Pogradec, Albania — Tips and truth for tourists, digital nomads, and expats
When to visit and what to do
Pogradec is a small city in the interior of Albania, situated on Lake Ohrid. I lived in Pogradec for two years (2022–2024). If you are considering Pogradec as a destination, I will break it down into the pros and cons, so please read on. Whether it is a good choice for you depends largely on whether you are a tourist, slow traveler, or expat, and what your needs are.
Tourists
If you are touring Albania or driving through to Greece or North Macedonia, Pogradec is worth a stop. Having a coffee in one of the boardwalk cafés or walking along the shores of Lake Ohrid is a marvellous way to wind down. During the peak season (July-August) a stay of a few days to a week is enough to enjoy the ample sunshine and beach life. In the off-season, probably a day or two at the most. Pogradec is a quiet town with minimal tourism outside of the June to September timeframe, with half the businesses shuttered.
Digital nomads
If your travel life includes working and sticking around for a month or three, probably Tirana, Albania is your best option; however, if you like peace and quiet, Pogradec might be a nice break from city life. There are no dedicated workspaces in town to my knowledge, but a few small…
