Solo Nomad Travels

Key aspects for digital nomads

Albania caught me off guard with its blend of affordability, breathtaking coastline, and welcoming atmosphere for digital nomads.

• Cost of living: $500-$1,000 per month, including rent​​.
• WiFi reliability: Generally reliable, especially in cities like Tirana and Saranda. 4G is a strong backup​.
• Language: Albanian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
• Food: Plenty of vegetarian options like byrek, crêpes, anti pasti and fresh seafood along the coast​.
• Accommodation costs: Dorms from $22, private Airbnb from $30.
• Getting there: Tirana International Airport is well-connected to European cities​
• Getting around: Buses are cheap but unpredictable; hitchhiking can be necessary in remote areas​ or get your own car
• People: Welcoming, friendly, excited for tourists being interested in their country, with a growing community of digital nomads​.
• Gyms: Available in all major cities​, day passes ranging between €5 and €15
• Visa: Digital Nomad Visa available for up to a year.
• Personal recommendation: Ideal for budget-conscious nomads who love coastal living and cultural immersion.

Best places to live, work, and party

Everything about Albania felt safe and convenient. Vlora, in particular, felt like home instantly—less touristy but full of life, with stunning beaches just a short drive away.

Working in Vlora

A less touristy coastal town with a vibrant local scene. The beach boulevard is lined with restaurants, nightclubs, and Italian eateries​. Explore nearby beaches or head to Karaburun Peninsula for a weekend trip.

• Café recommendation: Mon Cheri Coffee Shop for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi.
  
• Accommodation: Bregu Green Apartments, affordable and well-located..

Working in Saranda

More touristy but with crystal-clear blue waters. Great for day trips to Ksamil and Butrint and  Gjirokaster.

• Café recommendation: Bar Republika for working with sea views and good coffee.
  
• Accommodation: Dream Apartments Saranda, with great views. And a private (small) beach.

Working in Durres

Coastal and modern, with easy access to Tirana and historic sites like the ancient amphitheater.

• Café recommendation: My Way Café for a laid-back work atmosphere..
  
• Accommodation: Aragosta Hotel & Restaurant, beachfront hotel offers modern rooms with excellent sea views.

Working in Berat

Historic charm and a slower pace. Explore Osumi Canyon. Very touristy though.

• Café recommendation: Te Gjyshi Café for local vibes and good coffee.
• Accommodation: Hotel Onufri, situated in the heart of Berat, this boutique hotel offers beautiful views of the historic Gorica neighborhood and Osum River.

Working in Tirana

Modern capital with a thriving coworking scene and safe for solo travelers. Must-see: Bunk’Art and the free walking tour.

• Café recommendation: Komiteti Kafe Muzeum for its unique setting and strong coffee.
  
• Accommodation: The Muse Studio Apartment, centrally located.

Vlora: best combination of living and working

For me, Vlora stands out with its balance of local life, affordability, and easy access to stunning beaches. It’s where I felt like a local from day one.

Best times to travel Albania

Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October): Perfect for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Top 10 tourist attractions

Visiting Albania offers a mix of historical and natural wonders. Here’s a list of must-see attractions that are easily accessible during weekends or after work, especially from the towns mentioned in this guide.

• Skanderbeg Square (Tirana): The cultural heart of Tirana and a great place to understand the history of Albania. Easily accessible by walking or public transport from any part of Tirana.
• Butrint National Park (near Saranda): UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins. A short drive from Saranda, accessible by local buses or tours.
• Llogara Pass (near Vlora): A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views. Reachable by car, a perfect day trip from Vlora.
• Berat Castle (day trip from Vlora): A medieval fortress with panoramic views over the city. Walkable from Berat city center. I took a bus from Vlora early in the morning but ended up hitchhiking back the same day. Staying overnight could be a good alternative.
• Dajti Mountain (Tirana): Great for hiking or taking a scenic cable car ride. Accessible by cable car, a short ride from Tirana’s center.
• Karaburun Peninsula (near Vlora): Remote beaches and stunning coastlines. Accessible by boat from Vlora.
• Gjirokaster Castle (day trip from Saranda): Another UNESCO site, showcasing Ottoman architecture. Reachable by bus or car from nearby cities like Berat.
• Blue Eye (near Saranda): A beautiful natural spring with vivid blue water. Accessible by car or taxi from Saranda.
• Osumi Canyon (near Berat): A dramatic canyon with opportunities for hiking and rafting. Reachable by car or organized tours from Berat.
• Durres Amphitheater (Durres): One of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. Located in the city center of Durres, easily walkable.
  • Great to visit on a bike tour – without going all the way to the floodgates

Local secrets

• Bunk’Art is an unforgettable experience. This Cold War bunker-turned-museum takes you deep into Albania’s communist history. Wandering through its tunnels and preserved rooms, you get a sense of the isolation and secrecy of that era. It’s eerie but fascinating.
  • Getting There by Bus: Take bus number 11 from Skanderbeg Square to Porcelan (about 20 minutes). From the last stop, it’s a short walk uphill to Bunk’Art. The bus fare is around 40 Lek (less than €0.50). Easy and budget-friendly!
• Gjipe Beach and Canyon (Vlora): Secluded and stunning, accessible by foot. – Take the bus to Dhërmi and enjoy the city. Hitchhike closer to canyon or hike all the way (bring plenty of water). I arranged for a taxi to pick me up in the evening.
• Kevi Beach (short taxi ride from Vlora and cheap “day pass” for sun beds.)

Getting there

Fly to Tirana International Airport (TIA): This is Albania’s main international airport and the best-connected option for most travelers. From here, you can easily reach Tirana and other major cities like Vlora and Durres by bus, taxi, or car rental.

Fly to Corfu, Greece: An alternative route is to fly to Corfu and catch a ferry to Saranda, Albania. This is a convenient option if you’re planning to start your journey in the south of Albania, particularly in Saranda or the nearby Albanian Riviera. The ferry ride is short and scenic, offering easy access to Saranda’s stunning beaches and coastal towns.

Getting around locally

With the following options, Albania offers a flexible and affordable transportation experience for digital nomads.

• Public Transport: Buses are a cheap and common option for intercity travel, with fares typically ranging from €5 to €10 depending on the distance. For example, a bus ride from Tirana to Vlora costs around €6, while Tirana to Saranda is closer to €10. The main challenge is that schedules are often unavailable online, so it’s best to inquire locally when planning trips. This can make spontaneous travel difficult if you’re unfamiliar with local transport hubs.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring remote areas. Prices are reasonable, starting around €20-€30 per day. This is a great option for reaching destinations like the Karaburun Peninsula or Albania’s many secluded beaches, but roads can be hectic.
• Hitchhiking: A safe and common practice, especially in rural areas. Locals and tourists are generally friendly and willing to give rides, making hitchhiking a reliable backup when public transport isn’t available.
• Taxis & alternatives: Taxis are widely available in cities, though pricier than buses, with fares starting around €5 for short city trips. Ridesharing apps are emerging in Tirana but not in other cities, and renting scooters or bikes is ideal for coastal areas.

Visa: Digital nomad Albania

Tourist Visa: Albania offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, allowing stays of up to 90 days or one year for certain countries like the U.S. This is ideal for short-term stays.

Digital Nomad Visa (Unique Permit): The Unique Permit allows digital nomads to live in Albania for up to one year, extendable to five years. This streamlined visa is perfect for remote workers, freelancers, and retirees, with simple application requirements like proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

For full details and to apply, visit e-Albania.

Local food and vegetarian options

• Byrek: This savory pastry is a staple in Albania and can be filled with spinach, cheese, or other vegetables, making it an excellent vegetarian option.
• Tavë Kosi: Though traditionally made with lamb, vegetarian versions of this baked yogurt casserole are increasingly popular, featuring rice or vegetables as substitutes.
• Fërgesë: A dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese, it’s often served as a vegetarian meal, especially in the capital, Tirana.
• TTavë Kosi: A baked lamb and yogurt casserole, often considered Albania’s national dish. The lamb is slow-cooked with rice and then baked in a yogurt and egg mixture for a tangy, rich flavor.
• Qofte: Albanian meatballs made from minced beef or lamb, seasoned with herbs and spices, typically grilled and served with bread or salad.
• Grilled Fish and Seafood: Freshly caught seafood like sea bass, shrimp, and calamari is commonly grilled and served simply with lemon and olive oil, especially along Albania’s coastlines.

Sustainable travel in Albania

Albania is gradually developing more sustainable tourism, focusing on preserving its natural beauty and promoting eco-friendly practices. Key initiatives include:

• Eco-tourism: National parks like Llogara and Karaburun-Sazan emphasize conservation and responsible tourism.
• Sustainable accommodations: Eco-friendly guesthouses, such as Mrizi i Zanave agrotourism, use solar energy and farm-to-table practices.
• Environmental efforts: NGOs like EcoAlbania work on protecting rivers, promoting clean energy, and organizing community clean-ups, especially along the coastline.

Shortcoming: Despite these efforts, Albania still struggles with waste management, particularly plastic pollution, which continues to affect its beaches and marine life.

For more information on sustainability initiatives, visit EcoAlbania.

What experiences have you had in Albania? Share them in the comments below!