On this final information, you’ll discover out the whole lot it is advisable find out about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s largest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nevertheless, there are various different unimaginable locations to see within the nation.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is house to among the friendliest folks. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I not too long ago 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 folks 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 numerous 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 essential reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of gorgeous nature and engaging historical past and I consider it provides one thing for everybody.
Albania for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll have the selection of various and numerous 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 alternative.
The cafe tradition right here can 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 frequent and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an important alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Cities for Digital Nomads
Finest Locations to Stay in Albania
There are some superb locations to stay in Albania, the situation 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 Stay in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable bars, eating places, and the perfect 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.
If you happen to choose 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 folks watching, (and dealing).
Komuna e Parisit is a superb 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.
How one can Discover Residences in Tirana
One of the best place to search out brief to mid-term residences in Tirana is thru Airbnb. There’s an enormous vary of choices throughout all neighbourhoods of the capital metropolis. Try 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 hold you updated with the whole lot occurring in Tirana.
The extra normal group “Expats in Albania” can 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 perfect, coworking areas within the nation. The one problem is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, in case you’re staying on this space and wish to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a superb choice. It has loads of non-public and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is one in every 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 numerous scorching desks out there 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 provides WiFi and an important, cool place to sit down 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 unimaginable cafe museum. Keep after your work is full to get pleasure from a cocktail or two.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Tirana is packed stuffed 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 great. It’s useful to study your manner 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 a lot of actions corresponding to horse using and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable views over the town.
If you happen to’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 surprising mix of communist artefacts and glorious meals and drinks. If you happen to’re trying 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 essential port metropolis in Albania and is a superb base for digital nomads in Albania because of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an important nightlife scene and loads of enjoyable issues to do once you’re not working.
The place are the Finest Areas to Stay 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 not too long ago renovated public sq. surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places; each worldwide and native.
For sea views inside the metropolis itself then you will discover a lot of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has a fantastic promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, then you definitely’ll have to move barely east out of the town in direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore provides loads of condominium choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
How one can Discover Residences in Durres
There are loads of Airbnb choices in Durres as you might anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, examine the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which regularly shares some good choices for Durres.
For a extra particular Durres centered Fb group, I like to recommend becoming a member of “Expats, Immigrants & Albanians in Durres“. Regardless of its barely prolonged title, it has a lot of recommendation and choices from these already primarily based in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its measurement, 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 very cool cafe throughout the day and a bar by evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are a superb measurement to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries throughout the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working throughout 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 historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with out a go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably among the finest items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.
In fact, in case you’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s a must to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with inns, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you possibly can simply loosen up on the sand.
If you happen to like to hike, you need to stroll a part of the By way of Egnatia, a historic roman highway which started in Durres and reached all the way in which to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historic merchants and uncover varied 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 unimaginable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a significantly 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 slightly than a working base.
What are the Finest Areas to Stay in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the perfect areas of this metropolis are positioned across the varied 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 seashore bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seashore.
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 seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with a superb 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 be extra fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
How one can 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 somewhat decrease than in Tirana, (until you’re reserving within the peak summer season season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a lot of members prepared to assist with anything you might 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 possibly can join with expats and different long-term residents in Saranda for something from lodging to restaurant suggestions.
Coworking Areas in Saranda
There are at the moment no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some glorious native and worldwide cafes and bars which might be very happy 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 outside seats, they’ve good WiFi, and a few plugs if it is advisable recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent 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 measurement 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 outdated citadel and provides a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. If you happen to’re peckish you possibly can keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not suggest sufficient that you just go to. You may take a quick ferry over to Corfu in simply half-hour and spend the day on the Greek island; discover Corfu’s outdated city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an important day journey from Sarande.
I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda once I was residing in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 folks, and the captain took us to go to 4 totally different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
If you happen to head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seashore at evening, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs on your personal private journey.
The Blue Eye is a must-see in Albania. That is an unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by means 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 stress, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.
It’s a fantastic factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a journey to the beautiful Gjirokaster on this glorious day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and among the finest 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 fantastic beachfront promenade of outlets, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Finest Areas to Stay in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seashore. The newly renovated promenade separates the seashore on one aspect from the best bars, eating places, and nightlife on the opposite. Good for waking up with a sea view.
The center of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This essential highway 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 shaped Outdated City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes a lot of boutique retailers and quirky bars and eating places making it an important place to be primarily based.
How one can Discover Residences in Vlore
One of many higher Fb teams for these trying 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 could be very useful and educated and will be contacted instantly.
I additionally counsel wanting on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is commonly referenced on this web page given its measurement and so can usually present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an important choice for locating residences in Vlore as there are loads of inexpensive choices in all three essential components of city.
Coworking Areas in Vlore
Vlore has some glorious cafes and eating places that are very welcoming to digital nomads in Albania.
Mon Cheri is positioned on the high of the promenade for an important place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. If you happen to’re staying close to the boulevard then Mulliri Vjeter to the underside finish of the road is one other good spot to sit down, work, and watch the world go by.
If you happen to’re staying to the west of the principle boulevard, I significantly loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or outside seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The good espresso and tempting ice cream assist as effectively!
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 picket causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and a fantastic little church.
You may attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly scorching, take into account hiring a scooter or a automotive to make the 13km journey. On the way in which 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 evening it comes alive with lovely lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover a lot of alfresco eating choices.
One of many essential points of interest in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seashore the place you possibly can rent loungers or arrange camp on the sand. The water is crystal-clear, blue, and calm; excellent for swimming or lounging.
By evening, the promenade is the place to be to pattern the busy bars and classy eating places, and mingle amongst folks of all ages having fun with a night stroll or just a few drinks.
5. Korce
Korce, pronounced Korcha, is a small metropolis in southeastern Albania and is simply 3 hours from Tirana. It has an incredible cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to get pleasure from and is a fantastic place to go to.
What are the Finest Areas to Stay in Korce?
One of the best space to stay in Korce is inside the centre. The 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. One of the best 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 essential points of interest; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible choice of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you could possibly take into account residing by Rinia Park which is a big park full of 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 inexpensive 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 a lot of 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 lodge positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a lot of workspaces and somewhat kitchen so you possibly can take your lunch to work. It additionally doubles as a bar, so is ideal for many who just like the extra social side of coworking.
Apart from 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 likely one of the most quaint and romantic cities in Albania. It’s also known as the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with a lot of 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 highway lined with apple bushes, bars, and low retailers. It’s so fairly.
On the high of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which provides unimaginable views over your complete 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 website, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan house, it’s house to a lot of 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 selections.
Lastly, it’s a must to 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 recent style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a superb place to sit back out.
Is Albania Protected?
Albania is a really protected nation and is usually thought of safer than strolling across the UK or USA. Crime is uncommon and locals are hospitable and welcoming.
It’s additionally thought of a protected 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 aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Residing in Albania
The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of residing, together with lease, shall be greater throughout the peak summer season months, significantly alongside the coast. Nevertheless, in case you go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll seemingly have a really inexpensive time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.
I visited Tirana in Could and the one-bed condominium I stayed in was round €520 per 30 days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seashore value round €800 per 30 days however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca will be extra inexpensive in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will value round €25-30. In Tirana, you could possibly eat rather more affordably. If you happen to eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you possibly can eat a superb 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 season is Mediterranean; very lengthy, scorching, and dry. The winters are gentle.
If you happen to head inland and to the north, the climate is seasonal and has very chilly winters and snowfall, with scorching dry summers and storms. This makes it an important place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s extremely popular and normally 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.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each execs and cons to residing in Albania.
Professionals of Residing in Albania
- The gorgeous seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming folks
- An energetic outside way of life
- Superb cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Inexpensive value of residing
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which could possibly be too scorching for some
- In the course of the peak summer season months, it may well get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation will be lengthy and typically uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not all the time air-con, or correct house for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds should not extensively accepted in bars and eating places so you need to all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
If you happen to’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and may get pleasure from residing in Albania for as much as 90 days, inside a 180-day interval.
If you wish to keep longer, you possibly can apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the factors listed right here.
Usually talking, in case you’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to get pleasure from 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a incredible place to stay as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is great, and there are some nice coworking choices too.
In your downtime, there are some unimaginable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to attain that work-life stability. Not solely that, but it surely’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
