On this final information, you’ll discover out all the pieces you could learn about dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad.

Albania’s largest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts a lot 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 dwelling to a few 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 lovely snow-capped mountains and an enormous vary of wildlife.

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 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 dwell and work in.

All through the key cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an incredible 4G community which makes dwelling in Albania as a digital nomad an incredible 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 incredible selection for digital nomads.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads

Greatest Locations to Dwell in Albania

There are some wonderful locations to dwell in Albania, the situation actually depends upon 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 superb base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.

What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Tirana?

You’re spoiled for selection with the completely different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For stylish 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.

When you favor 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 individuals 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 positioned close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.

Tips on how to Discover Residences in Tirana

One of the best place to seek out brief 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 may help with lodging and maintain you updated with all the pieces occurring in Tirana.

The extra normal group “Expats in Albania” can be useful. Tirana options closely within the group because the nation’s capital metropolis.

Coworking Areas in Tirana

Tirana has probably the most, and the most effective, 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, if you happen to’re staying on this space and wish to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a superb possibility. It has loads of personal and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.

Coolab is one among my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an incredible cafe out the entrance and a coworking house to the rear. There are numerous sizzling desks accessible in addition to personal assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an incredible mix of labor and play.

In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis presents WiFi and an incredible, 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 filled 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 really like a strolling tour however the Tirana possibility actually is superb. It’s useful to study your approach across the metropolis and teaches you in regards to the current 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 a number of actions corresponding to horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unbelievable views over 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 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 as a result of its trendy infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an incredible 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 throughout the metropolis itself then you will discover a number of lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has a gorgeous promenade for enjoyable night walks alongside the seafront.

If you wish to be by the seaside, then you definately’ll have to move barely east out of town in the direction of Durres seaside on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seaside presents loads of residence choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.

Tips on how to Discover Residences in Durres

There are plenty of Airbnb choices in Durres as you could count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more standard in Albania and Durres is not 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 identify, it has a number 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 house, it makes up for in cafes and bars for coworking.

Oborri Lounge Bar is a extremely cool cafe throughout the day and a bar by night time, 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 throughout the day for that much-needed gas while your work.

The Wall is one other good bar possibility for working throughout 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 succeed in.

Issues to Do in Durres

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

After all, if you happen to’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then it’s a must to go to the seaside. Durres seaside is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with motels, eating places, bars, and seaside golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you may simply calm down on the sand.

When 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 few of the most unbelievable seashores in Albania.

Saranda is a significantly better possibility 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 Dwell in Saranda?

Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so the most effective areas of this metropolis are positioned 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 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 be extra trendy right here and most include nice views over the ocean.

Tips on how to 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 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 you could 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 more than pleased to welcome you in together 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 could recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and contemporary pastries.

One other nice possibility is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an incredible 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 suggest taking a automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Citadel for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the previous fortress and presents a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.

At sundown, the views are merely unbelievable. When you’re peckish you may keep for meals on the restaurant.

With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can’t suggest sufficient that you simply go to. You may 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 incredible day journey from Sarande.

I liked 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 completely different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.

When you head all the way down to the promenade at Saranda seaside 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 means 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 stress, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.

It’s a gorgeous 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 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 gorgeous beachfront promenade of retailers, 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 aspect from the best 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 principal 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 fashioned 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 incredible place to be based mostly.

Tips on how to Discover Residences in Vlore

One of many higher Fb teams for these seeking to arrange a base in Vlore is “Expats in Vlore“. The web page isn’t as busy as different teams for dwelling in Albania however the admin may be very useful and educated and may be contacted straight.

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 incredible possibility for locating residences in Vlore as there are plenty of inexpensive 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 positioned on the prime of the promenade for an incredible 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 excellent place to sit down, work, and watch the world go by.

When you’re staying to the west of the primary boulevard, I notably 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 nicely!

Issues to Do in Vlore

There are many nice issues to do on this coastal Albanian metropolis.

One of many highlights is a visit simply north to Zvernec Island. This small island is reached by a picket causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and a gorgeous little church.

You may attain Zvernec island on a motorbike or, if it’s notably sizzling, contemplate 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 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 principal points of interest 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; good for swimming or lounging.

By night time, 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 an incredible cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to take pleasure in and is a gorgeous place to go to.

What are the Greatest Areas to Dwell in Korce?

One of the best space to dwell in Korce is throughout 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. One of the 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 principal points of interest; together with the Outdated Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible number of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.

If you wish to dwell someplace greener, you could possibly 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 inexpensive Airbnb choices in Korce because it’s much less touristy than different cities in Albania.

I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to a number 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 lodge positioned simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has a number of workspaces and a bit of 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 facet of coworking.

Apart from Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous number of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to at least one one other), and also you’ll have many extra choices to select from. Sophie Caffe and Komiteti are each dependable areas to work from.

Issues to Do in Korce

Korce is 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 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.

Certainly 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 low retailers. It’s so fairly.

On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which presents unbelievable views over your entire 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 website, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan house, it’s dwelling 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 selections.

Lastly, it’s a must 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 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 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 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 inexpensive.

The price of dwelling, together with hire, can be greater throughout the peak summer season months, notably alongside the coast. Nonetheless, if you happen to go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll possible have a really inexpensive time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.

I visited Tirana in Could and the one-bed residence I stayed in was round €520 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom residence by the seaside value round €800 monthly however these are peak costs.

As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca may be extra inexpensive in the summertime.

A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will value round €25-30. In Tirana, you could possibly eat rather more affordably. When you eat at an area 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 yr spherical which makes it an incredible 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 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 incredible 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 take pleasure in heat evenings too. It’s the right place for locating seashores.

Dwelling in Albania Professionals and Cons

As with anyplace on this planet, there are each professionals and cons to dwelling in Albania.

Professionals of Dwelling in Albania

• The gorgeous seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
• Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
• Welcoming individuals
• An energetic out of doors way of life
• Superb cafe tradition
• Nice WiFi availability and high quality
• Inexpensive value of dwelling

Cons of Dwelling in Albania

• The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which might be too sizzling for some
• Throughout the peak summer season months, it may possibly get very crowded, (notably alongside the coast)
• Transportation may be lengthy and typically uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not all the time air con, or correct house 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?

When 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 may apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the standards 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 incredible place to dwell as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is superb, 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, however it’s a really inexpensive nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.

Like This Article? Pin it!