On this final information, you’ll discover out the whole lot you should learn about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and in depth shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, 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 house to a number of the friendliest folks. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I not too long ago spent over two months residing in Albania and fell in love with this comparatively undiscovered nation. As a digital nomad, it was an ideal base; learn on as I share my expertise and findings with you.
About Albania
Albania is a rustic of almost 3 million folks 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 beautiful and trendy metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and necessary reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and interesting 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 various cities and landscapes to reside and work in.
All through the key cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by a terrific 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad a terrific 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 a terrific 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 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 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.
In case you desire the standard cafe tradition then I counsel Zona 1 which has the biggest fish market in Albania within the New Bazaar. It’s near the central Skanderbeg Sq. however away from the crowds, with loads of cafes and bars for folks watching, (and dealing).
Komuna e Parisit is a 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.
Easy methods to Discover Residences in Tirana
The very best 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. 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 preserve you updated with the whole lot 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 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, in case you’re staying on this space and wish 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 every of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has a terrific cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are lots of scorching desks out there in addition to personal assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create a terrific mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, almost each cafe within the metropolis presents WiFi and a terrific, 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.
One in all 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 method across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the latest Communist historical past of the town and the nation as an entire.
I extremely advocate 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 using and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable 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 glorious meals and drinks. In case you’re seeking to attempt some attention-grabbing native dishes, Period is a wonderful 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 necessary port metropolis in Albania and is a good base for digital nomads in Albania attributable to its trendy infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has a terrific nightlife scene and quite a lot of 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 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 lot 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, then you definately’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 simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Easy methods to Discover Residences in Durres
There are quite a lot of Airbnb choices in Durres as you could anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more in style in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, examine 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 very cool cafe throughout the day and a bar by night time, 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 throughout the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working throughout the day. It has loads of seating each inside and outside. It has good WiFi and the drinks and meals choices are well-priced. It’s conveniently situated near the central sq. so is straightforward to succeed in.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with no go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably the most effective items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.
In fact, in case you’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s a must to go to the seaside. Durres seaside is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with accommodations, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you’ll be able to simply calm down on the sand.
In case you like to hike, you need to stroll a part of the Through Egnatia, a historic roman street which started in Durres and reached all the way in which 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 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 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 reasonably 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 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 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 principle Saranda seaside 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 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 slightly 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’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, nonetheless, it has some glorious native and worldwide cafes and bars which are very happy to welcome you in together with your laptop computer.
One in all 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 should recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s a terrific 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 advocate taking a automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fortress for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the previous citadel and presents a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. In case you’re peckish you’ll be able to keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can’t advocate sufficient that you just go to. You’ll be able to take a quick ferry over to Corfu in simply half-hour and spend the day on the Greek island; discover Corfu’s previous city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s a terrific day journey from Sarande.
I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 folks, and the captain took us to go to 4 totally different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
In case you head right down to the promenade at Saranda seaside at night time, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs to your personal private journey.
The Blue Eye is a must-see in Albania. That is an unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by means of the Blue Eye Nationwide Park to succeed in this pure phenomenon.
It’s a crystal-clear underwater spring so deep, and with a lot 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 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 a stupendous 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 seaside. The newly renovated promenade separates the seaside on one facet from the good 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 predominant street joins the promenade to the Outdated 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 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 a terrific place to be primarily based.
Easy methods to 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 residing in Albania however the admin may be very useful and educated and could be contacted instantly.
I additionally counsel 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 a terrific choice for locating residences in Vlore as there are quite a lot of inexpensive choices in all three predominant 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 situated on the high of the promenade for a terrific 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 good spot to sit down, work, and watch the world go by.
In case you’re staying to the west of the principle boulevard, I significantly loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or outside seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The 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’ll be able to attain Zvernec island on a motorbike or, if it’s significantly 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 beautiful Outdated 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 a lot of alfresco eating choices.
One of many predominant 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 night time, the promenade is the place to be to pattern the busy bars and classy eating places, and mingle amongst folks of all ages having fun with a night stroll or 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 very 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 probably the most Airbnbs. The very best streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover probably the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s predominant 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 reside someplace greener, you would take into account 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 lot of members prepared to assist with any queries you could 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 slightly 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.
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 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 all my favorite issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised street lined with apple timber, bars, and occasional outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the high 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 house to a lot of small cafes and eateries which spill out onto the cobbled streets. That is the place you’ll discover Komiteti bar to take your laptop computer, in addition to many different cool cafe selections.
Lastly, it’s a must to have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this lovely metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really mild and 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 secure nation and is usually thought of safer than strolling across the UK or USA. Crime is uncommon and locals are hospitable and welcoming.
It’s additionally thought of a 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 international locations, 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 residing in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of residing, together with hire, will likely be larger throughout the peak summer time months, significantly alongside the coast. Nonetheless, in case you 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 Could and the one-bed house I stayed in was round €520 per 30 days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom house 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 could be extra inexpensive in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you would eat far more affordably. In case you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you’ll be able to 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 a terrific 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 delicate.
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 a terrific place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s very popular and normally 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 Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each execs and cons to residing in Albania.
Professionals of Residing in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming folks
- An energetic outside way of life
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced price of residing
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 may possibly get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation could be lengthy and generally 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 are usually not 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 international locations), 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, in case 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 unbelievable 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 steadiness. Not solely that, however it’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
