Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Albania

On this final information, you’ll discover out all the pieces you have to find out about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.

Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and in depth shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are numerous different unbelievable locations to see within the nation.

Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is residence to a few of the friendliest folks. Pair all this with WiFi and reasonably priced residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.

I not too long ago 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 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 trendy metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and necessary reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and interesting historical past and I imagine it presents 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 awesome 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad an awesome selection.

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 widespread and inspired.

Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an awesome selection for digital nomads.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Cities for Digital Nomads

Finest Locations to Dwell in Albania

There are some superb 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 Finest Areas to Dwell in Tirana?

You’re spoiled for selection with the totally different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable 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.

When you favor 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 folks watching, (and dealing).

Komuna e Parisit is a superb neighbourhood for households or for those 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.

How you can Discover Residences in Tirana

The most effective place to search out brief 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 hold you updated with all the pieces taking place in Tirana.

The extra basic 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, for those who’re staying on this space and need to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a superb choice. It has loads of non-public and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.

Coolab is one in every of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an awesome cafe out the entrance and a coworking house to the rear. There are a lot of sizzling desks accessible 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 presents 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 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 be taught your manner across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the current Communist historical past of the town and the nation as a complete.

I extremely advocate taking the cable automotive, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover plenty of actions comparable to horse using and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable views over the town.

When you’re a foodie like me, I counsel you to discover the eating places in Blloku. There appears to be a brand new bar and restaurant opening in Blloku each week which makes the meals scene actually thrilling.

Head to Komiteti cafe and museum for a surprising mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. When 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 residing 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 on account of its trendy infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an awesome nightlife scene and loads of enjoyable issues to do whenever you’re not working.

The place are the Finest 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 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 wonderful 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 the town in the direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore presents loads of condo choices with straightforward transport hyperlinks again into the centre.

How you can Discover Residences in Durres

There are loads of Airbnb choices in Durres as it’s possible you’ll count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more in style in Albania and Durres isn’t any exception.

Apart from Airbnb, test 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 title, it has plenty of recommendation and choices from these already primarily based 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 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 evening, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are a very good dimension 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 easy to achieve.

Issues to Do in Durres

For followers of historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably probably the greatest items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Nineteen Sixties.

In fact, for those who’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you need to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with motels, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for those who need them or you possibly can simply chill out on the sand.

When you like to hike, it’s best to stroll a part of the Through 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 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 few of the most unbelievable seashores in Albania.

Saranda is a significantly better choice for residing in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort moderately than a working base.

What are the Finest Areas to Dwell 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 principle Saranda seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with a very good 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 you can Discover Residences 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 a bit of decrease than in Tirana, (except 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 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 presently 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 along 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 you have to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent 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 sweet and the tables are a good dimension to work at.

Issues to Do in Saranda

There are so many nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.

I strongly advocate taking a automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fort for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the outdated fort and presents a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.

At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. When 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’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 Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an awesome day journey from Sarande.

I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing 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.

When you head right down to the promenade at Saranda seashore 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 via the Blue Eye Nationwide Park to achieve this pure phenomenon.

It’s a crystal-clear underwater spring so deep, and with a lot strain, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.

It’s a wonderful 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 probably the greatest locations to stay in Albania.

It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a wonderful beachfront promenade of outlets, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.

What are the Finest Areas to Dwell 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 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 primary 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 plenty of boutique outlets and quirky bars and eating places making it an awesome place to be primarily based.

How you can 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 could be very useful and educated and could 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 dimension and so can usually present some useful lodging choices.

Airbnb additionally stays an awesome choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are loads of reasonably priced choices in all three primary elements of city.

Coworking Areas in Vlore

Vlore has some wonderful cafes and eating places that are very welcoming to digital nomads in Albania.

Mon Cheri is situated on the prime of the promenade for an awesome place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. When 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.

When you’re staying to the west of the principle boulevard, I notably loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or outside seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The good espresso and tempting ice cream assist as properly!

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 motorbike or, if it’s notably sizzling, think about hiring a scooter or a automotive to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seashore.

A visit to Vlore isn’t full and not using a 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 lovely lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover plenty of alfresco eating choices.

One of many primary 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; good for swimming or lounging.

By evening, the promenade is the place to be to pattern the busy bars and classy eating places, and mingle amongst folks of all ages having fun with a night stroll or 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 get pleasure from and is a wonderful place to go to.

What are the Finest Areas to Dwell in Korce?

The most effective 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 most effective streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover essentially the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).

You’ll even be near Korce’s primary sights; together with the Previous Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has a tremendous collection 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 crammed with beer gardens, households, and college students with fairly a enjoyable and relaxed vibe. It’s only a 15-20 minute stroll into the centre from right here.

How To Discover Lodging in Korce?

There are some nice 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 house and resort situated simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has plenty of workspaces and a bit of 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 collection 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 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 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 street lined with apple timber, bars, and low outlets. It’s so fairly.

On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which presents unbelievable views over the complete metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the commentary 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 house, it’s residence 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, you need to 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 mild and recent style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a superb place to sit back out.

Is Albania Secure?

Albania is a really protected nation and is mostly 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 nations, pickpocketing does occur however so long as you’re wise, and conscious of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.

Value of Residing in Albania

The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.

The price of residing, together with hire, shall be larger through the peak summer time months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, for those who go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll possible have a really reasonably priced time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.

I visited Tirana in Might and the one-bed condo I stayed in was round €520 per thirty days. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condo by the seashore price round €800 per thirty 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 could possibly eat rather more affordably. When you eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you possibly can eat a very good meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!

Climate in Albania

Albania experiences nice climate all yr spherical which makes it an awesome place for being a digital nomad in Albania regardless of the time of yr.

Alongside the coast, the summer time is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are delicate.

When 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 awesome 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.

Residing in Albania Execs and Cons

As with wherever on this planet, there are each execs and cons to residing in Albania.

Execs of Residing in Albania

• The gorgeous seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
• Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
• Welcoming folks
• An energetic outside life-style
• Superb cafe tradition
• Nice WiFi availability and high quality
• Inexpensive price of residing

Cons of Residing in Albania

• The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which might be too sizzling for some
• In the course of the peak summer time months, it will possibly get very crowded, (notably 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 baggage, and it may be costly
• Card funds usually are not broadly accepted in bars and eating places so it’s best to at all times carry money with you

What’s the Visa Scenario?

When 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 factors listed right here.

Typically talking, for those who’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to get pleasure from 90 days in Albania visa-free.

Conclusion

Albania is a implausible place to stay as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is 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 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.

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