Durrës, Albania 🇦🇱
#1722
41.313255, 19.446234
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Durrës is a coastal city in Albania known for its sandy beaches and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps, with many cafes offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Albanian Lek (ALL). 1 EUR ≈ 117 ALL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Vodafone Albania and ALBtelecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted in banks and shops. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels and hostels to short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit cards, but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agencies offer many short-term apartments. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Durrës offers dormitory beds starting at approximately €10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Durrës, located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Gusto, popular for its relaxed atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups organized by local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Albania organizes weekly events in local venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing app in Durrës. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Electric scooters are available for rent through local operators in the summer months. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Golem Beach, just a 15-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Albawings provides connections to various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 30 km away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | SH2 connects Durrës to Tirana and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Durrës Railway Station, connecting to Tirana and Shkodër. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single fare bus tickets within the city are around 30 ALL. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minibuses operate frequently to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Durrës is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Durrës offers classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Club Durrës is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats are available, such as Lavanderia Durrës. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Glovo operate in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Fish Tave, a traditional Albanian baked fish dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Albanian Restaurant offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Durrës Patisserie is famous for its Baklava and local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce, including the Durrës Old Bazaar. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping options available through local platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery can be arranged through local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront promenade has numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Tirana is widely available throughout the city. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Explore local wines at Vino Albanian Wine Bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer everything from pastries to grilled meats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian cuisine are very popular, especially at Pizza Balla. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Amphitheater of Durrës is a must-see for history lovers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Archaeological Museum showcases the city's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Roman Forum and Venetian Tower are significant attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque of Durrës is an important cultural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Durrës International Film Festival is held annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town for a glimpse of Durrës' cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatri i Durrësit offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Durrës Fish Market is popular for fresh seafood. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a vibrant music scene with many live concerts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals in the city center created by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered by local chefs to learn Albanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery of Contemporary Art showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Byzantine Walls are a significant historical feature. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Durrës is known for its rich blend of Roman and Byzantine heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Llogara National Park for hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dajti National Park is accessible for nature excursions. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Dedicated paths along the beachfront are popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Durrës Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoon near Durrës is great for observing local birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide tech repair services, such as Smart Tech Durrës. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Lingua offer English and Albanian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Durrës Community Center organizes events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are popular for socializing and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Durrës provides entertainment options for those interested. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value; rates vary by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate on property purchases. |