Berati, Albania 🇦🇱
#1625
40.617277, 20.104691
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Berati is a historic city located in Albania known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and stunning hillside setting. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 110 ALL (Albanian Lek) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone Albania and ALBtelecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly used payment methods include cash and cards (Visa, Mastercard) at major service points. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and long-term rentals available in various segments of the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is still widely used, but some places do accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide various short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Berati offers affordable lodging options for travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Berati lacks dedicated coworking spaces, but some cafes provide good work atmospheres. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bulevard offers a comfortable setting with WiFi for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups usually occur at local cafes; follow social media groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for groups on platforms like Facebook that focus on expat communities in Albania. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Bolt for reliable ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is an option; explore local shops for rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dhermi Beach is about 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Albania provides regional service. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport is the closest major hub, approx. 2 hours by car. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected by SH72 highway to Tirana and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest train station is in Kavajë, about 1.5 hours away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets within the city are affordable, around 50 ALL per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Berati to Tirana, Gjirokastër, and other major towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitali Rajonal Berat is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few yoga studios are available; check local community boards for ad-hoc classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center in Berati offers basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; inquire at accommodations for services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is available in larger cities; local businesses may offer own delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try qifqi, a traditional rice dish from the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Few dedicated vegan spots; traditional markets offer a variety of fresh vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Relaks serves delicious local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check out the local markets for fresh foods and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Services like Amazon deliver in Albania, though delivery times may vary. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Larger supermarkets may offer delivery services; inquire locally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit Rruga Veli Basha for several popular bars and cafés. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Korça is a well-known local brewer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Dajlani Winery offers tastings and local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore the streets near the Castle for local street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian cuisine are commonly found in Berati. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Berat Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnographic Museum offers insights into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Onufri National Museum within the castle. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. Mary and the Red Mosque are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Berati Wine Festival is celebrated in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mangalem neighborhood showcases traditional Ottoman architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatri i Kukullave offers local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Berati's central market is the best spot for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy local music at cafes and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals throughout the Mangalem district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local homes offer cooking classes featuring traditional Albanian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some galleries showcase works from local artists; visit the Ethnographic Museum gift shop. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Gorica Bridge is an iconic structure worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Berati is known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' due to its unique architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mystical canyon of Osum is a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tomorr National Park is accessible for hiking and nature interaction. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths around the castle and along the Osum River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Berat Castle offers picturesque city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Osum River area is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire spots are near the Osum Canyon. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in Berat for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repairs; inquire around. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks may have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some private schools offer English and Albanian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries available for quiet study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local cultural center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; inquire locally for internet gaming spots. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Berati does not have casinos; nearby cities may have options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for businesses in Albania. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on distributed dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Albania operates on a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% for high incomes. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules implemented in Albania. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% of the property's assessed value. |