On this final information, you’ll discover out all the things it’s essential find out about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are a lot of 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 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 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 gorgeous and fashionable metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and vital reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of gorgeous nature and interesting historical past and I consider it affords 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 dwell and work in.
All through the main cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an excellent 4G community which makes residing 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 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Stay in Albania
There are some wonderful locations to dwell in Albania, the placement actually depends upon 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 superb base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable bars, eating places, and the very best 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 favor the standard cafe tradition then I recommend Zona 1 which has the most important 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 area. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is situated close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
How you can Discover Flats in Tirana
The most effective place to search out quick 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 hold you updated with all the things occurring in Tirana.
The extra common 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 very best, 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, for those who’re staying on this space and need to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a good choice. It has loads of personal and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is one in all 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 obtainable in addition to personal assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an excellent mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, almost each cafe within the metropolis affords WiFi and an excellent, 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 take pleasure in 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.
Certainly 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 manner across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the current Communist historical past of town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely advocate taking the cable automobile, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover numerous actions reminiscent of horse using and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable views over 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 surprising mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. When you’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 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 vital port metropolis in Albania and is a good base for digital nomads in Albania resulting from its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an excellent nightlife scene and a number of enjoyable issues to do once you’re not working.
The place are the Greatest 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 throughout the metropolis itself then yow will discover numerous lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has a ravishing 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 town in direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore affords loads of condominium choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
How you can Discover Flats in Durres
There are a number of Airbnb choices in Durres as it’s possible you’ll count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Other than 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 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 very cool cafe through the day and a bar by night time, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are measurement to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries through the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working through 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 easy 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 best items of historical structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.
After all, for those who’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you need 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’ll be able to simply loosen up on the sand.
When you like to hike, it is best 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 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 typically 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 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 quite than a working base.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the very best areas of this metropolis are situated 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 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 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.
How you can 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 usually a little bit 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 numerous members prepared to assist with anything it’s possible 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’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 wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which are very happy to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
Certainly 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’s essential 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 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 automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fortress for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the outdated citadel and affords a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. When you’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 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 Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an excellent day journey from Sarande.
I cherished taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing in Albania. I employed a personal 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 right down to the promenade at Saranda seashore at night time, 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 unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by way 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 ravishing factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a journey to the gorgeous Gjirokaster on this wonderful day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and among the best 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 ravishing beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Greatest 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. Excellent for waking up with a sea view.
The guts of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This fundamental highway joins the promenade to the Previous City. It has loads of native and worldwide outlets, 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 Previous City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes numerous boutique outlets and quirky bars and eating places making it an excellent place to be primarily based.
How you can Discover Flats 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 could be contacted instantly.
I additionally recommend wanting 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 a number of inexpensive choices in all three fundamental 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 high of the promenade for an excellent 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 great spot to sit down, work, and watch the world go by.
When you’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 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 a ravishing little church.
You may attain Zvernec island on a motorbike or, if it’s notably scorching, take into account hiring a scooter or a automobile to make the 13km journey. On the way in which again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seaside.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with no journey to its gorgeous Previous 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 fundamental points of interest in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seashore 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 night time, 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 a number 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 take pleasure in and is a ravishing place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Korce?
The most effective space to dwell in Korce is throughout 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. 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 fundamental points of interest; together with the Previous Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has a tremendous number of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to dwell 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 numerous members prepared to assist with any queries you might have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch Home is a coworking area and lodge situated simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has numerous workspaces and a little 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 facet of coworking.
Other than Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous number 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 numerous 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.
Certainly 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 outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the high of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which affords unimaginable views over your complete 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 dwelling 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 need 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 good place to relax out.
Is Albania Secure?
Albania is a really protected 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 protected nation for girls 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 smart, and aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Dwelling in Albania
The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of residing, together with lease, might be greater through the peak summer season months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, for those who go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll possible 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 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seashore price round €800 monthly however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca could be extra inexpensive in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you could possibly eat way more affordably. When you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you’ll be able to eat 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 excellent 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 delicate.
When 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.
Dwelling in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with wherever on the planet, there are each professionals and cons to residing in Albania.
Professionals 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 outside life-style
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced price of residing
Cons of Dwelling in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too scorching for some
- In the course of the peak summer season months, it might get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
- Transportation could be lengthy and typically uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not at all times air-con, or correct area for baggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds should not extensively accepted in bars and eating places so it is best to at all times carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
When you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and might 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 factors 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 superb, and there are some nice coworking choices too.
In your downtime, there are some unimaginable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to realize 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.
