On this final information, you’ll discover out all the things you might want to learn about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s largest attraction is its stunning and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are numerous different unimaginable locations to see within the nation.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is dwelling to a number of the friendliest individuals. 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 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 numerous nation. It shares a picturesque shoreline with Croatia and Greece with the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas lapping at its shores. Inland, it has stunning snow-capped mountains and an enormous vary of wildlife.
Its capital is the beautiful and fashionable metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and necessary reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of gorgeous nature and engaging historical past and I imagine it presents 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 dwell and work in.
All through the foremost 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 widespread 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 Reside in Albania
There are some wonderful locations to dwell in Albania, the situation actually is dependent upon 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 Reside in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the completely different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For stylish 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.
For those who favor the standard cafe tradition then I recommend 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 superb neighbourhood for households or for those who like inexperienced area. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is positioned close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
How you can Discover Residences in Tirana
The most effective place to search out quick to mid-term residences 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 greatest 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 taking place 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 issue is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, for those who’re staying on this space and wish to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a superb possibility. It has loads of personal and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is one among my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an important cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are lots of scorching desks accessible in addition to personal 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 presents 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 unimaginable cafe museum. Keep after your work is full to take pleasure in 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.
One among my favorite issues to do in Tirana is to take a strolling tour across the metropolis. I really like a strolling tour however the Tirana possibility actually is great. It’s useful to study your means across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the current Communist historical past of the town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely advocate taking the cable automotive, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover a number of actions corresponding to horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable views over the town.
For those who’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. For those who’re trying to attempt some fascinating native dishes, Period is a superb restaurant to attempt some conventional Albanian delicacies with a contemporary twist.
For some extra inspiration for residing within the metropolis, check out my greatest 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 necessary port metropolis in Albania and is a superb base for digital nomads in Albania as a consequence of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an important nightlife scene and plenty of enjoyable issues to do once you’re not working.
The place are the Finest Areas to Reside 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 could find a number of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has a stupendous promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seaside, you then’ll have to move barely east out of the town in the direction of Durres seaside on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seaside presents loads of house choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
How you can Discover Residences in Durres
There are plenty of Airbnb choices in Durres as you could count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres is not 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 number of recommendation and choices from these already based mostly in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its measurement, there aren’t any formal coworking areas in Durres. Nonetheless, what it lacks in workplace area, it makes up for in cafes and bars for coworking.
Oborri Lounge Bar is a extremely cool cafe throughout the day and a bar by evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are a very good 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 possibility for working throughout the day. It has loads of seating each in and out. 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 achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historical historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with no go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably among the finest items of historical structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Sixties.
After all, for those who’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s important to go to the seaside. Durres seaside is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with inns, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for those who need them or you’ll be able to simply loosen up on the sand.
For those who like to hike, you must stroll a part of the Through 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 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 a number of the most unimaginable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a significantly better possibility 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 Reside in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the perfect 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 primary Saranda seaside and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with a very good 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 you 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 a bit decrease than in Tirana, (except you’re reserving within the peak summer time season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a number of members prepared to assist with the rest you could 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’ll be able to join with expats and different long-term residents in Saranda for something from lodging to restaurant suggestions.
Coworking Areas in Saranda
There are presently no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some glorious native and worldwide cafes and bars which are more than pleased to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
One among 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 you might want to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent pastries.
One other nice possibility 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 an honest measurement to work at.
Issues to Do in Saranda
There are so many nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly advocate taking a automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Citadel for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the outdated fortress and presents a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. For those who’re peckish you’ll be able to keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not advocate sufficient that you simply 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 outdated 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 completely different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
For those who head right down to the promenade at Saranda seaside 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 achieve 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 stupendous 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 dwell in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a stupendous beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Finest Areas to Reside 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. Good for waking up with a sea view.
The center of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This primary 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 number of boutique retailers and quirky bars and eating places making it an important place to be based mostly.
How you 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 may be very useful and educated and might be contacted immediately.
I additionally recommend trying on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is usually referenced on this web page given its measurement and so can usually present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an important possibility for locating residences in Vlore as there are plenty of inexpensive choices in all three primary 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 prime of the promenade for an important place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. For those who’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.
For those who’re staying to the west of the primary boulevard, I notably loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or outside seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The nice 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 picket causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and a stupendous little church.
You possibly can attain Zvernec island on a motorbike or, if it’s notably scorching, think about hiring a scooter or a automotive to make the 13km journey. On the way in which again, cease in on the stunning Narta Seashore.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with no 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 stunning lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover a number of alfresco eating choices.
One of many primary sights in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seaside the place you’ll be able to 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 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 an incredible cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to take pleasure in and is a stupendous place to go to.
What are the Finest Areas to Reside in Korce?
The most effective space to dwell in Korce is inside 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 sights; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible collection of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to dwell someplace greener, you may think about residing by Rinia Park which is a big park stuffed 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 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 number of members prepared to assist with any queries you’ll have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch Home is a coworking area and lodge positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a number of workspaces and a bit kitchen so you’ll be able to 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 collection of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to 1 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 also known as the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with a number of inexperienced area, 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.
One among 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 prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which presents unimaginable views over the whole 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 area, it’s dwelling to a number 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 important to have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this stunning metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really gentle 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 secure nation and is mostly 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 aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Value of Residing in Albania
The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of residing, together with hire, can be increased throughout the peak summer time months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, for those who go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll probably have a really inexpensive time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.
I visited Tirana in Might and the one-bed house I stayed in was round €520 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom house by the seaside value round €800 monthly however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca might be extra inexpensive in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will value round €25-30. In Tirana, you may eat way more affordably. For those who eat at an area Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you’ll be able to eat a very good meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all yr spherical which makes it an important place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of yr.
Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, scorching, and dry. The winters are gentle.
For those who 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 very popular and often sunny. The temperatures can attain highs of 35°C and also you’ll take pleasure in heat evenings too. It’s the right place for locating seashores.
Residing in Albania Execs and Cons
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each professionals and cons to residing in Albania.
Execs of Residing in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountain climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming individuals
- An lively outside way of life
- Superb cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced value of residing
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which might be too scorching for some
- In the course of the peak summer time months, it could actually get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
- Transportation might be lengthy and typically uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not all the time air con, or correct area for baggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds are usually not broadly accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
For those who’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and may take pleasure in residing in Albania for as much as 90 days, inside a 180-day interval.
If you wish to keep longer, you’ll be able to apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the standards listed right here.
Usually talking, for those who’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to take pleasure in 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a implausible place to dwell 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 steadiness. Not solely that, however it’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
