Velipoje, Albania 🇦🇱
#2082
41.86602, 19.426126
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Velipoje is a coastal town in northern Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 116.50 ALL, 1 USD ≈ 107.21 ALL |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone and ALBtelecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks include Banka Kombëtare Tregtare. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to apartments; notable places include Hotel Velipoja and local Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in numerous establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local hostels such as Velipoja Hostel offer affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are limited coworking spaces; consider cafes with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe Bar Rose offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on Facebook occasionally host meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings are typically organized in local cafes and at the beach. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services can be arranged through local numbers; no ride-hailing apps are prominent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Velipoja Beach, accessible directly from the town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Albawings operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Albania and Wizz Air offer routes to several international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Velipoje to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shkoder is the nearest major transit hub, about 30 mins by car. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses run between Velipoje and Shkoder; no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Velipoje to Shkoder are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest hospital is Hospital Shkodra, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes may be available seasonally at local resorts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms have limited offerings; check with hotels for facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, and hotel services usually offer laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Tavë Kosi, a delicious baked dish with lamb and yogurt. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Albanian cuisine has limited vegan options; however, salads and grilled vegetables are commonly available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops along the main street serve delightful Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Velipoje have fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Available local delivery through local stores; international e-commerce not prominent. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options; stores usually offer take-away. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Beach bars along Velipoja Beach serve drinks and light entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries, but beer from Albania is widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine shops offer a selection of Albanian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer BBQ and local snacks along the waterfront. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Mediterranean restaurants are common around town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Velipoje Natural Park for stunning landscapes and biodiversity. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums; Shkoder has more extensive cultural offerings. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby castles, like Rozafa Castle, are worth a visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. Mary in Velipoje is a notable local site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local summer festivals celebrating traditional music and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore traditional Albanian architecture in Velipoje. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theatrical performances; nearby cities offer more options. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly local markets offer fresh vegetables and artisanal goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music, especially during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; murals can be found in nearby Shkoder. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Class offerings are sporadic; look for local culinary workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited availability in Velipoje; check Shkoder for more options. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional houses give insight into the region's cultural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Albanian culture is rich with historical influences from various civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Buna River National Park is close for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dajti National Park is ideal for hiking and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Velipoja Beach are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dajti Mountain offers stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Buna Delta is a prime birdwatching area. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires; confirm local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic repair services may be available in the nearest town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Certain local bars offer ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; local community centers may have resources. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No significant libraries; cafes provide quiet study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers in nearby cities offer various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; general cafes may have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Velipoje; nearest in Shkoder. |
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. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €66,000) |
| 🏡 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% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% on income over €30,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Albania has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax of 2% on property purchases. |