This ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about living in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s main attraction is its stunning coastline, drawing most of the country’s tourists. However, there’s so much more to see and do in this beautiful place. The country boasts charming cobblestone towns, a rich history, and some of the friendliest people. Add in reliable WiFi and affordable living costs, and it becomes a digital nomad’s dream.
I recently spent over two months living in Albania and fell in love with this relatively undiscovered country. As a digital nomad, it was a perfect base. Here, I’ll share my experiences and insights.
Albania is home to nearly 3 million people and is situated in southeastern Europe. It borders Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. The country features a diverse landscape, including a picturesque coastline similar to Croatia and Greece, beautiful snow-capped mountains, and a wide array of flora and fauna.
The capital, Tirana, is a blend of modernity and poignant reflections of its communist past. The city’s vibrant nature and fascinating history offer something for everyone. As a digital nomad, you can choose from various cities and landscapes to live and work in.
In major cities, the WiFi is reliable, and there’s a great 4G network, making Albania a great choice for digital nomads. The cafe culture in Albania also supports remote work, with many cafes providing good WiFi and welcoming people to work from their laptops for hours.
Here are my top five recommendations for places to live in Albania:
Tirana
Tirana, the capital, is an excellent base for digital nomads and expats. The city offers various neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Blloku is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and nightlife, while Zona 1 offers a traditional cafe culture and a large fish market. Komuna e Parisit is ideal for families or those who prefer green spaces.
To find a short to mid-term apartment, Airbnb is a great option. There’s a wide range of choices available in all neighborhoods. Joining Facebook groups like “Expats in Tirana” can also help with accommodation and keeping up with local events.
Tirana has the most and best coworking spaces in the country. Dutch Hub in Blloku and Coolab, known for its café and coworking space, are great options. Most cafes also offer good WiFi, making them conducive for remote work.
Among the city’s attractions, walking tours, the Dajti Expres cable car, and exploring Blloku’s restaurants and bars are highly recommended.
Durres
Durres, the second largest city, is on the western coastline of the Adriatic Sea. It has modern infrastructure, making it a great base for digital nomads. The city center and Rruga Taunlantia offer various accommodation options. If you prefer being close to the beach, consider the Durres beach area.
Though Durres lacks formal coworking spaces, there are many cafes and bars suitable for remote work, such as Oborri Lounge Bar and The Wall.
While in Durres, don’t miss the Durres Amphitheatre and Durres beach for a blend of history and relaxation. Hiking along the Via Egnatia offers a taste of ancient Roman history.
Saranda
Saranda, part of the Albanian Riviera, is a popular spot for digital nomads due to its proximity to Corfu and stunning beaches. The city’s various neighborhoods like Kodra, Qender, and Rruga Butrinti cater to different preferences and budgets.
Though there are no coworking spaces, cafes such as Hashtag2 and My Time Coffee Bar offer great environments for working.
Popular activities include visiting Lekuresi Castle, taking a ferry to Corfu, and exploring the Blue Eye and Gjirokaster on a day trip.
Vlore
Vlore is the third largest city, located on the Ionian Sea coast. The Lungomare promenade and Ismail Qemali boulevard are great areas for living and working. The Old Town offers a quaint atmosphere with boutique shops and restaurants.
Facebook groups like “Expats in Vlore” and “Expats in Albania” can assist with finding accommodation. Airbnb is also a good option.
Mon Cheri, Mulliri Vjeter, and Corner Café are excellent places to work from. Don’t miss a visit to Zvernec Island and Narta Beach, as well as exploring the Old Town and the beautiful beaches.
Korce
Korce is a small city in southeastern Albania known for its amazing cafe culture and beautiful surroundings. The city center offers a range of accommodation options, especially around St George Boulevard and Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Dutch House is a popular coworking space and hotel. The city has a variety of cafes like Sophie Caffe and Komiteti, perfect for working.
Korce offers charming experiences, from strolling down St George Boulevard to visiting the Old Bazaar and enjoying a beer at the Korce Brewery.
Living in Albania: Safety and Cost
Albania is very safe and particularly welcoming to women and female travelers. The cost of living is extremely affordable, with prices higher in the summer months along the coast. In May, a one-bedroom apartment in Tirana cost around €520 per month. Prices in Saranda were around €800 per month on the coast. Korce is more affordable, especially in the summer.
Everyday expenses are also low, with meals for two costing around €25-30 in Saranda and around €7.50 each in local Zgaras in Tirana.
Weather in Albania
Albania enjoys great weather year-round. Coastal areas have Mediterranean climates with hot summers and mild winters. Inland areas experience seasonal weather, perfect for both summer and winter activities.
Digital nomads from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and similar countries can stay in Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, long-term visas are available if you meet certain criteria.
In summary, Albania is an excellent choice for digital nomads thanks to its affordable living, reliable WiFi, and beautiful landscapes. The vibrant cafe culture and numerous attractions make it an ideal place to balance work and play.
