If you’ve been thinking about switching things up and finding a fresh spot to work remotely, let us put Albania on your radar. Seriously. It’s one of those places that grows on you unexpectedly. One minute you’re strolling through a buzzing city street, the next you’re sipping coffee by the sea, wondering why you didn’t come here sooner.
What we love about it is how varied the vibe is, depending on where you go. You’ve got spots that feel lively and modern, others that are all about history and charm, and then those coastal places that make it way too easy to swap Slack notifications for incredible sunset views.
If that sounds like your kind of setup, let me walk you through a few of the best cities in Albania where you can actually live, work and enjoy the ride. Because trust us, there’s more here than meets the eye.
Tirana
Alright, so first up is Tirana – and honestly, if you’re landing in Albania for the first time, this is where you’ll probably want to start. It has this infectious energy that hits you the second you step out of the airport. The buildings are splashed in colour, the streets are full of life and there’s always something happening.
After multiple visits, we can safely say that working remotely here is a breeze. Blloku, the former communist-era restricted neighbourhood, is now one of the coolest parts of town – full of cafes and restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you can work a full day, then walk five minutes and be in the middle of a totally different scene.
And the people? Warm, curious and welcoming. English is pretty widely spoken, especially among the younger crowd, so it’s easy to make connections fast. Tirana isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a place to get swept up in.
Durres
Now, if you like the energy of the city but secretly wish you could swap your skyline for the sea, Durres is your sweet spot. It’s just a quick hop from Tirana – around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic – and suddenly you’re in this beachside city that’s got a totally different feel.
Durres has got history (we’re talking ancient Roman amphitheaters and centuries-old city walls just casually hanging out in the middle of town), but it’s also got palm trees, sandy stretches and that salty breeze that somehow makes everything feel a little more relaxed.
It’s a great place to set up shop for a while if you want the convenience of being close to the capital without actually living in the middle of it. There are plenty of beach cafes and restaurants where you can work or chill with a view, and the pace of life here is just… slower, in a good way.
If you’re the kind of digital nomad who likes to dip between work and beach breaks without feeling like you’re on full-time holiday mode, Durres might be the one.
Berat
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee on a quiet terrace, your view is a hillside dotted with white Ottoman-era houses, and the sound of the Osum River is just barely audible in the background. That’s Berat. And honestly? It’s a total reset button.
This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it doesn’t feel like a relic of the past. It feels lived-in, loved and quietly confident in its charm. The nickname “City of a Thousand Windows” makes total sense once you see the architecture. It’s like something out of a painting.
Berat is slower, for sure, but that’s kind of the point. It’s for those moments when you want to step back from the hustle, clear your head and really dive into deep work. There aren’t dozens of co-working spaces or trendy bars on every corner, but there are cosy cafes, charming guesthouses and locals who will remember your name after meeting you once.
And when you’re not working? You’ve got mountains, rivers and wine. (Yes, wine – this region is home to some great local vineyards that are definitely worth exploring if you love a glass.) Berat feels like a pause – a beautiful one – and if you’re craving calm and creativity, this place delivers.
Sarande
If you’re someone who works best with the sea in sight and a fresh breeze coming off the Ionian, Sarande is going to hit just right. This little coastal gem in the south has that instant holiday feel – but with enough energy and infrastructure to make it more than just a vacation stop.
The view alone is worth the trip. Picture crystal-clear water, a horseshoe-shaped bay and Corfu just chilling on the horizon like a distant screensaver. It’s the kind of place where you can go for a swim before your first meeting and end the day with a cocktail at a rooftop bar watching the sun melt into the sea.
Work-wise, there are laptop-friendly cafes along the promenade, internet access in most accommodations and a casual atmosphere that helps you keep your productivity without feeling like you’re stuck in a grind.
Plus, if you ever need a break from screen time, you’ve got day trips to places like Ksamil (a beautiful beach spot when it isn’t too busy) or the ancient ruins of Butrint right at your doorstep.
Vlore
Vlore is one of those places that surprises you in the best way.
You arrive thinking, “Cool, another coastal city,” and then boom, you’re hit with this combo of turquoise water on one side and rugged mountains on the other. It’s got that “live here for a month and see what happens” kind of energy, and honestly? A lot happens.
This city’s got a real mix of vibes. It’s bigger than Sarande, more laid-back than Tirana and it’s starting to develop a little more, with cafes and enough beach bars to keep your after-work life interesting. There’s even a coastal promenade that’s perfect for your midday “I need to stretch my legs and touch some sunshine” walks.
But what really sets Vlore apart is the variety. You can hike in the morning, work all afternoon with a sea view and then take a sunset dip before dinner. And the weekends? That’s when you hop in a car or scooter and cruise down the Albanian Riviera. The Llogara Pass alone – a road carved through the mountains with the sea way down below – is worth staying here for.
So, Albania?
Albania isn’t just a stopover. It’s a place that gives you plenty of options – city energy, coastal calm, mountain escapes and slow-living charm – all wrapped into one surprisingly compact little country. You could base yourself in one city or bounce between a few and get a totally different vibe each time.
So whether you’re looking to crank out your next big project with a view, meet like-minded wanderers or just live somewhere that makes living feel easy again, Albania’s got space for you, your laptop and your big ideas.
This article was updated on January 1st, 2026.
