Vlorë, Albania 🇦🇱
#1723
40.47076, 19.491271
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vlorë is a coastal city located in southwestern Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 120 ALL. Most banks and currency exchange offices are available in the city center. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; it is recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone and ALBtelecom. SIM cards can be purchased at stores throughout the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hotels, and guesthouses, with prices ranging from €20 to €50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used. Cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short-term rentals, with options available for various budgets. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Vlorë Beach' offers dormitory options starting from €10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nest Vlorë - a modern coworking space located near the waterfront. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bar Vela - offers a quiet atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various cultural events and meetups are organized by local expat groups, often found on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are frequently hosted at local cafes, check 'Vlorë Expats' Facebook group for details. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available and is the most reliable ride-hailing option. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and scooters can be rented from various shops along the promenade. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Vlorë Beach is just a short walk from the city center, easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Albania offers flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport is the closest major airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The SH8 highway connects Vlorë to other major cities in Albania. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Vlorë bus station is the main hub for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay as you go for buses and microbuses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently connect Vlorë to Tirana and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital 'Ismail Qemali' provides emergency and general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogomata Studio offers daily yoga classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Absolute Gym is a popular local gym with various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found throughout the city, with prices around €5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and UberEats operate in Vlorë for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Peshk Ferguar' (fried fish) which is a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Garden is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant offering a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Nart is known for its delicious local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market (Pazar) offers fresh produce and local products at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Blerje.al is a popular local online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Several shops offer delivery services for groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Bregu i Detit area is popular for nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malta Bar offers local brews and is a great spot for beer enthusiasts. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Teuta specializes in local Albanian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the city center sell delicious 'byrek' (savory pastry). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine is prevalent, with several pizzerias, including 'Pizzeria Vesuvio'. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Independence Square and the Monument of the Independence are key historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Vlorë showcases the city's rich history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ancient City of Apollonia is located a short drive from Vlorë. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Muradije Mosque is an important religious landmark in Vlorë. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vlorë Carnival is held annually in February, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Bazaar area is rich with local shops and traditional crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theater 'A. M. Shkodrani' hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Pazari i Vjetër is a vibrant market selling local goods and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many bars along the promenade. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals adorn many buildings in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Albanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 'Dheze' showcases local artists and contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Flag Pavilion commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The tradition of folk music and dances is an important aspect of Vlorë's culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Karaburun Peninsula offers stunning hiking trails and natural scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Llogara National Park is a short drive away, offering beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along Vlorë Beach is ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Llogara Pass is breathtaking, overlooking the Ionian Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the beach are known for diverse bird species, especially in spring. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beaches allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops in the center offer mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering Albanian courses can be found in the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The City Library offers quiet spaces for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and gatherings for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge provides a space for video gaming and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Vlorë offers various gaming options for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Albania has a progressive tax system based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculates based on the property's declared value, typically low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate. |