Berat, Albania 🇦🇱
#1725
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Berat is a historical city located in central Albania, known for its unique Ottoman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps (varies by provider and location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 117 ALL, 1 USD ≈ 110 ALL |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommend buying bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone, ALBtelecom, and One are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM and card usage is common; major cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hostels. Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom is about €250. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept cards, but cash is preferred; always carry some cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with prices ranging from €20-€50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Kolaveri offers dorm beds for about €10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods are ideal for tourists due to historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides a mix of amenities, cafes, and close proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop in Berat offers a conducive environment for remote work with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Fika provides a comfortable setting with Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found via Facebook groups or in Coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expats in Berat' Facebook group hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available in Berat for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented locally, but options are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dhërmi Beach is approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Albawings operates flights from Tirana to various destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport serves most major international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via SH72 and SH3 highways connecting to Tirana and the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Berat has a small bus station; most transport options are regional. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses offer affordable travel options within and outside the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Tirana and other cities are available regularly; tickets cost around €5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mother Teresa Hospital offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | A few small gyms offer yoga classes; high demand for local studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit&Fun is a popular option for gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats or guesthouses offer laundry services, approximately €5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular food delivery option in Berat. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Qofte' (grilled meatballs) and 'Fërgesë' (peppers with cheese). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Dajlati provide vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café N’Café offers delicious local desserts like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Berat Bazaar provide fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use Albanian platforms like blerja.com for local shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery services; inquire in-store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center has various bars and cafes for evening socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Perroni Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Berat serves local wines; a must-visit for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors sell a variety of fast food, including 'Byrek' (savory pastry). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias like Pizza Gjirokastra serve popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Berat Castle and the Onufri National Museum are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnographic Museum provides insight into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical churches like St. Mary of Blachernae are significant. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The King Mosque and various Orthodox churches reflect the city’s diverse beliefs. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Berat Film Festival occurs every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Mangalem district for its rich history and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatri Kombëtar is the primary theater in the region. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Berat Bazaar is vibrant with local craftsmen and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host events showcasing Albanian music and dance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available locally where you can learn to make traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase the work of emerging Albanian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The architecture in the old town reflects Ottoman influence and unique charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Berat is often referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' due to its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Osum River offers scenic views and outdoor activities like rafting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Dajti National Park is about 1.5 hours away, excellent for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the river and through the city are popular with cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Berat Castle overlooks the entire city and surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Pogradec nearby is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas near the Osum River allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | A few shops in town offer repairs for phones and computers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks and community centers have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Albanian language courses; inquire locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The city library offers quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming cafes are situated throughout the city for locals and tourists. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Local casinos provide entertainment options for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Albania operates a progressive tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Albania offers a simplified tax system for digital nomads, with low rates. |