On this final information, you’ll discover out every part you could learn about dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are a lot of 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 a number of the friendliest individuals. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive dwelling, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I lately spent over two months dwelling 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 practically 3 million individuals situated 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 wildlife.
Its capital is the beautiful and trendy metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and essential reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely 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 reside and work in.
All through the foremost cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an excellent 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an excellent alternative.
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 frequent and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an excellent alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Cities for Digital Nomads
Finest Locations to Reside in Albania
There are some superb locations to reside in Albania, the situation actually relies on what you need out of your digital nomad base; listed below are my 5 suggestions.
1. Tirana
Tirana is the capital metropolis of Albania and its most populous space. It’s a wonderful 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 fashionable 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.
In case you desire the normal 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 superb neighbourhood for households or for people who like inexperienced area. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is situated close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
Easy methods to Discover Flats in Tirana
One of the best 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 every part taking place 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 essentially the most, and the most effective, coworking areas within the nation. The one issue is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely situated within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, should you’re staying on this space and need 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 excellent cafe out the entrance and a coworking area 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 excellent mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis presents WiFi and an excellent, 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 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 in every of 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 choice actually is great. It’s useful to be taught 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 automobile, (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 unbelievable views over the town.
In case 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 surprising mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. In case 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 dwelling 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 situated 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 resulting from its trendy infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an excellent nightlife scene and numerous enjoyable issues to do while 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 lately 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 simple stroll to the centre and has an exquisite promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, then you definitely’ll have to go barely east out of the town in the direction of Durres seashore on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore presents loads of condominium choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Easy methods to Discover Flats in Durres
There are numerous Airbnb choices in Durres as chances are you’ll anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, test the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which frequently 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 identify, 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. 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 in the course of the day and a bar by evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are an excellent measurement 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 in and out. It has good WiFi and the drinks and meals choices are well-priced. It’s conveniently situated near the central sq. so is straightforward to achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with no go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably among the best items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Sixties.
After all, should you’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s important to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with lodges, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you may simply chill out on the sand.
In case you 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 best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historic 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 typically grouped with Ksamil which is 20 minutes down the coast and residential to a number of the most unbelievable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a significantly better choice for dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort relatively 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 most effective areas of this metropolis are situated across the numerous sides of the bay.
To the west is Kodra which might be essentially 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 primary Saranda seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with an excellent 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 trendy right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
Easy methods to Discover Flats in Saranda
As with different components of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are typically 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 lot of 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 the moment no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which can be more than pleased to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
One in every 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 you could recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an excellent place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is nice 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 automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Citadel for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the outdated fortress and presents a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. In case you’re peckish you may keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not suggest sufficient that you simply 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 Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an excellent day journey from Sarande.
I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was dwelling 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.
In case you head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seashore at evening, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs in 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 via the Blue Eye Nationwide Park to achieve 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 an exquisite 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 among the best locations to reside in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has an exquisite beachfront promenade of outlets, 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 seashore. The newly renovated promenade separates the seashore 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 most important highway joins the promenade to the Previous City. It has loads of native and worldwide retailers, bars, cafes, and eating places. It has essentially 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 Previous 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 excellent place to be primarily based.
Easy methods to Discover Flats 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 dwelling in Albania however the admin could be very useful and educated and might be contacted instantly.
I additionally counsel trying on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is commonly referenced on this web page given its measurement and so can typically present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an excellent choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are numerous inexpensive choices in all three most important 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 situated on the prime of the promenade for an excellent place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. In case you’re staying close to the boulevard then Mulliri Vjeter to the underside finish of the road is one other excellent place to take a seat, work, and watch the world go by.
In case you’re staying to the west of the primary 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 nice espresso and tempting ice cream assist as nicely!
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 an exquisite little church.
You may attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly scorching, contemplate hiring a scooter or a automobile to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seaside.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with no journey to its beautiful Previous 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 most important sights in Vlore is its practically renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seashore the place you may rent loungers or arrange camp on the sand. The water is crystal-clear, blue, and calm; good 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 individuals 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 take pleasure in and is an exquisite place to go to.
What are the Finest Areas to Reside in Korce?
One of the best space to reside 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 essentially 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 essentially the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s most important sights; together with the Previous 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 reside someplace greener, you could possibly contemplate dwelling 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’ll have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch Home is a coworking area and resort situated simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a lot of workspaces and a bit kitchen so you may 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 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 without doubt one of the most quaint and romantic cities in Albania. It’s sometimes called the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with a lot 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 in every of my favorite issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised highway lined with apple timber, bars, and low retailers. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which presents unbelievable views over your entire metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the commentary deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Previous Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic web site, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan area, it’s residence 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 important 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 gentle and contemporary style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a superb place to sit back out.
Is Albania Secure?
Albania is a really secure nation and is mostly 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 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 Residing in Albania
The price of dwelling in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of dwelling, together with hire, shall be greater in the course of the peak summer time months, significantly alongside the coast. Nonetheless, should 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 Might and the one-bed condominium I stayed in was round €520 per thirty days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seashore value round €800 per thirty days 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 could possibly eat way more affordably. In case you eat at an area Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you may eat an excellent meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all yr spherical which makes it an excellent place for being a digital nomad in Albania regardless of the time of yr.
Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, scorching, and dry. The winters are gentle.
In case you 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 excellent place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s extremely 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 proper place for locating seashores.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each execs and cons to dwelling 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 individuals
- An lively out of doors life-style
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced value of dwelling
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too scorching for some
- Throughout the peak summer time months, it could possibly get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation might be lengthy and generally uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not at all times air con, or correct area for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds will not be broadly accepted in bars and eating places so you need to at all times carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
In case you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and might take pleasure in dwelling 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 standards listed right here.
Typically talking, should you’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to take pleasure in 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a incredible place to reside 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 unbelievable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to attain that work-life stability. Not solely that, nevertheless it’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
