On this final information, you’ll discover out every little thing that you must learn about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its stunning and in depth shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are numerous different unbelievable 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 folks. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I just lately 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 stunning snow-capped mountains and an enormous vary of wildlife.
Its capital is the gorgeous 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 consider it provides 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 stay and work in.
All through the key cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an amazing 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad an amazing selection.
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 amazing selection for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Dwell in Albania
There are some wonderful locations to stay in Albania, the situation actually will depend 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 superb base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for selection with the completely different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable bars, eating places, and the perfect nightlife, head to Blloku. This neighbourhood was as soon as reserved for the Communist elite however is now the place to be seen in Tirana.
Should you desire the normal 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 folks 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.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Tirana
The most effective place to search out brief 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 greatest Airbnbs in Tirana right here.
Moreover, I like to recommend becoming a member of the “Expats in Tirana” Fb group which may help with lodging and hold you updated with every little thing occurring in Tirana.
The extra normal 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 perfect, coworking areas within the nation. The one problem is selecting which one to affix.
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 superb choice. It has loads of non-public 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 amazing cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are lots of sizzling desks obtainable in addition to non-public assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an amazing mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, almost each cafe within the metropolis provides WiFi and an amazing, 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 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 like a strolling tour however the Tirana choice actually is superb. It’s useful to study your manner across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the latest Communist historical past of town and the nation as an entire.
I extremely suggest 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 unbelievable views over town.
Should 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. Should you’re trying to attempt some fascinating 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 greatest 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 superb base for digital nomads in Albania resulting from its trendy infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an amazing nightlife scene and numerous enjoyable issues to do whenever you’re not working.
The place are the Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 inside the metropolis itself then yow will discover numerous lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has a good looking promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seaside, then you definately’ll have to go barely east out of town in the direction of Durres seaside on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seaside provides loads of residence choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Durres
There are numerous Airbnb choices in Durres as it’s possible you’ll count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more widespread 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 title, it has numerous recommendation and choices from these already based mostly in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its dimension, 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 through the day and a bar by evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are an excellent dimension to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries through the day for that much-needed gas while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working through 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 achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with out a go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably probably the greatest items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.
In fact, for those who’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you must 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 people who need them or you’ll be able to simply loosen up on the sand.
Should you like to hike, you must 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 unbelievable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a a lot 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 fairly than a working base.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the perfect 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 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.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Saranda
As with different elements of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are typically somewhat 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 numerous members prepared to assist with the rest 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 at present 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 together 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 outside seats, they’ve good WiFi, and a few plugs if that you must recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an amazing place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is nice and the tables are a good 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 Citadel for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the previous fort and provides a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. Should you’re peckish you’ll be able to keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can’t 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 previous city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an amazing 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 completely different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
Should you head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seaside at evening, 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 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 strain, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.
It’s a good looking 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 probably the greatest locations to stay in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a good looking beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 guts of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This primary street 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 shaped Outdated 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 amazing place to be based mostly.
Find out how to 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 could be very useful and educated and could be contacted straight.
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 amazing choice for locating residences in Vlore as there are numerous inexpensive choices in all three primary 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 situated on the high of the promenade for an amazing place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. Should 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.
Should you’re staying to the west of the principle 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 good 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 good looking little church.
You may attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s notably sizzling, think about hiring a scooter or a automobile to make the 13km journey. On the way in which again, cease in on the stunning Narta Seaside.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with out a journey to its gorgeous 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 numerous alfresco eating choices.
One of many primary sights in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seaside the place you’ll be able to rent loungers or arrange camp on the sand. The water is crystal-clear, blue, and calm; 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 folks 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 an incredible cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to take pleasure in and is a good looking place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Korce?
The most effective space to stay 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. The most effective 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 primary sights; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible collection of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you would think about residing by Rinia Park which is a big park crammed 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 numerous 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 numerous workspaces and somewhat kitchen so you’ll be able to take your lunch to work. It additionally doubles as a bar, so is ideal for many who just like the extra social side of coworking.
Apart from Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous collection of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to 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 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.
One in every of 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 provides 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 Outdated Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic website, 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 selections.
Lastly, you must have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this stunning metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really gentle and contemporary style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a superb place to sit back out.
Is Albania Protected?
Albania is a really secure nation and is mostly thought 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 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 hire, can be greater through the peak summer time months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, for those who go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll doubtless have a really inexpensive time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.
I visited Tirana in Could and the one-bed residence I stayed in was round €520 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom residence by the seaside value 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 value round €25-30. In Tirana, you would eat far more affordably. Should you eat at an area Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply 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 12 months spherical which makes it an amazing 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 delicate.
Should 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 amazing 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 right place for locating seashores.
Dwelling in Albania Execs and Cons
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each execs and cons to residing in Albania.
Execs of Dwelling in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming folks
- An energetic outside life-style
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Inexpensive value of residing
Cons of Dwelling in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too sizzling for some
- Throughout the peak summer time months, it could get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
- Transportation could be lengthy and generally uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not all the time air con, or correct area for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds aren’t extensively accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
Should you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different international locations), 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 standards listed right here.
Typically 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 stay 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 unbelievable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to realize that work-life stability. Not solely that, but it surely’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.