Durrës, Albania 🇦🇱
#1722
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Durrës is a coastal city located on the Adriatic Sea, known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with some areas offering fiber-optic connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR is approximately 120 ALL (Albanian Lek). Local banks like Raiffeisen and Banka Kombëtare Tregtare are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink directly; bottled water is advisable. |
| 🔌 Power | Standard voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone Albania and ALBtelecom, offering prepaid options suitable for short stays. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Raiffeisen Bank and Credins Bank. International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from seaside hotels to Airbnb rentals, with prices starting from €25/night for budget stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are accepted widely at most stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous listings in central areas with prices starting around €30/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Dyrrah' provides dormitory beds starting at €10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and beachfront areas are preferred for their proximity to attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Durrës and the beachfront areas like 'Shkembi i Kavajes' are ideal due to access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Durrës Cowork is a popular space, located near the city center, with beautiful sea views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Dukagjin' offers Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expats often gather at the Durrës Expat Meetup group; keep an eye on social media for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Durrës Expats Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and events across the city. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are common, with apps like 'Uber' expanding in major Albanian cities. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters can be rented from local shops; services like 'Bolt Scooter' are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Durrës Beach is just a short walk away, known for its sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Albania operates flights to several regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport (46 km away) has connections to major European cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The SH2 highway connects Durrës to Tirana and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Durrës Train Station offers services to Tirana and other municipalities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is affordable; a monthly pass costs about €10. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Durrës connect to Tirana, Berat, and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitali i Durrësit is the main healthcare facility, equipped for general healthcare needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Durrës offers various classes tailored for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitZone Gym is among the most popular facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are laundromats available at various locations in the city, or you can use the laundry services offered by many hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo provides a wide variety of food delivery options in Durrës. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Must try 'Tavë Kosi', a traditional Albanian dish made with lamb and yogurt. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Green House' offer a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie 'Mirela' is known for delicious Albanian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local farmers' market is a great spot for affordable fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is growing, with local platforms like 'Blerje.Shqip' gaining popularity. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Many supermarkets offer delivery services; 'Big Market' is a popular choice. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront promenade is lined with bars and nightclubs, active especially during summer. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Tirana is a well-known local beer brand, available in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit 'Vila Arte' for an excellent selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer 'byrek' and 'sujuk' around the city, a must-try. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Sky Club' offer Mediterranean and Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest in the Balkans, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnographic Museum showcases Albania's rich cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Venetian Tower is an iconic historical site worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Byzantine-era Church of St. Mary is located in the heart of Durrës. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Durrës hosts the Durrës International Film Festival each September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town for a mix of historical architecture and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatri Epidok is a prominent place for local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Fish Market near the port is known for fresh seafood. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check local listings for bars hosting live music, particularly in summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various parts of the Old Town area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are available through local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 'Durrës' showcases contemporary Albanian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Fortress of Durrës is a remarkable structure with a fascinating history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Durrës has been a significant port city since ancient times, influencing its diverse cultural landscape. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Adriatic coast offers beautiful nature walks and stunning sunset views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Llogara National Park is a picturesque drive from Durrës, offering hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the beach stretch for miles, perfect for jogging or leisurely strolls. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cliffs along the coastline provide breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Durrës attract various bird species, ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches often accommodate bonfires; check local regulations before lighting one. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local and international delivery services like 'DHL' operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair services are available at various electronics shops throughout the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers host table tennis tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Albanian classes for expats and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Public Library of Durrës is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer various classes and workshops for both locals and expatriates. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few gaming lounges in the area, mostly catering to local youths. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Durrës has several casinos for entertainment, such as 'Casino Di Venezia.' |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio could cost around €60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio could cost around €48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom could cost around €108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom could cost around €90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom could cost around €152,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom could cost around €128,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is currently 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is set at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Albania operates a residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 23%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Albania has relaxed CFC rules, making it attractive for digital nomads. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | The property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is around 2% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are no specific tax benefits, but competitive living costs make it appealing. |