The Balkans: The Next Hot Spot for Digital Nomads?
- Vikky Horsley
- Oct 19, 2024
- 5 min read
The Balkans might not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about remote working, but it should be! A lesser-known gem in the nomad world, this region is bursting with charm, affordability, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant digital nomad community that’s growing fast. Ready for your next adventure?! Let's dive head first into the Balkans!
Why the Balkans?
The Balkans are your gateway to untapped beauty, history, and budget-friendly living. This southeastern European region, spanning countries like Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro, has more to offer than just scenic coastlines and historical marvels. It's a nomadic paradise with a unique blend of modernity and tradition, all without breaking the bank.
With a much lower cost of living compared to Western Europe, the Balkans are an absolute steal for digital nomads looking for comfort, a strong work-life balance, and great internet connectivity. Plus, who wouldn’t want to swap boring Zoom backgrounds for the blue waters of the Adriatic or the mountainous skylines of Kosovo?
So, Where Should You Go?!
There are many good countries and places to visit, but here is a comprehensive list of the best digital nomad spots and why.
1. Belgrade, Serbia – The Bohemian Hub
Belgrade, the lively Serbian capital, is famous for its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The city is budget-friendly, offers excellent co-working spaces, and has a strong nomad scene. Plus, it’s well-known for its legendary nightlife, which will keep your social life buzzing long after the workday ends.
Cost of Living: Very affordable. A nice apartment in the city centre costs about €350-450 per month.
Internet: Excellent, with high-speed connections available almost everywhere.
Must-See: Check out the Kalemegdan Fortress for epic views, and stroll through the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija for quaint cobbled streets and café culture.
2. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina – History Meets Hipster
Sarajevo is a city of deep history and culture, famously known as the site where World War I started. Today, it’s a vibrant, up-and-coming spot for nomads who appreciate affordable living and a unique atmosphere where East meets West. You can spend your morning working in cosy cafés, and your afternoon skiing in the nearby mountains!
Cost of Living: Ridiculously cheap compared to the UK! You can rent a decent flat for as little as €200-300 a month.
Internet: Improving fast, with solid speeds in most co-working spaces and cafés.
Must-See: The old bazaar, Baščaršija, is a must for foodies and culture lovers alike. Don’t forget to try a traditional Bosnian coffee!
3. Split, Croatia – Coastal Bliss
If you crave the sea breeze and sun-soaked days, Split should be at the top of your list. It’s a historic coastal city with crystal-clear waters, Roman ruins, and a thriving expat community. While Croatia can be a bit pricier than some of its neighbours, the scenery and lifestyle here make it worth every penny.
Cost of Living: Higher, but still cheaper than most UK cities. Renting a one-bedroom flat will set you back about €500-700 per month.
Internet: Croatia has some of the fastest internet in the region, and many cafés are well-equipped for remote work.
Must-See: Diocletian’s Palace and the stunning beaches along the Adriatic coast. Perfect for an afternoon swim after a morning of work!
4. Tirana, Albania – The Hidden Gem
Tirana is quickly becoming a favourite spot for both tourists and digital nomads, so be sure to get there before it becomes a tourist trap. With its quirky architecture, Mediterranean climate, and incredibly low costs, this is the place for those looking to stretch their budget while still living comfortably. Albania’s capital is also becoming more and more digital nomad-friendly, with lots of co-working spaces popping up.
Cost of Living: Dirt cheap! Expect to pay around €250-400 per month for a city-centre apartment.
Internet: Surprisingly good, especially in cafés and co-working spaces.
Must-See: Take a day trip to the nearby Dajti Mountain or explore the colourful buildings of Blloku, a hip district full of bars and restaurants.
5. Kotor, Montenegro – Medieval Magic
Ever dreamt of working with a view of a medieval bay surrounded by mountains? Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers just that! With its narrow streets, fortress walls, and stunning landscapes, it’s a peaceful and scenic retreat for nomads who thrive in quieter environments.
Cost of Living: Around €400-600 for a decent apartment with a view.
Internet: Generally reliable, though you might want to rely on co-working spaces or cafés for consistent speeds.
Must-See: Hike up the Kotor Fortress for the most breathtaking views of the bay, and don’t miss exploring the surrounding towns of Budva and Perast.
Top Tips for the Balkans for digital nomads!
Its good to come prepared and know a bit about the visa policies and cost of living. Here are our top tips.
Visa Policies
Most Balkan countries are not part of the Schengen zone, which is great news if you’re trying to dodge the 90-day Schengen limit! Many countries in the region offer visa-free stays for 90 days, so you can hop between them while working remotely.
Cost of Living
The Balkans are super budget-friendly! You can enjoy a high standard of living for a fraction of what it costs in the UK or Western Europe. Whether you’re in Belgrade or Kotor, it’s easy to find affordable accommodation, good food, bargain drinks, and cheap public transport.
Transport
Travelling between Balkan countries is so easy and inexpensive. There are plenty of buses, trains, and even ferries (along the Croatian coast) that will get you from one stunning location to the next. Check Flix Bus for great cross country options.
Weather
The Balkan climate is diverse, but you’ll generally find hot summers, mild autumns, and snowy winters in some areas. For year-round sunshine, head to the coastal regions like Montenegro and Albania. For snow sports, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia are your winter paradises.
Language
English is widely spoken, especially by the younger generation, so you won’t have trouble getting by. However, learning a few basic phrases in the local language will earn you some smiles and respect from the locals.
Co-working Spaces
Most major cities in the Balkans have co-working spaces popping up left and right. Belgrade, Split, and Tirana are particularly well-equipped. If you’re a café lover, you’ll be glad to know that many have fast Wi-Fi and a relaxed attitude towards laptop workers.
Fun Facts to Know Before You Go
- Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, was once listed as one of the top cities for fast internet in Europe. So if you’re running a webinar or need super-quick uploads, you're in safe hands here!
- Croatia (especially Dubrovnik and Split) is a dream for fans of Game of Thrones, as many iconic scenes were filmed here. You can work by day and live your fantasy of ruling Westeros by evening!
- Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the cheapest places in Europe for outdoor activities like rafting, hiking, and skiing. Perfect for weekend trips when you need to blow off steam after a week of hard work.
- If you’re working in Albania or Montenegro, prepare to be well-fed. Fresh Mediterranean food (think olive oil, fresh fish, vegetables) is abundant and affordable, keeping both your wallet and your health happy.
So, What Are You Waiting For? The Balkans Are Calling!!
The Balkans offer an irresistible mix of affordability, culture, and adventure, making it a prime destination for digital nomads in search of something different to the norm. Whether you're exploring medieval fortresses, sipping coffee in a bustling town square, or hiking through rugged mountains, you'll find this region has everything you need for a rich and fulfilling remote work lifestyle, combined with the perfect leisure.
So pack your bags, charge your laptop, and get ready to discover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets!
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