On this final information, you’ll discover out all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s largest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot of the nation’s vacationers. Nevertheless, there are various different unbelievable locations to see within the nation.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is residence to among the friendliest individuals. Pair all this with WiFi and reasonably priced residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I just lately spent over two months residing in Albania and fell in love with this comparatively undiscovered nation. As a digital nomad, it was an ideal base; learn on as I share my expertise and findings with you.
About Albania
Albania is a rustic of almost 3 million individuals positioned in southeastern Europe. It shares a border with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.
Albania is an extremely various nation. It shares a picturesque shoreline with Croatia and Greece with the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas lapping at its shores. Inland, it has lovely snow-capped mountains and an enormous vary of natural world.
Its capital is the beautiful and fashionable metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and vital reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and engaging historical past and I consider it gives one thing for everybody.
Albania for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll have the selection of various and various cities and landscapes to stay and work in.
All through the key cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an important 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad an important selection.
The cafe tradition right here can also be conducive to being a distant employee in Albania. Most cafes have good WiFi and sitting for hours with a espresso and dealing in your laptop computer is widespread and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an important selection for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Cities for Digital Nomads
Finest Locations to Dwell in Albania
There are some superb locations to stay in Albania, the placement actually will depend on what you need out of your digital nomad base; listed here are my 5 suggestions.
1. Tirana
Tirana is the capital metropolis of Albania and its most populous space. It’s a superb base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for selection with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For stylish bars, eating places, and the most effective nightlife, head to Blloku. This neighbourhood was as soon as reserved for the Communist elite however is now the place to be seen in Tirana.
When you want the standard cafe tradition then I counsel Zona 1 which has the biggest fish market in Albania within the New Bazaar. It’s near the central Skanderbeg Sq. however away from the crowds, with loads of cafes and bars for individuals watching, (and dealing).
Komuna e Parisit is a good neighbourhood for households or for people who like inexperienced house. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is positioned close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
Learn how to Discover Residences in Tirana
The most effective place to seek out brief to mid-term flats in Tirana is thru Airbnb. There’s an enormous vary of choices throughout all neighbourhoods of the capital metropolis. Take a look at my 10 finest Airbnbs in Tirana right here.
Moreover, I like to recommend becoming a member of the “Expats in Tirana” Fb group which may help with lodging and preserve you updated with all the things occurring in Tirana.
The extra basic group “Expats in Albania” can also be useful. Tirana options closely within the group because the nation’s capital metropolis.
Coworking Areas in Tirana
Tirana has probably the most, and the most effective, coworking areas within the nation. The one issue is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, if you happen to’re staying on this space and need to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a good choice. It has loads of non-public and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is considered one of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an important cafe out the entrance and a coworking house to the rear. There are various sizzling desks obtainable in addition to non-public assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an important mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, almost each cafe within the metropolis gives WiFi and an important, cool place to take a seat and work away from the warmth. The chains of Mulliri Vjeter and Sophie are nice, dependable choices. For one thing quirkier, head to Komiteti, an unbelievable cafe museum. Keep after your work is full to get pleasure from a cocktail or two.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Tirana is packed filled with tradition, historical past, and nature. You’ll by no means be bored as a digital nomad in Albania while right here.
Considered one of my favorite issues to do in Tirana is to take a strolling tour across the metropolis. I like a strolling tour however the Tirana choice actually is superb. It’s useful to study your method across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the latest Communist historical past of the town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely suggest taking the cable automotive, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover numerous actions similar to horse using and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable views over the town.
When you’re a foodie like me, I counsel you to discover the eating places in Blloku. There appears to be a brand new bar and restaurant opening in Blloku each week which makes the meals scene actually thrilling.
Head to Komiteti cafe and museum for a shocking mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. When you’re seeking to strive some attention-grabbing native dishes, Period is a superb restaurant to strive some conventional Albanian delicacies with a contemporary twist.
For some extra inspiration for residing within the metropolis, check out my finest issues to do in Tirana weblog.
2. Durres
Durres is the second largest metropolis in Albania and is positioned on the western shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
It’s an vital port metropolis in Albania and is a good base for digital nomads in Albania as a result of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an important nightlife scene and numerous enjoyable issues to do while you’re not working.
The place are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Durres?
If you wish to be in a central location within the coronary heart of the motion then head to the central sq. on Rruga Aleksander Goga. It’s a just lately renovated public sq. surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places; each worldwide and native.
For sea views throughout the metropolis itself then you could find numerous lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has a gorgeous promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seaside, then you definitely’ll have to go barely east out of the town in direction of Durres seaside on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seaside gives loads of condo choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Learn how to Discover Residences in Durres
There are numerous Airbnb choices in Durres as chances are you’ll count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more in style in Albania and Durres is not any exception.
Except for Airbnb, verify the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which regularly shares some good choices for Durres.
For a extra particular Durres targeted Fb group, I like to recommend becoming a member of “Expats, Immigrants & Albanians in Durres“. Regardless of its barely prolonged identify, it has numerous recommendation and choices from these already based mostly in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its dimension, there aren’t any formal coworking areas in Durres. Nevertheless, what it lacks in workplace house, it makes up for in cafes and bars for coworking.
Oborri Lounge Bar is a extremely cool cafe in the course of the day and a bar by night time, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are a great dimension to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries in the course of the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working in the course of the day. It has loads of seating each inside and outside. It has good WiFi and the drinks and meals choices are well-priced. It’s conveniently positioned near the central sq. so is straightforward to succeed in.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historical historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with out a go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably probably the greatest items of historical structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Sixties.
After all, if you happen to’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you must go to the seaside. Durres seaside is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with accommodations, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you may simply chill out on the sand.
When you like to hike, you must stroll a part of the By way of Egnatia, a historic roman street which started in Durres and reached all the best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historical merchants and uncover numerous bridges and roman options alongside its 475km route.
3. Saranda
Saranda (additionally spelled Sarande) is within the coronary heart of the Albanian Riviera and is a mere half-hour by ferry from Corfu. It’s usually grouped with Ksamil which is 20 minutes down the coast and residential to among the most unbelievable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a a lot better choice for residing in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort fairly than a working base.
What are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the most effective areas of this metropolis are positioned across the numerous sides of the bay.
To the west is Kodra which might be probably the most cost-effective a part of Saranda for a digital nomad in Albania. It has good seaside bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seaside.
The centre, Qender, is a perfect location if you wish to be within the centre of the motion. It’s set again above the principle Saranda seaside and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with a great mixture of worldwide and native cafes and eating places.
To the east is Rruga Butrinti. There are many extremely rated eating places right here in addition to the higher, (and louder), late bars and golf equipment. The lodging can also be extra fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
Learn how to Discover Residences in Saranda
As with different components of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are usually a bit of decrease than in Tirana, (until you’re reserving within the peak summer time season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to numerous members prepared to assist with the rest chances are you’ll want as a digital nomad in Albania.
Alternatively, there are many expats in Albania and the Sarande Expats 2.0 group is nice. Right here, you may join with expats and different long-term residents in Saranda for something from lodging to restaurant suggestions.
Coworking Areas in Saranda
There are at present no coworking areas in Saranda, nonetheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which might be more than pleased to welcome you in together with your laptop computer.
Considered one of my favorite locations is Hashtag2 which is within the Qender space of Saranda. It has a mixture of indoor and out of doors seats, they’ve good WiFi, and a few plugs if it’s worthwhile to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an important place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is sweet and the tables are a good dimension to work at.
Issues to Do in Saranda
There are so many nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly suggest taking a automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fortress for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the previous fort and gives a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. When you’re peckish you may keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not suggest sufficient that you just go to. You possibly can take a quick ferry over to Corfu in simply half-hour and spend the day on the Greek island; discover Corfu’s previous city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an important day journey from Sarande.
I cherished taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 individuals, and the captain took us to go to 4 totally different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
When you head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seaside at night time, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs to your personal private journey.
The Blue Eye is a must-see in Albania. That is an unbelievable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by way of the Blue Eye Nationwide Park to succeed in this pure phenomenon.
It’s a crystal-clear underwater spring so deep, and with a lot strain, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.
It’s a gorgeous factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a journey to the beautiful Gjirokaster on this wonderful day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and probably the greatest locations to stay in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a gorgeous beachfront promenade of outlets, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seaside. The newly renovated promenade separates the seaside on one facet from the best bars, eating places, and nightlife on the opposite. Excellent for waking up with a sea view.
The guts of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This primary street joins the promenade to the Outdated City. It has loads of native and worldwide retailers, bars, cafes, and eating places. It has probably the most cafe choices to select from when working within the metropolis.
To the northern finish of the boulevard is the small however completely fashioned Outdated City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes numerous boutique retailers and quirky bars and eating places making it an important place to be based mostly.
Learn how to Discover Residences in Vlore
One of many higher Fb teams for these seeking to arrange a base in Vlore is “Expats in Vlore“. The web page isn’t as busy as different teams for residing in Albania however the admin may be very useful and educated and will be contacted immediately.
I additionally counsel trying on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is commonly referenced on this web page given its dimension and so can usually present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an important choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are numerous reasonably priced choices in all three primary components of city.
Coworking Areas in Vlore
Vlore has some wonderful cafes and eating places that are very welcoming to digital nomads in Albania.
Mon Cheri is positioned on the prime of the promenade for an important place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. When you’re staying close to the boulevard then Mulliri Vjeter to the underside finish of the road is one other good spot to take a seat, work, and watch the world go by.
When you’re staying to the west of the principle boulevard, I significantly loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or out of doors seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The good espresso and tempting ice cream assist as properly!
Issues to Do in Vlore
There are many nice issues to do on this coastal Albanian metropolis.
One of many highlights is a visit simply north to Zvernec Island. This small island is reached by a wood causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and a gorgeous little church.
You possibly can attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly sizzling, think about hiring a scooter or a automotive to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seashore.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with out a journey to its beautiful Outdated City. It’s actually fairly by day with its completely preserved Mediterranean-inspired streets, and by night time it comes alive with lovely lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover numerous alfresco eating choices.
One of many primary points of interest in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seaside the place you may rent loungers or arrange camp on the sand. The water is crystal-clear, blue, and calm; excellent for swimming or lounging.
By night time, the promenade is the place to be to pattern the busy bars and stylish eating places, and mingle amongst individuals of all ages having fun with a night stroll or a couple of drinks.
5. Korce
Korce, pronounced Korcha, is a small metropolis in southeastern Albania and is simply 3 hours from Tirana. It has a tremendous cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to get pleasure from and is a gorgeous place to go to.
What are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Korce?
The most effective space to stay in Korce is throughout the centre. Town is pretty small and so most facilities are inside strolling distance from the centre. That is additionally the place you’ll discover probably the most Airbnbs. The most effective streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover probably the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s primary points of interest; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has a tremendous choice of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you may think about residing by Rinia Park which is a big park crammed with beer gardens, households, and college students with fairly a enjoyable and relaxed vibe. It’s only a 15-20 minute stroll into the centre from right here.
How To Discover Lodging in Korce?
There are some nice reasonably priced Airbnb choices in Korce because it’s much less touristy than different cities in Albania.
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to numerous members prepared to assist with any queries you will have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch Home is a coworking house and resort positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has numerous workspaces and a bit of kitchen so you may take your lunch to work. It additionally doubles as a bar, so is ideal for individuals who just like the extra social facet of coworking.
Except for Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous choice of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to at least one one other), and also you’ll have many extra choices to select from. Sophie Caffe and Komiteti are each dependable areas to work from.
Issues to Do in Korce
Korce is among the most quaint and romantic cities in Albania. It’s sometimes called the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with numerous inexperienced house, beer gardens, and historic and cultural monuments to discover. It’s additionally the house to Albania’s treasured beer, Birra Korce and its brewery which I like to recommend you go to.
Considered one of my favorite issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised street lined with apple bushes, bars, and low retailers. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which gives unbelievable views over all the metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the statement deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Outdated Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic web site, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan house, it’s residence to numerous small cafes and eateries which spill out onto the cobbled streets. That is the place you’ll discover Komiteti bar to take your laptop computer, in addition to many different cool cafe decisions.
Lastly, you must have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this lovely metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really mild and contemporary style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a good place to sit back out.
Is Albania Protected?
Albania is a really secure nation and is usually thought-about safer than strolling across the UK or USA. Crime is uncommon and locals are hospitable and welcoming.
It’s additionally thought-about a secure nation for ladies and feminine travellers; I by no means felt uncomfortable or unsafe throughout my time in Albania.
Like in lots of different European nations, pickpocketing does occur however so long as you’re wise, and conscious of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Dwelling in Albania
The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.
The price of residing, together with lease, can be larger in the course of the peak summer time months, significantly alongside the coast. Nevertheless, if you happen to go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll seemingly have a really reasonably priced time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.
I visited Tirana in Might and the one-bed condo I stayed in was round €520 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condo by the seaside price round €800 monthly however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca will be extra reasonably priced in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you may eat way more affordably. When you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you may eat a great meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all 12 months spherical which makes it an important place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of 12 months.
Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are gentle.
When you head inland and to the north, the climate is seasonal and has very chilly winters and snowfall, with sizzling dry summers and storms. This makes it an important place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s highly regarded and often sunny. The temperatures can attain highs of 35°C and also you’ll get pleasure from heat evenings too. It’s the proper place for locating seashores.
Dwelling in Albania Execs and Cons
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each execs and cons to residing in Albania.
Execs of Dwelling in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming individuals
- An lively out of doors way of life
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Inexpensive price of residing
Cons of Dwelling in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too sizzling for some
- Through the peak summer time months, it might get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation will be lengthy and generally uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not at all times air-con, or correct house for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds are usually not broadly accepted in bars and eating places so you must at all times carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
When you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and might get pleasure from residing in Albania for as much as 90 days, inside a 180-day interval.
If you wish to keep longer, you may apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the factors listed right here.
Typically talking, if you happen to’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to get pleasure from 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a unbelievable place to stay as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is superb, and there are some nice coworking choices too.
In your downtime, there are some unbelievable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to attain that work-life stability. Not solely that, however it’s a really reasonably priced nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
