacity: Bansko: up to 80+ residents; Semkovo: even larger, with multiple buildings
- Rooms: Private and shared rooms, apartments
- Budget: €600–€1000/month, with discounts for longer stays
- Vibe: Large-scale, pioneering, energetic, and ski-focused
Why These?
All these spaces share a few things in common:
- Community comes first. They’re not just places to stay—they’re homes for collaboration, creativity, and genuine connection.
- Stays are long enough (1–3 months) to build real friendships and get deep into your work or art.
- The settings are inspiring, whether it’s mountain air, rural tranquility, or ocean views.
- They attract a mix of people—not just digital nomads, but artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and people with all kinds of projects.
Whether it’s a rural Galician village, an alpine retreat, a castle in Normandy, or a surf town in Morocco, these spaces prove you can build a home for creators, dreamers, and doers almost anywhere.
For now, I’m content to dream and plan, but soon enough, I’ll be packing my bags (and maybe a sketchbook or two) to join these communities in person. Until then, I’ll keep swapping stories with friends who’ve been and adding new spots to my ever-growing list! If you’re in Northwest Spain or nearby, maybe we’ll cross paths at Sende, Rooral, or on a scenic train heading towards the next creative adventure.
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