All Good in Costa Blanca! BR, Riku

Blog February 26, 2026 by Riku Heikkinen, Solution Specialist

Mornings in Costa Blanca begin differently from those in Finland. Instead of darkness and icy streets, sunlight fills the room, palm trees sway in the breeze, and somewhere in the mountains, a sun-warmed rock is waiting. I make coffee, open my laptop, and start the day knowing there will still be plenty of daylight left after work.

I joined Nortal in the fall of 2025 and quickly realized that flexibility is not just a policy; people genuinely live by it. The trust is real. Without a strict office requirement, it’s easier to build a career that also leaves space for life outside of work.

I’ve always been the kind of person who spends money on experiences, and travel is a big part of that. Working remotely means I don’t have to choose between my career and the things that enrich my life beyond work.

That’s exactly why I’m spending a month in Costa Blanca, Spain, with climbing at the heart of my plans. Spain was an easy choice: sunny and warm weather, short distances to a wide range of climbing areas, and no major time difference – everything you need for a smooth workday rhythm.

Somewhere between workdays and climbing routes, I’m determined to find the best local bakery, discover the freshest fruit shops, and explore nearby nature trails, including routes that pass small waterfalls along the way.

My days here are pleasantly structured. I work during the day, often starting a bit earlier to free up more time in the afternoons. Lunch might mean tapas under palm trees, and weekends are set aside for the mountains.

The mountains here rise up to 1,406 metres above sea level, which is very high compared to Finland’s tallest climbing cliff at around 40 metres. It’s not only about the sport or the height itself, but the feeling that comes with it. Being on the wall is a form of therapy for me. You’re forced to be fully present: focused on movement, managing fear, and letting everything else fade away. There’s no room to think about integrations or daily stress when you’re halfway up a cliff, surrounded by nature and views that instantly lower your cortisol levels. It’s simple, in a way. You climb, you breathe, you focus, and everything else stays at the bottom.

Riku's recommendations for seamless remote work:

1. Even if the accommodation description promises “Good Wi-Fi,” reality can be quite different. I always bring an old phone and, if needed, get a local fixed-price mobile data plan for it. The phone then acts as a hotspot, so I’m never dependent on a single unreliable network for work.

2. Bring a lightweight travel monitor. A slim USB-C monitor fits easily in a backpack and shares the same sleeve as your laptop. It takes up minimal space, yet significantly improves both ergonomics and productivity.

3. Live in the moment and be flexible. When you’re traveling, things rarely go exactly as planned. Sometimes work brings unexpected surprises; sometimes life does. Trying to control everything too tightly can backfire in the long run. Stay present, adapt to the moment, and let the situation guide you.

Recap of the journey

4

weeks in Spain

15

cities visited

+50

Routes climbed

Riku Heikkinen

Solution Specialist

Helsinki, Finland

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