Gjirokastër, Albania 🇦🇱
#1726
40.077087, 20.139335
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its Ottoman-era architecture and cobbled streets. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 30 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 117 ALL (Albanian Lek). ATMs are available throughout the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers like Vodafone and ALBtelecom offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banka Kombëtare Tregtare and Raiffeisen Bank accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Hotel Gjirokastra offer diverse options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; credit cards accepted in larger establishments, but cash is preferred in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo provide numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Kalivo and Hotel Përmeti offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | While Gjirokastër is small, remote workers often gather at cafes or work from home. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bistrica is popular among remote workers for its free Wi-Fi and scenic views. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups and Facebook communities often host informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events on social media platforms or local announcements. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; Bolt operates in larger towns but not widely in Gjirokastër. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; exploring on foot is recommended due to the city’s size. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jale Beach, approximately an hour's drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Albania is the primary carrier offering regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 2.5 hours away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to SH4 connects Gjirokastër to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gjirokastër has limited train services; buses are the primary form of public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on a pay-per-ride basis; no passes are currently available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently run to Tirana, Saranda, and other major locations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitali Rajonal Gjirokastër provides basic medical services; larger hospitals are in Tirana. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local listings for occasional wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym 24 offers fitness facilities for locals and visitors. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundries are rare; inquire at hotels for laundry service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is popular for food delivery in Gjirokastër. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Qifqi, traditional rice balls, and byrek (savory pastry). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Kulla e Dajës offer vegetarian-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nurellari offers traditional Albanian desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, like the Gjirokastër bazaar, offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | LajmeFlete.com for local shopping and services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may offer delivery; inquire directly. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area surrounding Gjirokastër Castle has some lively bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Albanian craft beer is available at various local pubs. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Exquisite wine selections can be found at restaurant Tara. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer traditional fast food like byrek. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza places like Dajti Pizzeria provide international choices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnographic Museum are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnographic Museum offers insight into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Bazaar and the historic Ottoman houses are must-visit sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Church of St. George and several mosques showcase local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gjirokastër Film Festival happens annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area provides a glimpse of traditional life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check local listings for theater performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gjirokastër's bazaar offers handicrafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Explore local folk music at various cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; primarily historical murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local families occasionally offer cooking classes on request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art is showcased in community buildings and cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the 19th-century houses in the Ottoman architectural style. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gjirokastër is known as the 'City of Stone' for its unique stone houses. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Blue Eye spring near Saranda is a beautiful natural attraction. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tomorr Mountain National Park is accessible for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths around the castle provide great views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views from Gjirokastër Castle overlook the landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands and rivers offer birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the river for picnicking and small fires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in Tirana; local courier services may be limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have outdoor table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools may offer Albanian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are quiet spaces but have limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer workshops and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; gaming is largely home-based. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No known casinos; entertainment is generally in bars and restaurants. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏠 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. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to tax residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 3% on property purchases. |