On this final information, you’ll discover out every little thing you must find out about dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s largest attraction is its stunning and intensive shoreline which attracts many 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 dwelling to a number of the friendliest individuals. Pair all this with WiFi and inexpensive 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 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 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 fashionable metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and essential reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of gorgeous nature and engaging 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 dwell and work in.
All through the foremost cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an awesome 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an awesome 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 awesome alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Dwell in Albania
There are some superb locations to dwell 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 wonderful base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the totally 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.
If you happen to want the standard 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 superb 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.
Easy methods to Discover Residences in Tirana
The very best 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. 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 preserve 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 probably the most, and the perfect, coworking areas within the nation. The one problem is selecting which one to affix.
Dutch Hub is completely positioned within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, for those who’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 one in all my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an awesome cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are numerous sizzling desks obtainable in addition to non-public assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an awesome mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis provides WiFi and an awesome, 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 take pleasure in 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.
Certainly one 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 great. It’s useful to be taught your manner across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the latest Communist historical past of town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely suggest taking the cable automotive, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover plenty of actions equivalent to horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable views over town.
If you happen to’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. If you happen to’re trying 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 positioned 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 on account of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an awesome nightlife scene and plenty of 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 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 plenty of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a straightforward stroll to the centre and has a phenomenal promenade for enjoyable 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 house choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Easy methods to Discover Residences in Durres
There are plenty of Airbnb choices in Durres as you might anticipate of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more fashionable in Albania and Durres is not any exception.
Apart from Airbnb, verify 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 identify, it has plenty 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 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 measurement 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 positioned near the central sq. so is easy to achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historical historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with no go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably among the finest items of historical 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 resorts, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you may simply loosen up on the sand.
If you happen to like to hike, you must stroll a part of the By way of Egnatia, a historic roman street which started in Durres and reached all the best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historical 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 typically 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 reasonably 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 positioned across the numerous sides of the bay.
To the west is Kodra which might be probably the most cost-effective a part of Saranda for a digital nomad in Albania. It has good seaside bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seaside.
The centre, Qender, is a perfect location if you wish to be within the centre of the motion. It’s set again above the primary 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 fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
Easy methods to Discover Residences in Saranda
As with different components of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are 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 plenty of members prepared to assist with anything 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 may 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 are very happy to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
Certainly one of 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 must recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an awesome place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is nice and the tables are an honest measurement 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 automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fort for a drink at sundown. This stunning restaurant sits contained in the previous fortress and provides a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. If you happen to’re peckish you may keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not suggest 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 previous city, together with the Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an awesome day journey from Sarande.
I cherished taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was dwelling in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 individuals, and the captain took us to go to 4 totally different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
If you happen to head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seaside at evening, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs on 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 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 phenomenal factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a journey to the beautiful Gjirokaster on this wonderful day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and among the finest locations to dwell in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a phenomenal beachfront promenade of outlets, 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. Excellent for waking up with a sea view.
The center of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This major street joins the promenade to the Previous City. It has loads of native and worldwide outlets, bars, cafes, and eating places. It has probably the most cafe choices to select from when working within the metropolis.
To the northern finish of the boulevard is the small however completely fashioned Previous City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes plenty of boutique outlets and quirky bars and eating places making it an awesome place to be primarily based.
Easy methods to Discover Residences 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 dwelling in Albania however the admin may be very useful and educated and might be contacted instantly.
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 typically present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an awesome choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are plenty of inexpensive choices in all three major components 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 positioned on the prime of the promenade for an awesome place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. If you happen to’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.
If you happen to’re staying to the west of the primary boulevard, I significantly loved Nook 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 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 phenomenal little church.
You possibly can attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly sizzling, take into account hiring a scooter or a automotive 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 no journey to its beautiful Previous 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 major sights in Vlore is its practically renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seaside the place you may 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 stylish eating places, and mingle amongst individuals 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 a tremendous cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to take pleasure in and is a phenomenal place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Korce?
The very best space to dwell 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 probably the most Airbnbs. The very best streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover probably the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s major 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 dwell someplace greener, you would take into account dwelling by Rinia Park which is a big park full of 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 plenty of 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 lodge positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has plenty of workspaces and somewhat kitchen so you may 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.
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 likely one of 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 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.
Certainly one 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 low outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which provides unbelievable views over the complete metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the statement deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Previous Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic web site, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan area, it’s dwelling 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 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 relax out.
Is Albania Secure?
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 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 aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Value of Residing in Albania
The price of dwelling in Albania is extraordinarily inexpensive.
The price of dwelling, together with hire, will likely be larger through the peak summer time months, significantly alongside the coast. Nevertheless, 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 house I stayed in was round €520 per thirty days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom house by the seaside price round €800 per thirty days however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca might be extra inexpensive in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you would eat far more affordably. If you happen to eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you may 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 awesome place for being a digital nomad in Albania regardless of the time of 12 months.
Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are delicate.
If you happen to 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 awesome place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s very popular and normally sunny. The temperatures can attain highs of 35°C and also you’ll take pleasure in heat evenings too. It’s the proper place for locating seashores.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with anyplace on this planet, 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
- Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming individuals
- An energetic out of doors life-style
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Inexpensive price of dwelling
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which could possibly be too sizzling for some
- In the course of the peak summer time months, it may well get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation might 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 broadly accepted in bars and eating places so you must all the time carry money with you
What’s the Visa State of affairs?
If you happen to’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different international locations), you don’t require a visa and may take pleasure in dwelling in Albania for as much as 90 days, inside a 180-day interval.
If you wish to keep longer, you may apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the standards listed right here.
Usually 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 dwell 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 inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.
