Saranda, Albania 🇦🇱
#1005
39.875219, 20.006525
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Saranda is a coastal city in Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 16,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 30-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Albanian Lek (ALL) ≈ 0.008 USD; Most banks support Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz; uses Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone and ALBtelecom, with prepaid options readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly used services include Raiffeisen Bank and BKT; digital services like Revolut are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, hotels, and Airbnb listings, ranging from €20 to €100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in restaurants, shops, and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous listings for both short and long stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like the "Saranda Hostel" offer beds starting from €10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The "Saranda Coworking Space" is popular among digital nomads for its sea view and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | "Cafe 5050" is known for its relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local events can often be found on Facebook groups focusing on expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups occur at "The 4 Friends" bar, a hub for the expat community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the "Bolt" app for quick and affordable rides around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops rent bikes, and scooters can be found for hire at platforms like "Trafi." |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The best beach is "Bora Bora Beach," just a 10-minute walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Albawings operates flights from Tirana to Saranda. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights primarily arrive at Tirana International Airport with connections to major carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The SH8 highway provides major access routes along the Albanian Riviera. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service to Saranda; buses are the primary mode of transport from major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate frequently, and tickets cost about 100 ALL per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly from Saranda to nearby towns like Butrint or Ksamil. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The "Saranda Hospital" provides basic medical services, suitable for routine health needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | "Yoga in Saranda" offers sessions with stunning sea views. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | "FitBox Gym" located downtown is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | "Laundry Service Saranda" offers affordable wash and fold options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | "Glovo" is widely used for food delivery in Saranda. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try "Byrek" - a traditional Albanian pastry filled with cheese or spinach. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like "Hapet Saranda" provide tasty vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The "Gelato Saranda" shop serves homemade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the "Saranda Market" offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Albanian-based online stores like "Diga" offer various products but coverage is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like "Kujtim" deliver basic groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The "Saranda Promenade" is lined with bars and clubs buzzing with nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | "Birra Korça" is a popular local beer available in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit "Viva Wine Bar" for local Albanian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look out for street vendors serving fresh grilled seafood near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like "Taverna Montalto" serve a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | "Lekursi Castle" offers stunning views of Saranda and the surrounding sea. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | "Museum of Tradition" showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient ruins of "Butrint National Park," a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | "St. George's Monastery" is a prominent religious site near Saranda. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The "Saranda Jazz Festival" is held every summer and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town area for its traditional architecture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | "Teatri i Sarandës" hosts local performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | "Saranda Market" is the best place to experience local culture and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is found in various bars along the promenade, especially during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals close to the waterfront area showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | "Taste of Albania" offers cooking classes to learn traditional Albanian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | "Gallery Aleksandër Moisiu" showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | "The Red House" is a notable architectural landmark in Saranda. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Saranda is known for its rich heritage as a historical and cultural melting pot. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | "Blue Eye" is a stunning natural spring located 30 minutes from Saranda. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | "Butrint National Park" is a UNESCO site famed for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal pathway along the promenade is ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | "Lekursi Castle" provides panoramic views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | "Butrint National Park" offers great opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are available on some beaches, particularly during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | "Alba Post" offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | "Saranda Electronics" can assist with electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some bars have table tennis areas, especially along the promenade. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | "Albanian Language School" offers short courses for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | "Saranda Public Library" provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | "Cultural Center of Saranda" hosts various local events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes may have gaming setups; check "Game Zone Saranda." |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | "Venus Casino" provides gaming options for enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €52,000) |
| 🏢 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. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax up to 23%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value; varies by locality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate. |