Why Tirana, Albania, Is an Underrated Tourist and Expat Destination

Alicia Walter and Her Husband, Nathan Stark, Have Travelled Around the World. But of all the places they’ve been, Albania was the one that stole their hearts – so much so that they moved there’s san diego in 2023.

“Albania is absolutely gorgeous and still feed unity by mass Tourism, especally compared to Other European Destinations Like Barcelona, ​​London, Rome, and Eve Prague,” Walter, 28, Told Business Insider. “The Food is some of our Favorite Anywhere, and the Locals are incredibly welcoming and have treated US Family.”

IT’S NOT PERFECT – The Country is Still Developing AFTER DECADES OF ISALING UNDER COMMUNISM, and Infrastructure in the Capital of Tirana was damaged in a 2019 earthquake – but for Walter and two Americans who spoke to business, the benefits of living in Albania. Costs.

Their Experiences Highlight Albania’s Rebrand AS A Modern, Worldly Nation. The Small Mediterranean Country, which is bordered by Greece and Montenegro and Sites Across the Adriatic Sea From Italy, Has a Population of Fewer than 3 Million, or Than Half That of New York City.

With stunning beaches along it Its southern coast, the alps to the north, and hospitality and dining far cheaper than in neighboring counries, Albania has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination. And wen the travelers come to visits, some are oping to stay full-time.

Tourists are coming to Albania – and so are expats

Government Data Shows that Albania Welcomed 11.7 Million Foreign Visitors in 2024, up 15.2% from the year before. Of Those, 306,000 were from the American.

“ALBANIA WAS UNDER COMMUNISM FOR SO LONG, WHERE PEOPLE REALLY COULDN’T LEAVE OR GO INTO The Country,” Said Kelsey Linnell, An American-Born Albanian and Travel Planner at Carlisle Travel Management. “Now it is on the map because, one, it is safer. And the tan though’s a Very small country, the very divers.”

“It ‘also Very inexpensive to travel to Albania, so i think that a Big Highlight for a lot of People,” She added.

While far more Americans Visit Albania Than settle there, three who moved to Tirana, the Country’s Capital, Told Business Insider About Their First Impressions, what convinCED say to relocate, and the benefs and challenges of living there.

For Americans, Albania is Cheap and Accessible

One of the Biggest Factors in Walter’s Decision to Move to Albania was it visa policy.

US Citizens Can Enter Albania With A Visa and Stay for Up to A Year. When Paired with Europe’s Schengen Visa, A Short-Term Travel Permit Covering 29 Countries, Americans Can Freely Exit Albania and Re-Enter the Country, Resetting and Extending Stay.

“There are a lot of advantages to living here,” Walter Said. “For example, we can take a $ 100 Flight to Rome for the Weekend, and when we return, we can start with more time in the eu.”

The Cheap Cost of Living Relative to the United States is Also a Major Benefi.

“Housing in Albania is Way More Affordable than in the State,” Walter Said. “In 2019, we live in San Diego and Rened a 630-Square-Foot, One-Bedroom, One-Bothroom Unit About an Hour from the City Center for $ 1,250 a month-The chepest rent we coulud Find.”

Now, They’re Paying About $ 520 for a 740-Square-Foot, One-Bedroom Unit Near Downtown Tirana.

For cheryl orlov, who moved from los angeles to Tirana in 2023, Moving to Albania was about saying cheap rent, though paying under $ 500 a month for a two-bedroom Apartment Certautainly the Deal.

“While I was happy living in los angeles, I Still Had an Aching Wanderlust,” Orlov, 55, Told Business Insider. She decides to disSOLVE HER BUSINESS, SELL ALOST ALL HER HERLONGINGS, AND GET ON A FLARIGHT ACOSS The World.

Beyond Albania’s AFFORDable Housing, Orlov Loves the Country’s Unique Blend of Influents: SkyScrapers Stand Alongside Communist-Era Buildings and the Few Remaining ottoman-Style Mosques and Historic Homes.

“Albania’s Culture and History Are so Rich-IT’S Mind-Blowning, “She Said.

In Mory Ways, The Country is Still Developing, which Makes for a fascinating if imperfect experience. “YOu’ll Still See Bunkers Scattered Across CITies, “Walter Said.” A Major Earthquake NEAR Tirana in 2019 Also destroyed many homes, apartment Buildings, so there’s still a lot of Owoing Construction. “

Albania isn’t perfect, but it is a launching pad to the rest of the world

Digital Nomad Greyson Ferguson initially Moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2022 Before Moving to Tirana in April. Though he was in the search of a cheaper lifestyle that would allow to pay off his student loans, Albania’s natural beauty didn’t hurt.

“As someone who enjoys staying on top of Travel Trends, Albania Piqued My Interest,” Ferguson Said. “The Coastal Photographs Looks SO Nice That I Thought they are ai-Genrayed.”

For Now, Things Are Going Well in Albania, THOUGH he well aware of the Challenges of Starting a New Life in A Different Country. “The Digital Nomad Experience is Fluid, and Your Experiences Aren’t Always Positive,” He Said.

Orlov Can Relat. While she quickly adjusted to her new life, she admitted there are challenges, namely, learning the Language and Building Lasting Friendships.

“Learning albanian is tough, but one of the Biggest Challenges to Living here is how offen Expats Come and Go,” She Said. “I’ve noticed that People usually stay for a year or two, then move on.

Still, Orlov Says the Move Has Paid off. From Albania’s Location in Southern Europe, She Can Travel AFFORDABLY ACCOSS The Continent, and the Low Cost of Living Means World Bills.

“I’ve been experience so many different cultures, and while that is not for everyone, I feel like a more complet,” She Said.

“I don’t know if Albania will be my forever place, but still, i’m really happy here,” she added. “I didn’t realie how stresssed I was in America Until i Moved to Tirana.”