Gjirokastër, Albania 🇦🇱
#1726
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gjirokastër is a picturesque town in Albania known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and scenic mountainous backdrop. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD; the Albanian Lek (ALL) is the local currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Vodafone, Albania Mobile, and Telekom Albania. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; popular options include Raiffeisen Bank and Bank of Albania. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available through Airbnb and local guesthouses; average cost for a private room starts at €20/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most businesses accept credit/debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short-term stays, with costs starting around €20-€40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Gjirokastra offers dormitory beds starting at €10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Bazaar area is highly recommended for its historical charm. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhood around the castle offers a quiet atmosphere with good views. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Gjirokastër Coworking Space is popular among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kafejna offers a pleasant ambiance with decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups organize monthly meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as ‘Gjirokastër Expats’ provide social and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Gjirokastër for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops; prices start at €5 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jale Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Albania provides flights from Tirana. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport serves major global carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via SH4 connects Gjirokastër with major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gjirokastër does not have a train station; bus services connect to other towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis; no pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently depart for Tirana and Saranda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gjirokastër Hospital offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No dedicated yoga studios; nearby hotels sometimes offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitClub offers gym services at an affordable price of €15/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, pricing around €3 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services like Uber Eats are not available; local restaurants may offer their own delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'qifqi' (rice balls) and other local Albanian dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green House Restaurant offers a vegetarian-friendly menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Kalemi is highly rated for its traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Old Bazaar has several stalls selling local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce sites include ALBshop for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may offer delivery in Gjirokastër upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Bazaar area has several bars with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gjirokastër Brewery produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Villa Riza has a selection of excellent local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in the Old Bazaar serve quick bites and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Abazhu serves delicious pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gjirokastër Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ethnographic Museum is housed in the former home of Enver Hoxha. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Bazaar is filled with historic buildings dating back to the Ottoman era. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Saint George showcases stunning frescoes. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival occurs every five years in the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town showcases the town's Ottoman architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Gjirokastër Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets in the Old Bazaar provide local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The town hosts traditional Albanian music events in the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is less common, but occasional murals can be found. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available in selected guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works by Albanian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | House of the Ethnographic Museum and other traditional homes showcase local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town embodies the rich cultural history of Albania's Ottoman past. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Zagoria Valley offers hiking and breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site, is about an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic walking paths around the castle lead to spectacular views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint near Gjirokastër Fortress offers panoramic views of the town. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the valleys and rural areas surrounding the town. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches nearby allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer courses in Albanian and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gjirokastër Library has study areas available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various social and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options for gaming lounges in the area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Gjirokastër. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends paid to foreign entities. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individual income tax is progressive, ranging from 0% to 23%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Albania has rules governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax of 2% on real estate purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Albania offers a relatively low tax burden for foreign income. |