Athens has secured the 12th position in the global rankings of the best cities for blending remote work with vacation, as reported in the 2025 “Work from Anywhere Barometer” by the International Workplace Group (IWG). Now in its third year, this ranking sheds light on cities that excel in providing an attractive mix of infrastructure, lifestyle, and flexibility for digital nomads and hybrid professionals.
Top Cities for Remote Work and Vacations
Leading this year’s list is Tokyo, followed by Rio de Janeiro and Budapest. Athens has surprised many by emerging as a strong contender, outshining many renowned cities with its unique blend of climate, cultural richness, and an expanding array of remote work amenities.
Remote Work Meets Mediterranean Lifestyle
The rise of Athens symbolizes a significant shift in how individuals approach travel and work, particularly as hybrid work models become increasingly predominant. The IWG study highlights that 60% of remote workers are now more inclined to extend their vacations to work from a different location, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year.
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
The ranking assesses 40 cities based on 12 vital criteria, including broadband speed, the availability of co-working spaces, access to digital nomad visas, lifestyle factors, public safety, and overall livability. Athens scored commendably across several categories, establishing itself as an ideal Mediterranean hub for working travelers.
The Global Top 10 Workation Cities in 2025
The following cities have made it to the top 10 for optimal workation experiences:
- Tokyo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Budapest
- Seoul
- Barcelona
- Beijing
- Lisbon
- Rome
- Paris
- Valletta
Why Tokyo Leads the Rankings
Tokyo’s ascent to the top position is attributed to its excellent broadband connectivity, efficient transportation system, high public safety levels, and a newly introduced digital nomad visa established in 2024, permitting stays of up to 12 months. Additionally, the city’s proximity to coastlines and national parks offers a unique juxtaposition of urban vitality and natural retreats.
Athens: An Emerging Destination for Remote Workers
Though not yet in the top 10, Athens’ position at 12th reflects a clear upward trend for the Greek capital. Historically loved for its rich heritage, sunny climate, and delectable cuisine, Athens is gaining recognition for its burgeoning appeal among remote professionals. Factors like affordable living costs compared to other EU capitals, increased access to flexible workspace options, and strong connectivity are enhancing its reputation on the global digital nomad landscape.
The Future of Workations and Flexible Work
As businesses increasingly adopt remote and hybrid work models, the boundary between work and leisure is becoming more blurred. Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, remarks, “We’ve never witnessed so many workers extend their trips to work remotely or live abroad as digital nomads.” He posits that this change is not merely a passing trend, stating, “More companies are implementing policies to facilitate work-from-anywhere, particularly during peak vacation periods.”
Challenges to Global Mobility
Despite the surging popularity of digital nomadism, recent data shows a slowdown in global labor mobility. A report by job platform Indeed indicated a return to pre-pandemic levels for interest in international work opportunities from 2024 to 2025. Furthermore, a survey conducted by HR firm Randstad revealed that job security is becoming a priority over flexibility for many individuals. Notably, two-thirds of respondents favored employability over remote freedom, and over half expressed a preference for control over their working hours rather than their physical location.
Athens Ranks 12th in Global Remote Work and Vacation Cities in 2025
Athens has demonstrated remarkable growth in the global landscape for digital nomads and hybrid workers by earning the 12th position in a recent ranking of cities ideal for remote work and leisure. This esteemed recognition comes from the “Work from Anywhere Barometer” released by the International Workplace Group (IWG) for 2025. This annual ranking evaluates cities based on criteria essential for the lifestyle of remote professionals, including infrastructure, lifestyle, and flexibility.
The Global Rankings: Who’s Leading the Pack?
Leading this year’s rankings is Tokyo, closely followed by Rio de Janeiro and Budapest. Interestingly, Athens has secured its place in this competitive list, outperforming several renowned cities by leveraging its unique combination of favorable climate, rich cultural backdrop, and an increasing array of amenities tailored for remote workers.
A Shift in Work and Travel Paradigms
The ascent of Athens reflects a significant transformation in travel and work habits, particularly as hybrid work models gain traction. An IWG study revealed that a substantial 60% of remote workers are now more inclined to extend their vacations to work from different locales—a notable increase compared to previous years.
Key Evaluation Criteria for Ranking
The “Work from Anywhere Barometer” assessed 40 cities across 12 critical parameters, including internet speed, availability of co-working spaces, the cost and accessibility of digital nomad visas, environmental quality, public safety, and overall livability. Athens scored favorably in numerous categories, reinforcing its position as a prime Mediterranean destination for work-related travel.
Highlighting the Top 10 Cities for Remote Work
The top 10 cities for 2025 include:
- Tokyo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Budapest
- Seoul
- Barcelona
- Beijing
- Lisbon
- Rome
- Paris
- Valletta
Athens: Emerging as a Preferred Destination
Although Athens is yet to break into the top 10, its 12th place signals a rising trend for the city. Celebrated for its ancient history, sunny climate, and vibrant culinary scene, Athens is increasingly appealing to remote professionals. Factors such as affordable living costs relative to other European capitals, enhanced access to co-working facilities, and improved connectivity elevate its status in the global digital nomad community.
Challenges Amidst Opportunities
Despite the steady rise of digital nomadism, global labor mobility has encountered hurdles in recent months. A report from job platform Indeed indicates that the desire for international work opportunities has returned to pre-pandemic levels during 2024 and 2025. Additionally, a survey by HR firm Randstad revealed that many workers now prioritize job security over flexibility, with a growing preference for control over work hours rather than location.
Conclusion: The Future of Remote Work and Travel
The future of remote work is reshaping how people travel and live, as more businesses begin to adopt policies that support flexibility. While Athens continues to rise in prominence for remote work, external factors influencing mobility could have lasting effects. With its unique blend of lifestyle and working opportunities, Athens is poised to remain a favorite for digital wanderers and hybrid workers alike.
