On this final information, you’ll discover out every part you’ll want to learn about dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s largest attraction is its stunning and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot of the nation’s vacationers. 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 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 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 natural world.
Its capital is the beautiful and trendy metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and essential reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and engaging 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 various cities and landscapes to stay and work in.
All through the most important cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an amazing 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an amazing 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 computer is frequent and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an amazing alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Stay in Albania
There are some wonderful locations to stay in Albania, the placement actually is determined by 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 wonderful base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For stylish bars, eating places, and 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 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 area. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is situated close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
How one can Discover Flats 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. Take a look at my 10 greatest 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 every part occurring in Tirana.
The extra common 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 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, if you happen to’re staying on this space and wish to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a superb choice. It has loads of personal 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 various sizzling desks out there in addition to personal 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 affords WiFi and an amazing, 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.
Considered one of my favorite issues to do in Tirana is to take a strolling tour across the metropolis. I really like a strolling tour however the Tirana choice actually is great. It’s useful to be taught your means across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the current Communist historical past of 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 plenty of actions corresponding to horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable 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 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 fascinating 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 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 essential 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 quite a lot of enjoyable issues to do once you’re not working.
The place are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Durres?
If you wish to be in a central location within the coronary heart of the motion then head to the central sq. on Rruga Aleksander Goga. It’s a 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 plenty of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has a ravishing promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, you then’ll have to go barely east out of town in direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore affords loads of condominium choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
How one can Discover Flats in Durres
There are quite a lot of Airbnb choices in Durres as you might anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more common in Albania and Durres is not any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, examine the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which regularly shares some good choices for Durres.
For a extra particular Durres targeted Fb group, I like to recommend becoming a member of “Expats, Immigrants & Albanians in Durres“. Regardless of its barely prolonged identify, it has plenty of 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 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 dimension 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 choice for working in the course of 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 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 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, if you happen to’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s a must to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with inns, 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 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 historic 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 typically 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 dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort somewhat than a working base.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so one of the best areas of this metropolis are situated across the varied 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 trendy right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
How one can 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, (except you’re reserving within the peak summer season season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to plenty 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, nonetheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which might be very happy to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
Considered one 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 you’ll want to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent 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 sweet and the tables are an honest dimension 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 Fort for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the previous fort and affords a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. 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 previous city, together with the Outdated Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an amazing day journey from Sarande.
I liked taking a ship journey from Saranda once I was dwelling in Albania. I employed a personal 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 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 unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by way of 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 a ravishing 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 ravishing beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seashore. The newly renovated promenade separates the seashore on one aspect 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 principal highway joins the promenade to the Outdated City. It has loads of native and worldwide retailers, bars, cafes, and eating places. It has essentially the most cafe choices to select from when working within the metropolis.
To the northern finish of the boulevard is the small however completely fashioned Outdated City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes plenty of boutique retailers and quirky bars and eating places making it an amazing place to be based mostly.
How one can 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 will be contacted immediately.
I additionally counsel wanting on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is usually referenced on this web page given its dimension and so can typically present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an amazing choice for locating residences in Vlore as there are quite a lot of reasonably priced choices in all three principal 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 amazing 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 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 ravishing little church.
You’ll be able to 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 best way again, cease in on the stunning Narta Seaside.
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 evening it comes alive with stunning lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover plenty of alfresco eating choices.
One of many principal points of interest in Vlore is its almost 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 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 just a few 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 ravishing place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Stay in Korce?
The very best 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 very best 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 principal points of interest; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible choice of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you possibly can think about 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 plenty 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 plenty of workspaces and somewhat 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 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 sometimes called the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with plenty 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.
Considered one of my favorite issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised highway lined with apple timber, bars, and occasional retailers. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which affords unimaginable views over all the 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 web site, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan area, it’s house to plenty 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, it’s a must 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 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 secure 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 secure nation for girls and feminine travellers; I by no means felt uncomfortable or unsafe throughout my time in Albania.
Like in lots of different European international locations, pickpocketing does occur however so long as you’re smart, and conscious of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Residing in Albania
The price of dwelling in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.
The price of dwelling, together with hire, can be larger in the course of the peak summer season months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, if you happen to go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll seemingly 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 thirty days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seashore value round €800 per thirty days however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca will be extra reasonably priced in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will value round €25-30. In Tirana, you possibly can eat far more affordably. In case you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you just 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 amazing place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of yr.
Alongside the coast, the summer season is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are gentle.
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 amazing place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s very 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.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each execs and cons to dwelling in Albania.
Professionals of Residing 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
- Superb cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Reasonably priced value of dwelling
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which may very well be too sizzling for some
- Throughout the peak summer season months, it will probably get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
- Transportation will be lengthy and generally uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not all the time air-con, or correct area for baggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds are usually not extensively accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
In case you’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different international locations), you don’t require a visa and might take pleasure in 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.
Typically talking, if you happen to’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 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 unimaginable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to attain that work-life steadiness. Not solely that, but it surely’s a really reasonably priced nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
Like This Article? Pin it!
