On this final information, you’ll discover out every thing you’ll want to find out about dwelling 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. Nevertheless, there are lots 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 reasonably priced dwelling, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I just 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 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 essential reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of gorgeous nature and interesting historical past and I consider it gives one thing for everybody.
Albania for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll have the selection of various and 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 incredible 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an incredible 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 incredible alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Stay in Albania
There are some superb locations to reside in Albania, the placement actually depends 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 wonderful 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 stylish 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 want 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 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 perfect 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. 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 might help with lodging and hold you updated with every thing taking place 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 essentially the most, and the very best, coworking areas within the nation. The one problem is selecting which one to affix.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, when you’re staying on this space and need to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a good possibility. It has loads of non-public and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is certainly one of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an incredible cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are lots of sizzling desks out there in addition to non-public assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an incredible mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis gives WiFi and an incredible, 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 get pleasure from a cocktail or two.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Tirana is packed filled with tradition, historical past, and nature. You’ll by no means be bored as a digital nomad in Albania while right here.
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 possibility actually is superb. It’s useful to be taught your means across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the current Communist historical past of 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 equivalent to horse driving 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 seeking to strive some fascinating 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 positioned on the western shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
It’s an essential port metropolis in Albania and is a good base for digital nomads in Albania as a result of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an incredible nightlife scene and a whole lot of enjoyable issues to do whenever 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 just lately renovated public sq. surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places; each worldwide and native.
For sea views throughout the metropolis itself then you’ll find a lot of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has an exquisite promenade for enjoyable night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seaside, then you definitely’ll have to move barely east out of town in the direction of Durres seaside on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seaside gives loads of condominium choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
How you can Discover Residences in Durres
There are a whole lot of Airbnb choices in Durres as you could anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more fashionable in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, test 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 a lot of recommendation and choices from these already primarily based in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its dimension, there aren’t any formal coworking areas in Durres. Nevertheless, what it lacks in workplace 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 great dimension to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries throughout the day for that much-needed gas while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar possibility 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 easy to achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historical historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably the most effective items of historical structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.
In fact, when you’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 motels, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for those who need them or you possibly can simply chill out on the sand.
When you 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 dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort somewhat 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 positioned 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 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 great mixture of worldwide and native cafes and eating places.
To the east is Rruga Butrinti. There are many extremely rated eating places right here in addition to the higher, (and louder), late bars and golf equipment. The lodging can also be extra fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
How you can Discover Residences in Saranda
As with different elements of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are usually just a little decrease than in Tirana, (until you’re reserving within the peak summer time season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a lot 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 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 presently no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which might 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’ll 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 incredible place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is sweet and the tables are an honest dimension to work at.
Issues to Do in Saranda
There are so many nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly suggest taking a automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fort for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the outdated fortress and gives a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. When you’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 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 incredible day journey from Sarande.
I cherished taking a ship journey from Saranda once I was dwelling in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 individuals, and the captain took us to go to 4 totally different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
When you head right down to the promenade at Saranda seaside 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 unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by 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 the most effective 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 Greatest Areas to Stay in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seaside. The newly renovated promenade separates the seaside on one facet from the best bars, eating places, and nightlife on the opposite. Excellent for waking up with a sea view.
The guts of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This important highway joins the promenade to the Outdated City. It has loads of native and worldwide outlets, 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 fashioned Outdated City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes a lot of boutique outlets and quirky bars and eating places making it an incredible place to be primarily based.
How you can Discover Residences in Vlore
One of many higher Fb teams for these seeking to arrange a base in Vlore is “Expats in Vlore“. The web page isn’t as busy as different teams for dwelling in Albania however the admin could be very useful and educated and might 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 dimension and so can usually present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an incredible possibility for locating flats in Vlore as there are a whole lot of reasonably priced choices in all three important elements of city.
Coworking Areas in Vlore
Vlore has some wonderful cafes and eating places that are very welcoming to digital nomads in Albania.
Mon Cheri is positioned on the prime of the promenade for an incredible place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. When you’re staying close to the boulevard then Mulliri Vjeter to the underside finish of the road is one other good spot to take a seat, work, and watch the world go by.
When you’re staying to the west of the 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 possibly can attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly sizzling, take into account hiring a scooter or a automobile 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 and not using 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 stunning lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover a lot of alfresco eating choices.
One of many important points of interest in Vlore is its practically renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seaside the place you possibly can 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 stylish 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 get pleasure from and is an exquisite place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Korce?
The perfect space to reside in Korce is throughout the centre. Town is pretty small and so most facilities are inside strolling distance from the centre. That is additionally the place you’ll discover essentially the most Airbnbs. The perfect 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 important points of interest; together with the Outdated 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 reside someplace greener, you may take into account 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 reasonably priced Airbnb choices in Korce because it’s much less touristy than different cities in Albania.
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to 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 area and resort positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a lot of workspaces and just a little 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 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 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 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 outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which gives unimaginable views over all the metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the commentary 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 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 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 mild and recent 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 international locations, pickpocketing does occur however so long as you’re smart, and aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Residing in Albania
The price of dwelling in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.
The price of dwelling, together with lease, will likely be increased throughout the peak summer time months, significantly alongside the coast. Nevertheless, when you go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll possible have a really reasonably priced 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 30 days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seaside price round €800 per 30 days however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca might be extra reasonably priced in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you may eat rather more affordably. When you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you possibly can eat a great meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all 12 months spherical which makes it an incredible place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of 12 months.
Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are gentle.
When you head inland and to the north, the climate is seasonal and has very chilly winters and snowfall, with sizzling dry summers and storms. This makes it an incredible place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s highly regarded and often sunny. The temperatures can attain highs of 35°C and also you’ll get pleasure from heat evenings too. It’s the proper place for locating seashores.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with wherever on this 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
- Climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming individuals
- An energetic out of doors way of life
- Superb cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced price of dwelling
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too sizzling for some
- In the course of the peak summer time months, it may get very crowded, (significantly 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 extensively accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
When you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different international locations), you don’t require a visa and may get pleasure from dwelling 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 standards listed right here.
Typically talking, when 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 implausible place to reside 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 reasonably priced nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
