Berati, Albania 🇦🇱
#1625
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Berati, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' is a historic city in Albania characterized by its unique architecture and divided into neighborhoods on different hills. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 120 Albanian Lek (ALL). Major banks include Raiffeisen Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not potable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone and ALBtelecom offer good coverage and prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Revolut can be used for online transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to private rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; many establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide numerous options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Berat and Hotel Mangalemi offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Mangalem neighborhood is recommended for its historical significance and close proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kalivo district is quieter and offers more long-term rental options with good views. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are currently no dedicated coworking spaces. Many cafes and libraries serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Nene Tereza' offers a comfortable atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized through Facebook groups and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Albania Facebook group is a good resource for meeting other international residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Blerim Taxi is a popular local taxi service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikeshare options are limited; renting a bicycle locally is recommended. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Dhermi, about 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | None direct; travel by bus or car is recommended for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport is the main international gateway, about 2 hours from Berati. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A1 highway connects to Tirana and the south coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Berat doesn’t have a train station, bus services are the primary means of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available; a single ride costs around 100 ALL. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Tirana and other cities leave frequently; prices are around 500-700 ALL. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Regional Hospital of Berat provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at 'Sally's Yoga Studio.' |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center 'Top Gym' offers various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderi 24 is a localized laundry service in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and local calls for delivery are preferred. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Byrek,' a savory pastry filled with cheese or meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Koran Fish Restaurant offers vegan dishes upon request. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasticeri 'Biskot' is renowned for its delightful baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local markets, like Pazari i Vjetër, for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like https://trego.al offer various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets offer delivery services; contact local stores for details. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The old town is vibrant with bars like 'Panorama,' offering traditional ambiance. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Korça is a popular local brewery with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vila Perast is a scenic wine bar featuring local selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out the vendors in the Old Bazaar for street food delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta are widely available, with places like 'Bajrami's Pizzeria' being local favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Berat Castle and the Onufri National Museum are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnographic Museum is housed in a historic home and showcases local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient city walls and Ottoman architecture are prevalent throughout Berat. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods feature many historic churches and mosques. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Berat Festival is held annually, celebrating local art and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mangalem is known for its historical significance and traditional houses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater 'Aleksander Moisiu' hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Old Bazaar offers a rich selection of handmade crafts and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Watch for local folk music events at historical venues around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and installations can be found throughout the old city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Albanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art is showcased in local venues like Art Gallery Berat. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Numerous Ottoman-era buildings enhance the city’s charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Berat's historical architecture has UNESCO World Heritage status. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tomorr Mountain National Park offers hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Dajti National Park is a great nearby escape for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Osum River are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewing platforms in Berat Castle provide stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Shkodra is excellent for birdwatching, just a couple of hours away. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in the outskirts allow for bonfires, but always check local guidelines. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repair services for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Albanian and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library provides study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers host various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights for locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Berat; the nearest are in Tirana. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% on transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Albania has relaxed tax obligations for remote workers. |