Portugal is increasingly making its mark on the international map of ideal destinations for combining remote working with leisure. According to the Work from Anywhere Index 2026, published by the International Workplace Group, Porto ranks 4th in the world and Lisbon comes 9th among the best destinations for combining productivity, quality of life and travel experiences.
What the new ranking says
The Work from Anywhere Index 2026, published in early August by the International Workplace Group (IWG), ranks Porto 4th and Lisbon 9th amongst the world’s best destinations for combining remote work and leisure. This study analyses 50 cities based on criteria such as safety, climate, internet speed, accommodation, transport, gastronomy, cultural offerings, sustainability, flexible workspaces, cost of living, access to nature and the availability of visas for digital nomads. Portugal is currently the only country with two cities among the top ten destinations analysed, demonstrating the country’s growing appeal to professionals seeking to work from different locations without sacrificing time to explore new destinations.
This recognition is not an isolated occurrence. Remote working continues to grow in Portugal, in the first quarter of 2026, 21.1% of the employed population (around 1.12 million people) worked from home using information and communication technologies, according to INE. Increasingly, these professionals are taking their computers with them outside the office and the city.
What makes Porto and Lisbon such strong ‘workcation’ destinations
Good internet and safety are only part of the equation. Factors such as climate, accommodation, transport and cuisine are equally decisive for those who choose to work remotely, and this is precisely where Porto and Lisbon stand out, with their compact city centres and good network of co-working spaces, whilst at the same time being surrounded by beaches, nature and heritage sites just a few minutes’ drive away.
These findings also signal a shift in behaviour, as almost half of the professionals surveyed say they intend to extend their holidays this year by working remotely, and 43% have already tried this ‘workcation’ format.
Where Hertz fits into this equation
For those arriving in the country, mobility is an essential part of the experience. This is where a mobility solution like Hertz can make a difference.
If you’re one of these professionals or are planning a stint as a digital nomad, bear in mind that the biggest advantage of working from Porto or Lisbon lies in everything that surrounds these cities. And that’s where hiring a car with Hertz makes the difference between being stuck in the same neighbourhood and truly making the most of the ‘world’s best leisure destination’ that your remote working passport affords you.
Having access to a car allows you to:
- Organise your schedule with greater flexibility.
- Travel between the airport, your accommodation and your workspaces.
- Explore destinations outside urban centres.<
- Transport luggage and work equipment more easily.
- Make the most of your free time without relying on public transport or fixed timetables.
At Hertz, car hire can be tailored to different needs, from a short-term business trip to an extended stay in Portugal.
Work freely, travel with Hertz<
The trend towards remote working is creating new ways of travelling. Today, a business trip can also be an opportunity to discover a destination, spend more time with family or extend a short break without neglecting professional responsibilities.
Lisbon and Porto show that it’s possible to combine productivity, culture, cuisine and quality of life in the same itinerary. With Hertz, you can choose the car best suited to your trip and explore Portugal with the flexibility that your work and leisure time demand.
Are you planning a workcation in Portugal? Book your car with Hertz and discover everything that Lisbon, Porto and their surrounding areas have to offer.
See also: Portugal ranks 7th as the world’s safest country according to the Global Peace Index (GPI)