Berat, Albania 🇦🇱
#1725
40.701863, 19.958075
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Berat is a historic city located in central Albania, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and stunning mountainous backdrop. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 40,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 112 ALL |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; recommend bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Vodafone and ALBtelecom |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as BKT and Raiffeisen Bank are available, along with options for Revolut withdrawals |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from traditional guesthouses, like Hotel Mangalemi, to modern Airbnbs. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; major cards accepted in many establishments but cash recommended for smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on sites like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Berat offers dormitory beds starting at €10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Brainspace Berat |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café George offers a quiet atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes or cultural centers; join local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for meetups on platforms like Meetup.com or local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are widely available; no major apps, but local taxis are standard. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops, notably around the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dhermi Beach, approximately 2.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tirana International Airport serves as the main gateway. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Albania and other regional carriers operate several international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nearby E853 highway connects Berat to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train station in Berat; Buses are the primary means of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | One-way tickets typically cost around 200 ALL for buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services frequently connect Berat to Tirana, Gjirokastër, and Saranda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Regional Hospital of Berat, basic services available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No prominent dedicated wellness centers; hotel spas may offer yoga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Berat provides a basic gym experience. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services available; try Sërgja Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local restaurants may deliver on request. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try "Byrek" (savory pastry) or "Tave Kosi" (baked lamb with yogurt). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Few dedicated vegan spots; local markets provide fresh fruits and veggies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pick up traditional Albanian desserts at the local bazaar. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Berat Bazaar for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; travel essentials can be found on local websites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited delivery options; local grocery stores are widely available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vila Berat is popular for nightlife among locals and tourists. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Korça, a popular local beer brand available at many outlets. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine tasting available at local wineries in the region, notably Cobo Winery. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local snacks, especially near the castle. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Mediterranean restaurants are available in the city center. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Berat Castle and the Ethnographic Museum are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ethnographic Museum provides insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Onufri National Museum showcases religious art and heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Byzantine Church of St. Mary is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Berat Film Festival, held in July, features international film screenings. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods offer a glimpse of Ottoman architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No dedicated theaters; local cultural events happen around town. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Berat Bazaar offers handicrafts and traditional products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Albanian music can often be heard during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Occasional murals; mainly in urban areas of Berat. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local restaurants may offer cooking classes for traditional Albanian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria e Arteve showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable historic architecture found throughout Berat city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tomorr Mountain provides excellent hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Osum Canyons, approximately 30 km away, is perfect for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths around the Mangalem neighborhood offer beautiful views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the Berat Castle overlooking the city and valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Osum River area is known for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the river for bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers services in Berat; check availability at local office. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops for device repairs; may take longer for certain brands. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have recreational rooms for sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Enroll at local schools or universities for language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library in Berat offers reading spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; some cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos within Berat; nearby cities may have options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €39,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €44,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Albania employs a territorial taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies under specific conditions to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable; varies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% on property transactions. |