As a digital nomad, I was looking for my very first stop in Portugal.
A place that is a good landing spot so to speak and am very pleased with my choice, I found this listing on Flatio and it's very suitable for remote work, I booked the place for one month in September 2023.
This option worked well for me as I was searching for a peaceful apartment that is located strategically between Lisbon and Setúbal, so I could choose to venture out to these cities and socialize but mainly I need quiet without feeling isolated on a day-to-day basis.
I knew that Lisbon and Setúbal were places I wanted to visit since they are popular with digital nomads and expats comminutes, since I don’t enjoy staying in the I would say this location served that purpose well.
Wi-Fi Speed
The Wi-Fi perhaps one of the most important things was reliable and steady with a speed test result of 26.3 Mbps download and 55.5 Mbps upload.
The Wi-Fi works well throughout the place, the speed was great for working and I had Zoom/Skype calls with ease, streaming worked well too.
Dedicated workspace
As for every day working in the apartment, I felt like I could get a lot done here,
There are a few spots you can use to work comfortably so it's nice to be able to switch things up. The kitchen was my preferred workspace since there is a table there but there is a dedicated workspace that offers fewer distractions with a comfortable desk and office chair as well.
The desk can easily be moved so you can have it facing the wall or the small balcony in the room.
For me, one of the best things about the listing is that there are different rooms, you can still enjoy privacy and stay efficient if you are staying here with another person on a different schedule, as the place is pretty large it's suitable for more than 2 people.
There are very large windows in every room lots of fresh air and light come through and create an energizing feeling.
On top of that, there is AC in every room something I haven’t found to be the case in all apartments in Portugal & You can also completely control how much light comes in and the temperature allowing you to work or catch up on sleep any time of day.
Some areas are comfortable for getting together for meals and a massive couch for that end-of-the-day winding down in front of the TV moment.
There is a TV in almost every room that can be used as a screen/ extra monitor (just bring an HDMI cable).
Overall, the apartment is in great condition and offers a good simple standard of living.
Place to exercise and meditate
There is a place to exercise & meditate both in and around the apartment, I would suggest the most spacious room is the room with the dedicated workstation where you can easily open a mat and work out or meditate.
I found the wooden floor to be a very comfortable studio-like floor, and I could use the room for various workouts.
If you are looking to work out outdoors there is also a running/bike path right around the corner, there are also lovely trails for a nature walk some are on really comfortable sand.
Accessibility
Staying in a quiet neighborhood and building is key for me to work & and stay focused, yet I still enjoy a lively vibe of people going about their everyday lives so it doesn't feel isolated at all.
This listing was faithful to that premise, the neighborhood is clean and well-kept, and there is a local and friendly atmosphere with lots of cute little dogs popping up from yards and windows, feels very safe, and the neighbors are respectful.
If you enjoy a touch of nature that is a short 5-minute walk from the apartment you will find lovely spots all around.
The city of Setúbal is just a short 20-30 min' ride away and you can get there by car or by ordering an Uber/Bolt there are also bolt scoters located randomly in the area.
Public transportation is also available a short walk up the road and you will reach the bus stops to Setúbal or walk for 15 min to the train that will get you connected to anywhere in the country and of course to nearby Lison.
As for Groceries fast food and ordering online almost anything you need can be ordered with all major apps (such as Bolt & Uber) and online grocery shopping will Dilver here.
A 5 -10 min' ride or a 20-30 min walk will get you to a few supermarkets.
As A little bonus, I have to mention the impressive view of Palmela castle in all its glory soaring high above is available from the street.
It's a short 5 min' drive and I recommend watching the sunset from there while you enjoy a breathtaking bird's eye view of the whole area to Lisbon and Setúbal , it's always great to get the lay of the land and realize how strategic Palela has been historically.
Other notes
We were welcomed by the property manager she was delightful and communicative and took the time to show us everything around the apartment's open arrival and even explained where the nearby shops are making it very easy for me later when I needed things.
For me, this was a home away from home in the sense that it has a family-like atmosphere that I found comforting and welcoming, it's well equipped for someone who is traveling light but loves having all the comfortable things you would find in a typical home.
Strict (30-days)
Experienced host
This is a large apartment, with separate rooms, there are very large windows, lots of fresh air, light and AC in every room.
There is a workspace and the Wi-Fi works well throughout the place.
The property manager is delightful communicative and professional, took the time to show us everything around the apartment's open arrival, and explained the nearby shops.
Palmela is located strategically between Lisbon and Setúbal.
This is a quiet and lovely neighborhood.
There is a place to exercise & meditate both in and around the apartment.
if you are looking to work out outdoors there is also a running/bike path right around the corner, there are also lovely trails for a nature walk some are on really comfortable sand.
As for Groceries fast food and ordering online almost anything you need can be ordered with all major apps (such as Bolt & Uber) and online grocery shopping will Dilver here.
A 5 -10 min' ride or a 20-30 min walk will get you to a few supermarkets.
The city of Setúbal is just a short 20-30 min' ride away and you can get there by car or by ordering an Uber/Bolt there are also bolt scoters located randomly in the area.
Public transportation is also available a short walk up the road and you will reach the bus stops to Setúbal or walk for 15 min to the train that will get you connected to anywhere in the country and of course to nearby Lison ( about 1 hour ride ).
As A little bonus, you can see the impressive view of Palmela castle in all its glory soaring high above is available from the street.
It's a short 5 min' drive and I recommend watching the sunset from there while you enjoy a breathtaking bird's eye view of the whole area to Lisbon and Setúbal, it's always great to get the lay of the land and realize how strategic Palela has been historically.