On this final information, you’ll discover out all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot of the nation’s vacationers. Nevertheless, there are a lot of different unbelievable locations to see within the nation.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is residence to a number of the friendliest folks. Pair all this with WiFi and reasonably priced dwelling, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I not too long ago 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 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 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 gorgeous nature and interesting historical past and I imagine 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 main cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an important 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an important 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 important alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Reside 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 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 Greatest Areas to Reside in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable bars, eating places, and the most effective 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 superb neighbourhood for households or for people who like inexperienced house. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is situated close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
Discover Flats in Tirana
The most effective place to seek 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 preserve you updated with all the things 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 most effective, coworking areas within the nation. The one issue is selecting which one to affix.
Dutch Hub is completely situated within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, should you’re staying on this space and wish 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 certainly one of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an important cafe out the entrance and a coworking house to the rear. There are lots of scorching desks out there in addition to non-public assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an important mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis provides WiFi and an important, 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 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 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 great. It’s useful to study your means across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the current Communist historical past of the town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely advocate taking the cable automobile, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover a number of actions reminiscent of horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable 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 shocking mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. In case you’re seeking to strive some attention-grabbing native dishes, Period is a wonderful 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 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 attributable to its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an important nightlife scene and numerous enjoyable issues to do whenever you’re not working.
The place are the Greatest 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 will discover a number of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has a wonderful promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, then you definately’ll have to go barely east out of the town in the direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore provides loads of condominium choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Discover Flats in Durres
There are numerous Airbnb choices in Durres as it’s possible you’ll anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.
Other than Airbnb, test the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which regularly 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 number 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. Nevertheless, what it lacks in workplace house, it makes up for in cafes and bars for coworking.
Oborri Lounge Bar is a very cool cafe through the day and a bar by night time, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are a superb measurement to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries through the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working through the day. It has loads of seating each in and out. It has good WiFi and the drinks and meals choices are well-priced. It’s conveniently situated near the central sq. so is straightforward to succeed in.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historical historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with out 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.
After all, should you’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you must go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with resorts, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you possibly can simply calm down on the sand.
In case you like to hike, it’s best to stroll a part of the Through Egnatia, a historic roman highway which started in Durres and reached all the best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historical merchants and uncover varied 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 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 Reside in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the most effective areas of this metropolis are situated across the varied sides of the bay.
To the west is Kodra which might be probably the most cost-effective a part of Saranda for a digital nomad in Albania. It has good seashore bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seashore.
The centre, Qender, is a perfect location if you wish to be within the centre of the motion. It’s set again above the principle Saranda seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with a superb 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.
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 usually a little bit decrease than in Tirana, (until you’re reserving within the peak summer season season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a number of 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 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 at the moment no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which can be 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 it’s worthwhile to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an important 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 such a lot of nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly advocate taking a automobile or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fortress for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the outdated fortress and provides 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 not 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 outdated city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an important day journey from Sarande.
I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was dwelling 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 seashore 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 unbelievable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by way 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 wonderful factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a visit 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 stay in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a wonderful beachfront promenade of outlets, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seashore. The newly renovated promenade separates the seashore on one aspect from the good bars, eating places, and nightlife on the opposite. Excellent for waking up with a sea view.
The guts of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This fundamental highway joins the promenade to the Outdated City. It has loads of native and worldwide retailers, 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 shaped Outdated City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes a number of boutique retailers and quirky bars and eating places making it an important place to be primarily based.
Discover Flats 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 may be very useful and educated and could be contacted immediately.
I additionally counsel trying 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 important choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are numerous reasonably priced choices in all three fundamental 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 prime of the promenade for an important 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 excellent place to take a seat, 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 effectively!
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 wonderful little church.
You’ll be able to attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly scorching, contemplate hiring a scooter or a automobile to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seashore.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with out a 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 number of alfresco eating choices.
One of many fundamental sights in Vlore is its practically renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seashore the place you possibly can 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 a tremendous cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to get pleasure from and is a wonderful place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside 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 probably the most Airbnbs. The most effective streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover probably the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s fundamental sights; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has a tremendous choice of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you may contemplate dwelling 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 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 number 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 house and lodge situated simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a number of workspaces and a little bit kitchen so you possibly can take your lunch to work. It additionally doubles as a bar, so is ideal for individuals who just like the extra social side of coworking.
Other than Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous choice of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to 1 one other), and also you’ll have many extra choices to select from. Sophie Caffe and Komiteti are each dependable areas to work from.
Issues to Do in Korce
Korce is among the most quaint and romantic cities in Albania. It’s also known as the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with a number of inexperienced house, 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 highway lined with apple timber, bars, and low retailers. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which provides unbelievable views over your complete metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the commentary deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Outdated Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic web site, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan house, it’s residence to a number 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 decisions.
Lastly, you must have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this lovely metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really gentle and recent style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a superb place to relax out.
Is Albania Protected?
Albania is a really protected nation and is usually 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 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 conscious of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Dwelling in Albania
The price of dwelling in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.
The price of dwelling, together with lease, might be increased through the peak summer season months, significantly alongside the coast. Nevertheless, should you go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll doubtless 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 seashore 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 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. In case you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just do, you possibly can eat a superb 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 important place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of 12 months.
Alongside the coast, the summer season is Mediterranean; very lengthy, scorching, and dry. The winters are delicate.
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 an important 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 right place for locating seashores.
Dwelling in Albania Execs and Cons
As with wherever on the planet, there are each execs and cons to dwelling in Albania.
Execs of Dwelling in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountain climbing, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming folks
- An energetic outside life-style
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced price of dwelling
Cons of Dwelling in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which could possibly be too scorching for some
- Throughout the peak summer season 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 house for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds will not be extensively accepted in bars and eating places so it’s best to at all times carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
In case you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different international locations), you don’t require a visa and might 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 factors listed right here.
Usually talking, should 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 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 steadiness. Not solely that, however it’s a really reasonably priced nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
