The Digital Nomad Life: Rubén Magaña’s Journey in Fuerteventura
A New Beginning in Paradise
Meet Rubén Magaña, a passionate 43-year-old entrepreneur from Madrid. His love affair with Fuerteventura began not just with its stunning landscapes and pristine beaches, but also with the incredible working conditions it offers. Ruben observes, “It’s a unique place, from north to south. While it might be two degrees in Madrid, here it’s always comfortably between 20 and 25 degrees. The perfect temperature for water sports and with a constant breeze.” His choice to invest in a home in Corralejo, within the El Palmeral urbanization, reflects his deep connection to this island haven.
A Model Digital Nomad
Rubén embodies the modern concept of a digital nomad, leveraging technology to work from anywhere in the world. Dependent on a stable internet connection rather than a fixed office, he adapts his professional life to suit his travels. While he maintains his tax residency in Spain, his location allows him the freedom to embrace life without the constraints of a conventional work environment.
As the world adapts to new work styles, Fuerteventura stands out as a premier destination for digital nomads, offering favorable climate year-round, solid infrastructure, proximity to mainland Spain, and conditions ideal for various water sports. Rubén is particularly enamored by these aspects, making the island a compelling choice for his lifestyle.
From Office to Entrepreneurship
Originally working for a large construction company, Rubén knew he wanted more than the routine of a nine-to-five office job. He established his own company, INISIS SL, which specializes in system integration for traffic control in roads and tunnels. Through the use of new technologies, he adapted his business model to allow for remote management, enabling him to enjoy life in Fuerteventura while overseeing his company.
Global Adventures and Local Love
Rubén’s travels have taken him to various exotic locations including the Maldives, California, and Morocco. Yet, he finds no other place as accommodating for digital professionals as Fuerteventura. “It has everything I need to work, and it’s just two and a half hours from Madrid. It feels like home, but with better weather and waves,” he explains.
When in Fuerteventura, Rubén enjoys exploring the island’s diverse offerings, even while grappling with its road network. “Traveling from the north to the south takes about two hours; while some stretches are good, many roads are single-lane and not in great shape,” he remarks.
Embracing Water Sports
The vibrant water sports scene is crucial for Rubén, which led him to choose Fuerteventura as his go-to spot. He highlights Costa Calma as a windsurfing paradise, and it’s not surprising that the World Championship for the sport is often hosted there during March and April when the trade winds are favorable.
Another must-visit location for him is the Isla de Lobos. “Lobos provides exceptional conditions, with world-class waves,” Rubén shares. When the winds from the east and northeast are shielded by the island, the north swells create unique waves, offering varied challenges for surfers. The three sections of the waves—marrajo, a medium-level wave; a quicker, hollow wave; and the formidable pico de Lobos, which attracts top local surfers—are all part of the thrill.
Partner in Adventure
Rubén’s discovery of Fuerteventura six years ago was a shared journey with his friend, Adrián Valios, a naval engineer and nautical entrepreneur. Like Rubén, Adri has succumbed to the island’s allure, purchasing property in Corralejo as well. He spends his summers as a boat captain and manages his naval engineering firm remotely for the rest of the year. With a good internet connection throughout the island, he finds it easier to work compared to his experiences in other countries like Morocco.
A Growing Community
As the digital nomad community flourishes in Fuerteventura, locations such as Lajares have emerged as popular social hubs for young professionals seeking camaraderie and evening relaxation after work. Rubén notes, “More and more young people are finding their way here. We look for a cool atmosphere after a day’s work, and Lajares fits the bill beautifully.” The presence of skateboard parks and other leisure facilities makes the area particularly attractive.
Institutional Support for Digital Nomads
The local government has recognized the potential of this growing trend. “The island offers optimal conditions for telecommuting, and we need to promote this form of tourism,” remarks Sergio Lloret, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. They are actively enhancing services, collaborating with telecom companies to extend fiber optics, especially in rural areas.
Recent studies underscore the surging demand for digital nomads in Fuerteventura. Jessica de León, the island’s tourism counselor, details a campaign targeting foreign digital workers, particularly from English, German, and French-speaking countries. The early phase of this initiative saw significant online engagement, garnering over 261,000 visits within 12 hours.
Incentives for Relocation
Efforts are also underway to incentivize long-term stays for digital nomad communities. The special economic regimes, such as the Zona Especial Canaria (ZEC), offer low corporate tax rates of just 4%—a stark contrast to the mainland’s 25%. This financial appeal, combined with the majestic environment, makes Fuerteventura not merely a vacation spot but a potential new home for emerging entrepreneurs.
A Shift in Tourism Paradigms
The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a transformation within the tourism industry. Initial adaptations were made by hotels specifically oriented towards digital nomads, creating environments that cater to their unique needs. As a testament to this shift, business models are evolving, focusing on creating dedicated space for remote work alongside leisure activities.
The emergence of this new tourism landscape highlights the changing nature of travel and work, inviting professionals like Rubén to carve out their ideal lifestyles in the sun-soaked paradise of Fuerteventura.
