Why Albania is the Most Underrated Country in Europe (And How We Got Here First)

When we tell people Expat Era is launching in Albania, the first response is almost always the same: "Wait — Albania?"

Yes. Albania. And if you know, you know.

The Secret That’s Getting Out

For years, Albania sat in the shadow of its Balkan neighbors, overlooked by tourists, misunderstood by the media, and completely underestimated as a place to live. But that's changing fast. Digital nomads, expats, and adventurous travelers have been quietly flooding into Tirana and the Albanian Riviera, drawn by something that is getting harder and harder to find in Europe: affordability, authenticity, and a country that feels genuinely alive.

The numbers back this up. Albania’s cost of living is roughly 40–60% lower than Western European capitals. A long-stay visa is available for remote workers. Rent in Tirana for a modern one-bedroom apartment runs between $400 and $700 per month. And unlike much of the Balkans, Albania sits on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, meaning you get Mediterranean beauty at Eastern European prices.

" Albania feels like what Croatia was 15 years ago, before the world found it. The difference is, we’re here now."

Why We Chose It First

When we sat down to plan the first Expat Era retreat, we could have gone safe. Lisbon is gorgeous. Barcelona is iconic. But we kept coming back to Albania, specifically Durrës, for reasons that felt impossible to ignore...

First: the Adriatic coast here is genuinely one of the most beautiful stretches of water in Europe. We're talking turquoise clarity that rivals anything in Greece, without the crowds or the prices.

Second: the food. Albanian cuisine is an underrated treasure; fresh seafood, incredible olive oil, slow-cooked lamb, and an espresso culture that will ruin you for Starbucks forever.

Third: the people. Albanians are among the most hospitable people we have encountered anywhere in Europe, warm, proud of their country, and genuinely excited to share it with you.

Then there's also the practical reality: Albania is one of the few remaining European countries where you can still get in early. Real estate is affordable. The expat community is small but growing at a remarkable pace. The infrastructure; internet, transport, healthcare, has improved dramatically in the past decade. And the country’s geography places you within a short flight of every major European city.

The Three (3) Cities You Need to Know

Durrës

Albania’s second city and our home base for the founding retreat. A working port city with a Roman amphitheatre, a long sandy beach, and a pace of life that feels genuinely Mediterranean. Close enough to Tirana for day trips, far enough to feel like you have genuinely escaped.

Tirana

The capital. Chaotic, colourful, and changing faster than almost any other city in Europe. The dining scene is extraordinary for the price point. The nightlife is vibrant. The art scene is emerging and worth watching. Tirana is where you go to feel the pulse of modern Albania.

Ksamil

The crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera. Four small islands sit just offshore from this tiny village, accessible by kayak. The water is the kind of colour that makes your camera feel inadequate. This is where we will host our Expat Era Network Night, because some conversations deserve an extraordinary backdrop...

What This Means for Your Era

If you are dreaming of living in Europe and you have been priced out of the usual destinations, Albania is worth a serious look. The cost of living is a fraction of Western Europe. The internet infrastructure is solid. The expat community is small but growing fast, which means right now is the best possible time to get in.

That is exactly why our founding retreat is here

. Not to be trendy. Because Albania genuinely deserves to be seen, and we want you to see it with us! Applications for the October 2026 Albania Founding Retreat are open now. Spots are limited to 8 women.