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Why Albania Is The Best European Country For American Nomads In 2023

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After being dismissed as Europe’s underdog for decades, Albania is surging in popularity as the top digital nomad hub in the continent for 2023: remote workers from the U.S. have been flocking to the nation in record numbers, and in this article, we will finally explain why.

Aerial View Of Saranda, A City On The Albanian Riviera Facing The Turquoise Colored Adriatic Mediterranean Sea, Albania, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

Europe is the preferred destination for American nomads seeking a better quality of life and culture, especially Western countries like Spain and Italy, but now that they are facing energy crises and rising prices, attention has slowly begun to shift from West to East.

Fortunately for remote workers and budget travelers alike, the Shqiptar heartland has remained largely shielded from the latest economic upheaval, and it has taken a firm stance against unnecessary visa bureaucracies:

Albania Is Growing Shockingly Fast

Albanian Flag Flying On A Flagpole In Skanderberg Square, Tirana, Albania, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

Out of all European countries that are offering long-term permits, the one that’s stealing the show is Albania, a previously unheard-of Balkan state that was off-limits to tourists up until the early nineties, the reason for that being a communist regime that was eventually toppled as pro-democracy movements advanced across Europe.

Very few foreigners were allowed to enter Albania — and an even fewer number of Albanians were allowed to leave — as the dictatorship ensured the country remained isolated from the rest of the world. In the meantime, other Mediterranean competitors flourished as tourism hubs, leaving a soon-to-reopen Albania no option but to clumsily try and catch up in modernizing its economy.

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Skanderberg Museum Within The Kruje Citadel Pictured Against A Dramatic Sunset Sky, Kruje, Albania, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

Fast forward thirty years since democratization, and it’s evolved a lot since the first post-Communist decade, plagued by unreliable pyramid schemes and widespread anarchy. It may not be as developed as some of its closest neighbors, namely Croatia or Greece, but it is treading an impressive path to recovery many in the European elite could only dream of.

According to data shared by both Instat and Eurostat and later compiled by Monitor magazine, almost 3.6 million stays were fulfilled in Albania throughout 2022, a 22.8 percent increase from 2021, in stark contrast with the European Union, which has registered an average of 5.6 percent decrease in tourist rentals, short or long-term, during this period.

Traditional Whitewashed Ottoman Era Houses In Berat, Albania, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

Essentially, Albania had the highest increase in stays in the entire continent last year, shortly followed by Serbia (21.3%). The other top five entries, Denmark (12.3%), Iceland (5%), and Norway (2.5%), all recorded less-than-impressive growth. In total, 7.1 million foreigners visited in 2022, surpassing the previous record year of 2019 by 17%.

Why Is Albania So Popular All Of A Sudden?

Albania has always been a sleeper hit waiting to happen:

It Is Shockingly Cheap

An American Citizen Holding A US Passport With Dollar Bills Inside

It straddles the same Adriatic coastline shared by Croatia, Montenegro, and Western Greece, directly facing Italy on the opposite peninsula, and boasts the same Mediterranean weather and nature, and in spite of being cornered on all sides by world-renowned tourist destinations – pretty expensive ones, at that – it is shockingly cheap.

Comparing the cost of living between the main capital cities in the Balkan region, consumer prices in Tirana, Albania are:

  • 5.2% lower than Belgrade, Serbia
  • 6.7% lower than Bucharest, Romania
  • 11.7% lower than Sofia, Bulgaria
  • 21.7% lower than Zagreb, Croatia
  • 26.1% lower than Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • 32.6% lower than Athens, Greece
Female Digital Nomad By The Beach, Remote Work Concept

All of the countries above, perhaps with the exception of Croatia and Greece, are famous among backpackers for their historically low prices, yet Albania succeeds in being even more affordable than any of those listed. In order to live comfortably as a digital nomad in Tirana, with some level of luxury, Americans would need, on average, US$2,452 per month.

This includes renting a centrally-located, fully-furnished apartment, dining out in mid-range restaurants frequently, grocery hauls, and weekend escapades to the resort-packed coastline. In New York, you would need to budget at least US$9,000 to safeguard the same standards of living or higher that you could enjoy in Albania while spending roughly 70% less.

To put it plainly, it’s a steal of a deal.

Zero Border Bureaucracy

Couple at Airport

On top of its affordability, Albania is also open for tourism and business as usual, having removed all Covid entry requirements and offering bureaucracy-free, one-year stays – that is, when you’re a U.S. citizen. You read that right: Americans can relocate to Albania for up to twelve months visa-free, a privilege not extended to Canadians or even Europeans.

With such a relaxed entry policy and easy route to permanent residency, it’s barely surprising most nomads would rank Albania as their number one dream country for a long-term ‘workcation’. There is more:

Albanian Nature Is Simply Jaw-Dropping

Woman overlooking mountains in Albania

It is getting increasingly popular for its jaw-dropping display of natural scenery. Up North, close to the borders with Kosovo and Montenegro, it is traversed by the menacing Accursed Mountains, a vast range comprised of rugged, snow-capped peaks, vertiginous mountainside drives, and deep, lush green valleys.

Traveling South, the geography changes drastically from alpine to coastal: the country’s sea access runs for 280 miles between the Montenegrin border all the way down to Greece, and we may argue it is one of the most scenic drives and beautiful sections of the cross-border Adriatic route, lined by quaint stone-built villages and ancient historic fortresses.

A Sandy Beach Full Of Parasols In Himare, A Coastal Resort Town In The Albanian Riviera, On The Mediterranean Sea, Albania, South Eastern Europe

The Albanian Riviera is, in fact, one of the top-rated relaxation spots in the wider Balkan Peninsula. Stretching from the modern, fast-developing city of Vlore to the Greco-Albanian, multicultural Sarande, a stone’s throw away from Corfu, it has golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and up-and-coming resort zones that are worth checking out.

Visit Albania For Culture

Lastly, Albania is becoming a household name in the Culture department:

Gjirokaster Castle In Gjirokaster, Albania
  • Towns like Berat and Gjirokaster have been acknowledged by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites for their unspoiled Ottoman architecture
  • Tirana is a sprawling metropolis littered with Communist-era bunkers and dark tourism spots known for their off-path appeal and edginess
  • Castles galore: massive hilltop forts, cobblestone citadels and medieval sites yet to be ruined by the Game of Thrones overtourism effect are spread across the country
  • It occasionally hosts pop music festivals headlined by Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, and other major acts of Albanian heritage
  • After decades of being suppressed, the urban art scene is booming, with the quality of the murals in Tirana rivaling those of Belfast or Berlin
Modern Pedestrianised Street In Tirana, Capital City Of Albania, Eastern Europe

Albania is super trendy right now, and if you want in on the secret before everyone else, you better make your way there fast.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com


Tom Cox

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

Yes!

June

Saturday 4th of February 2023

Shame on you Someone! Albania is not only beautiful, but so are its people. I was there over 27 years ago and the change has been amazing. They used their new found freedom to modernize yet maintain their historical beauty. Gjirokastra has great restaurants and magnificent views. Lots to do if you're a foodie and enjoy history.

Someone

Sunday 29th of January 2023

Albania is a dump !

Zero transport infrastructure outside of Tirana (which barely has any); lack of reliable services like running water, and electricity; No jobs, unless you want to work in the tourist industry; I could go on.

Albania appeals to one type of person, those who wish to rich amongst very poor people.

There's 2 proper cities in Albania, and Gjirokaster isn't one of those. Gjirokaster is essentially a museum, it's almost unlivable, and quite isolated. There's nothing to do there except sit and look at the litter.

You paint an overly glamorous picture of Albania, most of which is dirt poor, bone dry (most of the year), and uneducated.

Nonhater

Monday 30th of January 2023

@Someone, must be a Serb with all the negativity and hate.

Anthony

Sunday 29th of January 2023

@Someone, not sure where all the negativity comes from, I guess that's why you don't have a name. I have been living in Tirana for the past 3 years and love it. I have visited most of the places mentioned in the article and agree with the author. On average I spend about $1,700 a month for everything and live comfortably not far from the center. This place is blessed with excellent food, nature and climate. Most importantly, Albanians are the most welcoming people on earth and I have made many friends.

James

Thursday 26th of January 2023

We've been here in vlore for 4 years,if your in a position with a fixed income of at least $24,000 a year you can have great life here. Hot summers warm winters. Crime there basically isn't any. If you smoke cigarettes that is well they are $2.00-$2.70 a pack.the savings on just that cover the rent and utilities.

TJ Sutt

Sunday 29th of January 2023

@James, ola ...sounds like a great spot for you. As for lifestyle, what is assumed by "luxury" and $2,452 per month. Does that include medical and other expenses above housing, food and utilities? Thanks.

James II

Saturday 28th of January 2023

@James, imho you're living the good life. Visited Tirana and Saranda last year and $6-700 a month was doable, the basics. Of course that was all home cooking and no bars/restaurants. Need to suss out local rent prices in Tirana also. Regret bypassing Vlora. Heard good things about. Maybe next time.