On this final information, you’ll discover out all the pieces you could find out about residing 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 a lot of different incredible places to see in the country.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is dwelling to among the friendliest individuals. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I 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 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 necessary reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and interesting historical past and I imagine it affords 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 stay and work in.
All through the main cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an ideal 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad an ideal alternative.
The cafe tradition right here can 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 is widespread and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an ideal alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Finest Locations to Stay in Albania
There are some superb locations to stay in Albania, the situation actually is determined by 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 Stay in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the completely different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For stylish bars, eating places, and one of the 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 choose the normal cafe tradition then I recommend Zona 1 which has the biggest fish market in Albania within the New Bazaar. It’s near the central Skanderbeg Sq. however away from the crowds, with loads of cafes and bars for individuals watching, (and dealing).
Komuna e Parisit is a good neighbourhood for households or for people 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.
Find out how to 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. 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 might help with lodging and maintain you updated with all the pieces occurring in Tirana.
The extra normal group “Expats in Albania” can be useful. Tirana options closely within the group because the nation’s capital metropolis.
Coworking Areas in Tirana
Tirana has essentially the most, and one of the best, coworking spaces within the nation. The one issue is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, if you happen to’re staying on this space and wish 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 considered one of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an ideal 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 ideal mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, almost each cafe within the metropolis affords WiFi and an ideal, 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 unbelievable cafe museum. Keep after your work is full to get pleasure from a cocktail or two.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Tirana is packed stuffed with tradition, historical past, and nature. You’ll by no means be bored as a digital nomad in Albania while right here.
One among my favorite things 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 great. It’s useful to be taught your approach across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the current Communist historical past of 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 reminiscent of horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable views over 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 food scene actually thrilling.
Head to Komiteti cafe and museum for a shocking mix of communist artefacts and glorious meals and drinks. In case you’re seeking to strive some fascinating native dishes, Era is a superb restaurant to strive some conventional Albanian delicacies with a contemporary twist.
For some extra inspiration for residing within the metropolis, check out my best things 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 necessary 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 ideal nightlife scene and loads of enjoyable issues to do if you’re not working.
The place are the Finest 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 lately renovated public sq. surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places; each worldwide and native.
For sea views inside the metropolis itself then you will discover a lot of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has an exquisite promenade for enjoyable night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, then you definitely’ll have to go barely east out of town in direction of Durres seashore on the opposite facet of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore affords loads of residence choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Find out how to Discover Residences in Durres
There are loads of Airbnb choices in Durres as you might 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 a lot of recommendation and choices from these already based mostly in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its measurement, 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 in the course of the day and a bar by evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are an excellent measurement to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries in the course of the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar possibility for working in the course of 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 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 among the best items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Sixties.
After all, if you happen to’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s important to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with lodges, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you possibly can simply chill out on the sand.
In case you like to hike, you must stroll a part of the Via Egnatia, a historic roman street which started in Durres and reached all the best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historic merchants and uncover numerous bridges and roman options alongside its 475km route.
3. Saranda
Saranda (additionally spelled Sarande) is within the coronary heart of the Albanian Riviera and is a mere half-hour by ferry from Corfu. It’s usually grouped with Ksamil which is 20 minutes down the coast and residential to among the most incredible beaches in Albania.
Saranda is a significantly better possibility for residing in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort slightly than a working base.
What are the Finest Areas to Stay in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so one of the 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 seashore bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seashore.
The centre, Qender, is a perfect location if you wish to be within the centre of the motion. It’s set again above the primary Saranda seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with an excellent mixture of worldwide and native cafes and eating places.
To the east is Rruga Butrinti. There are many extremely rated eating places right here in addition to the higher, (and louder), late bars and golf equipment. The lodging can be extra fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
Find out how to Discover Residences in Saranda
As with different components of Albania, there are some great Airbnb options 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 season 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 might 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 glorious native and worldwide cafes and bars which are very happy to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
One among my favorite locations is Hashtag2 which is within the Qender space of Saranda. It has a mixture of indoor and out of doors seats, they’ve good WiFi, and a few plugs if you could recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent pastries.
One other nice possibility is My Time Coffee Bar. It’s an ideal 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 great things to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly advocate taking a automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Citadel for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the outdated fortress and affords a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. In case you’re peckish you possibly can keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can’t advocate sufficient that you simply 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 Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an ideal day journey from Sarande.
I liked taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 individuals, and the captain took us to go to 4 completely different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
In case you head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seashore at evening, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs in your personal private journey.
The Blue Eye is a must-see in Albania. That is an unbelievable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km 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 trip to the stunning Gjirokaster on this glorious day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and among the best 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 an exquisite beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Finest 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 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 foremost street joins the promenade to the Previous 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 Previous 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 ideal place to be based mostly.
Find out how 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 may be contacted immediately.
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 usually present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an ideal possibility for locating flats in Vlore as there are loads of inexpensive choices in all three foremost 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 positioned on the high of the promenade for an ideal 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 primary boulevard, I notably loved Corner Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or out of doors 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 picket causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and an exquisite little church.
You possibly can attain Zvernec island on a motorbike or, if it’s notably sizzling, think about hiring a scooter or a automobile to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the stunning Narta Beach.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with out a journey to its beautiful Old Town. 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 foremost sights in Vlore is its almost renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the beach 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 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 get pleasure from and is an exquisite place to go to.
What are the Finest Areas to Stay in Korce?
The perfect space to stay in Korce is inside 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 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 foremost sights; 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 stay someplace greener, you could possibly think about residing by Rinia Park which is a big park stuffed with beer gardens, households, and students with fairly a enjoyable and relaxed vibe. It’s only a 15-20 minute stroll into the centre from right here.
How To Discover Lodging in Korce?
There are some nice inexpensive Airbnb choices in Korce because it’s much less touristy than different cities in Albania.
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a lot of members prepared to assist with any queries you’ll have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch House 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 facet 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 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 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 among my favourite things to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised street lined with apple bushes, bars, and low outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the high of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which affords unbelievable views over the complete metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the remark deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Previous 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 sit back out.
Is Albania Secure?
Albania is a really safe 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 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 wise, and conscious 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, can be greater in the course of the peak summer season months, notably alongside the coast. Nevertheless, if you happen to 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 residence I stayed in was round €520 per 30 days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom residence by the seashore price round €800 per 30 days however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca may 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 far more affordably. In case you eat at an area Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you possibly can eat an excellent meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all yr spherical which makes it an ideal place for being a digital nomad in Albania regardless of the time of yr.
Alongside the coast, the summer season is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, 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 sizzling dry summers and storms. This makes it an ideal place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s highly regarded and normally 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.
Dwelling in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each professionals and cons to residing in Albania.
Professionals of Dwelling in Albania
- The gorgeous seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountain climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming individuals
- An energetic out of doors way of life
- 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 sizzling for some
- In the course of the peak summer season months, it may possibly get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
- Transportation may 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 will not be extensively accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
In case you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and might get pleasure from residing 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 here.
Usually talking, if you happen to’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to get pleasure from 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a improbable place to stay as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is great, and there are some nice coworking choices too.
In your downtime, there are some unbelievable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to realize that work-life balance. Not solely that, but it surely’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
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