“Shall we also go to Albania otherwise?” Alieke, founder of this delightful platform, asked me the question as we were making plans for our remote work trip through Montenegro. For the non-topography heroes: Albania is directly in the Balkans, below Montenegro. I was there once before in 2023, also to work there remotely, but that didn’t stop me from going again. So yes, I wanted to go to Albania again and in this blog I will tell you what there is to do.
What we did in Shkodër
We began our Albanian adventure in Shkodër in northern Albania. We left by bus from Budva in Montenegro and what is immediately noticeable when you cross the border is that the architecture and surroundings change immediately. This first impression of the country was: typical eastern bloc. The architectural style is much simpler and you see small mosques everywhere, even in the wide areas.
Nice and Dutch on the bike to Skadar Lake
For 5 euros we rented a bike for a whole day at JOY Bike Rentals https://joyrentals.al/. We biked in the direction of Lake Skadar, passed through the real Albania (away from the tourist spots), had cows as oncoming traffic (they just walk on the road) and had a bargain lunch in the tiny village of Shirokë. Fun fact: the lake is partly in Montenegro, partly in Albania.
Walk, drink and eat in the atmospheric center of Shkodër
There is plenty to see in Shkodër itself, too. Visit Rozafa Castle or just stroll through the small town. It has an Italian feel to it which makes it incredibly atmospheric! Among the things we drank at the rooftop bar Terrace Lounge Bar and ate at one of the many terraces on the street Rruga G’juhadol.
Visit impressive National Park Theth
Right up in Albania you will find Theth, an impressive place. In the middle of the Albanian Alps lies Theth National Park, a protected nature reserve known for its pristine valleys, waterfalls and mountain passes. Here you will find iconic spots like the Blue Eye of Theth, the Grunas waterfall and the Valbona Pass. All are highlights for hikers and nature lovers. Working here is not a given: wifi is limited and cafes with good places to work are scarce. But then, you don’t come here to sit behind your laptop, but to enjoy nature.
Tips for northern Albania at a glance:
- Shkodër: atmospheric, Italian-looking center
- Shirokë: perfect place to bike to (+/- 8 kilometers)
- Theth: an impressive nature reserve
Capital city Tirana: walk through history
After Shkodër, we caught the bus to Tirana, which is about 2.5 hours away. We immediately did a Free Walking Tour, where a local guide gives a tour and shows you all the highlights. At the end of the walking tour you tip, somewhere between 10 and 20 euros per person is neat. Definitely recommended to get to know a new place.
By the way, Alieke wrote a blog about the practicalities of traveling as a digital nomad through Albania, be sure to read that blog definitely also read that blog if you are planning to go that way!
A mix of faiths in Tirana
One of the most unique things about Albania is the respect and reverence for different faiths. When you climb the Pyramid of Tirana you have a view of an Orthodox Church, a Catholic Church and a Mosque. The origin of that peacefulness among themselves? The country was cut off from the outside world until 1991, and Albanians had a clear common desire: to be free.
That togetherness and conviviality can be felt and seen to this day. Fun fact: the rest of the world calls the country (a derivative of) Albania, but they themselves call it Shqipëria. This word is derived from shqiponjë which means eagle, an important symbol for Albania which is also reflected in the national flag.
What you really need to do in Tirana
- Tirana Lake Park. This beautiful park has fine hiking and biking trails that run around the lake. We visited it at the end of the work day; the ultimate place to give your square eyes some rest and enjoy nature and peace in the city.
- Sky Tower Hotel: we may have found the ultimate workplace for digital nomads, which is the Sky Tower Hotel. Here you have a view of the whole city and the restaurant also rotates; so in an hour you have seen the whole city.
- Blloku: the vibrant heart of Tirana. Formerly the place of the communist elite, today the district where hip Tirana resides. Think bustling bars, atmospheric restaurants and countless bakeries with delicious cakes and good coffee.
- Oda Garden: A hidden gem, nope, absolutely not. We had to wait 10 Albanian minutes (40 Dutch minutes) for a table there, but it is well worth the wait; the delicious food is Albanian/Greek, the garden is beautiful and there is traditional Albanian live music.
If you are looking for a fine accommodation in Tirana, I highly recommend Tirana Hotel Boutique Vila 135. Or Hotel Rooftop Tirana, also a really nice location.
Tips for Tirana at a glance:
- Walking tour: see the city on foot accompanied by a local
- Climbing the Pyramid of Tirana
- Walk or bike through the park at Tirana Lake
- Sky Tower Restaurant: views of Tirana while you work
- Blloku: the neighborhood with restaurants, bars and cafes.
- Oda Garden: traditional food in a beautiful garden with live music
Remote works on Albania’s south coast
The purpose of our visit to the South was to combine remote work with the ultimate beach life. Think working for a few hours in the morning and chilling with an iced coffee under a palm tree in the afternoon. We went to Himare, Sarandë, Ksamil and Gjirokaster. One place is hip and busy, the other small and traditional.
The beach life of a digital nomad in Sarandë
For those who do not feel like paying for a beach bed and do not mind lying on a pebble beach, we recommend the public beach, right on the promenade. There are showers and the water is a beautiful blue. If you want to lie quietly, without loud music like many beach bars, but with a beach bed for €10 per person, go to the beach near Da Luz Boutique Hotel. , just past the port. This accommodation is also a recommended place to stay. Want more luxury? Then choose Sarandë Grand Hotel, where you can also dive into the pool and have drinks at the beach bar.
Good food in Sarandë is here
For me, as a vegetarian, it is sometimes a bit difficult to vary food in foreign countries, but fortunately, you can occasionally find fantastic hidden gems. Green Life Market is one of them. This vegan restaurant is run by an amazing man and they serve delicious vegan food in a very chill setting. Another gem is Taste of Tradition , the name says it all, typical Albanian food, which attracts a mix of locals and tourists. What so often happens when you go left where everyone else goes right: you find the nicest places. We shared three dishes, had two drinks and had to pay the equivalent of 16 euros.
Hip beach clubs in coastal town of Ksamil
For those who like hip locations, Ksamil is highly recommended. This town is about 25-30 minutes drive from the center of Sarandë, a cab costs about between 13-20 euros. The beaches and water in Ksamil are really among the most beautiful I have seen. At the end of the day we ate at Guvat Bar Restorant and we don’t understand a thing about the bad Google Reviews. The food was incredibly delicious and the view was phenomenal!
Gjirokaster: a traditional piece of Albania
The historic town of Gjirokastër is one of the oldest towns in Albania. The center is old, fairly small and stunningly beautiful! On top of the hill is the castle of Gjirokaster, which we only viewed from below because of the heat. If you want something to eat, choose a restaurant in one of the side streets to avoid the worst crowds. Just outside of Gjirokaster, we heard about the vineyard The Barrels Ms. At this winery, the tables are set under the vines, you look out over the vineyard, while the chickens scratch around your feet. The owner pours an Albanian wine while her husband comes to bring the delicious food. Need we say more?
Himare: a quiet Albanian coastal town
The coastal town lies on the Ionian Sea and has a relaxed atmosphere typical of southern Albania: clear blue waters, small coves and local tavernas where time seems to stand still. For remote work, Himarë is surprisingly convenient; many accommodations have good Internet and sea views. In your free time, dive into the water, hike to old mountain villages like Qeparo or visit the castle.
Tips for southern Albania at a glance:
- The public beach in Sarandë. Free lie on the azure blue sea.
- The beach of Da Luz Hotel. Lie down for a bargain and in peace and quiet.
- Ksamil. Hip beach clubs and more expensive beach bars with great views.
- Gjirokaster: for history buffs, an hour’s drive from Sarandë.
- The Barrels Ms: wine farm not out of place on Pinterest.
- Himarë: a quiet Albanian coastal town
Here they are, our tips for what you can do if you want to spend some time in Albania. Whether you want to be there for a few weeks to work remotely, or if you are a real digital nomad you can stay a bit longer: the country is SO worth it! We fully understand that it is becoming increasingly popular with travelers, so still in doubt? Don’t. GO!
Insider tips voor een bezoek aan Montenegro als digital nomad
