Vlorë, Albania has undoubtedly secured a top spot on my list of preferred destinations for travel and living as a remote worker.
I didn’t know what to expect, yet Vlorë ended up being one of the places I felt most grounded.
Why I chose Albania
I first came across Albania while researching alternative destinations for quieter coastal living.
Once the timing made sense, I booked the trip.
After arriving in Albania’s capital, Tirana, I decided I would spend a few nights there before venturing towards the coastal gem known as Vlorë which is roughly a 2-hour drive from the capital.
Staying at Valza Boutique Hotel
Marina Bay sits about a 45-minute walk from the main city. I stayed at Valza Boutique Hotel which was a well-run boutique hotel with great breakfast and genuinely warm staff.
Their rooftop was one of my favourite spots, especially for watching the sunset.
If you book a stay there make sure to try Valza’s Albanian Kulaç (soda bread) it’s seriously to die for.
There is also a casino across the street and some amazing bars such as Lime Bar and Miramare Restaurant where you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the water and amazing sunsets.
I would suggest checking out the Lime Bar either on a Friday or Saturday night for brunch and the Miramare Bar for a daytime coffee or to catch the sunset.
Cost of living in Vlorë
Accommodation
In 2025 I found furnished modern apartments in Vlorë starting at roughly €200-€230 per month for a compact studio or one-bedroom in a typical area. For more newly built or premium locations you’ll often see rates between €400-€600 per month depending on size, view, and furnishings.
Monthly stays on Airbnb in Vlorë often start around €400 for a modern one-bedroom during shoulder seasons, with higher rates in July and August. Booking directly through local owners can sometimes be cheaper, but availability and communication vary.
With the new airport project gaining attention (Opening in 2025), it’s likely that prices will continue to rise over the next few years as Vlorë becomes more popular with long-term travellers and remote workers.
Dining Out
A coffee at a cafe or a restaurant was usually around 80 Albanian Lek ($0.80 USD).
Stone-oven pizza usually costs around 300 Lek ($3 USD). Seafood dishes such as seafood linguine or grilled fish would start from around 800 Albanian Lek ($8 USD).
Since Vlore is along the coast side you can easily enjoy an amazing dinner with a sea view which could easily cost triple back in Vancouver, Canada.
The cost of groceries
There are plenty of small grocery stores and produce stands throughout Vlorë.
A grocery store I visited a few times during my stay was Conad which had a good mix of everything I usually needed instead of visiting multiple stores.
Here is a rough estimate of prices you can expect when grocery shopping within Vlorë Albania.
Please keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the store, brand, and current economic conditions. The following examples can give you a rough estimate:
- Milk (1 litre): Approximately 100-130 lek
- Bread (loaf, 500g): Around 70-100 lek
- Eggs (10 pieces): Approximately 150-200 lek
- Rice (1kg): About 80-120 lek
- Chicken breasts (1kg): Roughly 500-700 lek
- Potatoes (1kg): Around 50-80 lek
- Tomatoes (1kg): Approximately 100-150 lek
- Apples (1kg): About 80-120 lek
- Pasta (500g): Roughly 70-100 lek
- Water (1.5-litre bottle): Approximately 50-80 lek
It’s always best to check local stores or markets in Vlorë for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
Beauty and Shopping
Here’s what beauty services cost during my time living in Vlorë.
A full shellac manicure with detailed designs cost me around $15 USD, and it turned out beautifully. I went to @grisastudio_nails__vlore (on Instagram) and had a great experience.
For lashes, I visited @qerpike_extension_lidia (on Instagram) where a full volume set cost about $50 USD before tip. The quality was excellent and the work held up well during my stay and beyond!
Once again these prices may change and this is based on my visit. These ladies are amazingly talented and I would highly recommend them if you need nails or lashes done while visiting Vlorë.
Things that surprised me
Vlorë is a developing coastal city, and you see it in the mix of new builds, older apartments, and areas still being improved. It’s part of its charm, but also part of its reality.
It isn’t polished like parts of Southern Europe, which is exactly why it feels more interesting.
I will admit the one thing that surprised me about the cost of living in Vlorë was clothing.
When shopping for clothes within Vlorë, the common theme was independently owned boutique shops that resell clothing (with original tags on). It wasn’t common to see retail clothing stores that you may be familiar with in other countries.
I found this to be a really interesting concept and the prices for each item were all different and they had a lack of each item or sizing options but I think the one thing that surprised me the most about this was the cost.
Most pieces cost more than the original tag price, which caught me off guard. I found a few Zara tops which were labelled around 20 Euros but the store was asking for upwards of 30 or more.
I skipped most clothing shops in Vlore and chose to shop once I reached Naples or Istanbul instead.
Digital Nomad Visa for Albania
Albania has recently started allowing digital nomads to apply for a Type D visa, which is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for up to five years.
The application process has been streamlined through an online portal where the process can take up to 12 weeks.
To be eligible for the visa, you must have a job in a foreign country that you can perform remotely, demonstrated by a valid employment contract, service contract, or client contract for specific remote projects.
Although no specific minimum income is mentioned, it is expected to be around $9,800 per year.
You need to be able to show that you are financially self-sufficient, have accommodation in Albania, have an Albanian bank account, have health insurance valid in Albania with a minimum coverage of €30,000, and have a clean criminal record for the past five years.
Once approved, the visa will be issued as an e-document, which serves as proof of a valid visa and temporary residence while in Albania.
The visa can be renewed for up to five years, and after that, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Overall, this offers digital nomads to stay in Albania for an extended period, but you should always check for the latest requirements and regulations before planning.
Where to Eat in Vlorë
West Coast gave me major Bali vibes with their decor and the food was delicious! I tried their grilled octopus and ruccola salad.
Motta Mare is a 24-hour bar/cafe/after-hours you can pop by when everything else is closed. This came in handy when I still wanted to sit outside somewhere past 11 pm but didn’t know where else to go.
Novus quickly became my go-to dining spot in Vlorë. This cute place offers a delightful array of traditional cuisine.
What sets them apart is their unique ordering system, where you get to see their available dishes upfront before selecting your desired meal.
Once you choose your dish, they bring it to your table and you pay afterward.
Mon Cheri was the coffee shop of my choice where I sat down and got to do hours of work. They have free wifi, a working area, and lots of other seating as well.
Taverna “Djepi Shqipetar” is a charming little family-run restaurant with dishes ranging from seafood, meats, pasta, and more. The family running it was welcoming, and I consistently had good meals there.
Kaninë Castle just a short trip from Vlorë, is a historic hilltop fortress with a story that stretches back through centuries of Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influence.
It’s an easy place to spend a full afternoon. The hilltop views of Vlorë and the Ionian Sea are worth the climb.
The Muradie Mosque, located in the heart of Vlorë, is a stunning piece of 16th-century Ottoman architecture with its distinctive stone and brick design. It’s a quiet reminder of the city’s rich history and cultural blend.
After visiting this beautiful landmark, take time to explore the colorful streets of Vlorë, filled with vibrant buildings, charming cafes, and a lively atmosphere that reflects the town’s unique character. It’s the perfect way to experience both the history and modern charm of Vlorë.
Traditional Cuisine
While seafood is prominent, Albanian cuisine offers much more depth:
Byrek: A savoury pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.
Tavë Kosi: A traditional lamb and yogurt casserole considered Albania’s national dish.
Raki: A traditional fruit brandy often served as a welcome drink.
Cultural Traditions
Hospitality (Mikpritja): Albanians are known for extraordinary hospitality. Guests are traditionally treated with immense respect and generosity. Let me say, the Albanians know “how it’s done” Their hospitality is top-notch and make you feel so warm and welcome!
Coffee Culture: Similar to other Mediterranean countries, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a social ritual. Spending hours at a café isn’t just acceptable; it’s expected.
What Makes Living in Vlorë Albania Unique
The slower pace of life compared to major European cities
Strong sense of community
Intergenerational social interactions (e.g., seeing older men fishing, families walking together)
Albania was a place that impressed me. From the beautiful waters in Vlorë as well as the city life in Tirana. I believe Albania will become a known hub for remote workers due to it’s affordability, safety, and diverse lifestyle options.
I’m a big fan of cities with a slower lifestyle. In Vlore, you will see old men fishing or people riding bikes or strolling around town and I admire the energy of Albania.
If Albania is on your list, Vlore is worth seeing for yourself. The pace here stays with you long after you leave.
2 Responses
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