Ewa’s Cycling Workation – How We Combine Work and Leisure

It’s an increasingly popular form of work that allows employees to carry out their professional duties from any location within the European Union while enjoying the benefits of travel and relaxation. The idea is simple – work doesn’t have to be tied to an office and can be done effectively from your preferred environment. This not only supports relaxation but also sparks creativity.

The long May weekend is the perfect time to catch your breath, change your surroundings and – if you're up for it – combine leisure with work in an inspiring location. At Raiffeisen Tech, we support this concept by offering 30 days of remote work from any EU location. We know that great ideas and fresh energy often come when you step outside your usual routine. And for us, work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword – it’s something we actively support.

I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to work from the EU and went on a two-week workation to Spain – specifically to Calp (Calpe), a town about 65 km from Alicante. I didn’t think long about the destination – it was clear it had to be a cycling spot. For those unfamiliar, Calpe and its surroundings are a well-known area for cycling trips. It was my second time in Calpe; my first trip was in February 2023 when I tried road cycling for the first time.

This time, I spent just over two weeks in Spain, which turned out to be the perfect amount of time to soak up the sun, recharge my batteries, and even start missing home a little. Since the apartment we rented was spacious and had multiple comfortable workspaces, I didn’t feel much of a difference between working from home and working on a workation. The biggest change was the view – instead of buildings, I saw the sea, mountains, and a lake with flamingos.

After work… lots of outdoor activities – cycling, running, walking. There aren’t many tourist attractions in Calpe, so most people (mainly retirees and runners) gather on the promenade, which stretches for several kilometers along the beach. The roads are full of cyclists, both amateurs and pros preparing for the season. What’s great is that local drivers are very considerate of cyclists – they don’t overtake recklessly, they keep a safe distance when passing, and they don’t honk when you’re slowly climbing uphill (which, at around 9 km/h, is often all you’ve got). It’s a refreshing change compared to the road culture in Poland.

• Legendary climbs like La Fustera, Coll de Rates, Vall d’Ebo, and Bernia – you'll need strong legs and an even stronger mindset, but trust me, the views and the descents make it all worth it;
• Street art in Senija, especially the mural on the main road – it made me smile every time I passed it;
• Cycling-themed cafes with a vibe: Musette Cafe, Velsol Cycling Bar, and a café near Cala el Portet in Moraira – there are plenty of cyclist hangouts in the area, and these are my personal favorites;
• For lunch – paella with your favorite toppings, and for dessert – a bombon coffee (espresso with condensed milk) enjoyed somewhere with a beautiful view;
• In Calpe – Penyal d’Ifach Natural Park and the hike to the iconic rock (you’ll see it on nearly every postcard – entrance is free, but you need to book online), stairs painted in the colors of the Spanish flag, a walk around Les Salines lake, and some flamingo watching.
  

Workation is a fantastic idea – a breath of fresh air after long weeks of cold and gloomy days. It helps bridge the gap until summer and reminds us that soon, we’ll be able to head out in short sleeves to buy bread in the morning – even in Poland.

If, like us, you value flexibility in your work and love the idea of combining your professional responsibilities with the chance to relax and explore new places – Raiffeisen Tech might be the perfect fit for you. Check out our job openings and other benefits