Beyond Barcelona: Experience Authentic Spain as a Digital Nomad

By choosing to work remotely in a rural setting, you’ll gain a richer, more authentic experience—one that benefits both you and the local community.

For many digital nomads, Spain is an obvious destination—offering warm weather, vibrant culture, and a high quality of life. But most end up in places like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, where tourism has surged to unsustainable levels. While these cities are exciting, they don’t always offer the best experience for remote workers—or for the locals who call them home.

At Ruralco, we offer a different kind of Spanish experience—one that takes you beyond the crowded urban hubs and into the heart of rural Spain. Here, you’ll work and live in a stunning Mediterranean landscape, experience authentic Spanish culture, and contribute to the revitalization of small communities that need it most.

The Problem with Urban Tourism

Over-tourism in Spanish cities has led to rising rents, housing shortages, and the displacement of locals. In places like Barcelona, entire neighborhoods have been transformed into short-term rental zones, making it difficult for residents to afford to live in their own city. Digital nomads—while not traditional tourists—often contribute to this issue by renting apartments in areas where housing is already scarce.

At the same time, Spain’s rural villages are emptying. La España Vacía ("Empty Spain") is a growing crisis—small towns are being abandoned as younger generations move to cities in search of work. As a result, local economies stagnate, businesses close, and centuries-old traditions fade away.

This presents an opportunity: instead of adding to the strain in major cities, digital nomads can bring life back to Spain’s forgotten villages.

A Win-Win for Digital Nomads and Rural Communities

By choosing a rural co-living space like Ruralco, you’re not just escaping the chaos of the city—you’re becoming part of a movement to support Spain’s rural economy. Unlike short-term stays in urban areas, which can harm local communities, your presence in a rural setting has a positive impact. You’ll be buying from small markets, eating at family-run restaurants, and engaging with artisans whose livelihoods depend on local support.

Meanwhile, you get to experience a side of Spain that most travelers don't see. Instead of overpriced tourist traps, you’ll discover authentic Spanish culture—where traditional siestas, long communal meals, and a deep connection to the land are still very much alive.

Work and Live in a Stunning Mediterranean Landscape

Beyond the cultural experience, rural Spain offers peace, space, and a breathtaking natural environment. Ruralco is set in a picturesque Mediterranean landscape, where rolling hills, olive groves, and clear blue skies create the perfect backdrop for both work and relaxation. The cooler climate provides relief from the intense summer heat that often makes urban life uncomfortable. Instead of noisy streets and pollution, you’ll wake up to the sound of birdsong and fresh, clean air.

Here, your work-life balance improves naturally. Mornings can start with a hike through the hills, breaks can be spent enjoying local food and wine, and evenings can be shared with like-minded travelers around a communal table. You’ll have reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces, but you’ll also have the chance to step away from the screen and experience a slower, more intentional way of living.

Choose a Different Kind of Remote Work

Spain has so much more to offer than its over-touristed cities. By choosing to work remotely in a rural setting, you’ll gain a richer, more authentic experience—one that benefits both you and the local community. At Ruralco, we’re proving that digital nomads can do more than just move from city to city. We can create a meaningful impact, support rural communities, and embrace a lifestyle that feels more human.

Are you ready to experience the real Spain?