Permet, Albania

🏛️ Capital City

Agriculture and traditional crafts anchor Përmet's economy—tobacco farming, olive production, and small-scale textile work employ most locals. There's virtually no formal job market for remote workers or expats; you're here because you already have income elsewhere. The regional administrative role brings some government jobs, but wages are low and connections matter. Tourism is growing but remains seasonal and modest.

Rent runs $200–350/month for a decent apartment; utilities add another $40–60. Public transport exists but is unreliable—a used car or scooter is practical. Healthcare is basic; serious issues require travel to Gjirokastër or Tirana. Albanian is essential; English is rare outside young people. Bureaucracy is slow and opaque; residency paperwork can take months. Internet is adequate but not guaranteed stable.

Summers are hot and dry, winters mild. Food is fresh and cheap—local produce, cheese, meat—but restaurant variety is thin. The expat community is nearly nonexistent; you'll be genuinely alone here. Weekends mean hiking the Këlcyrë Gorge, exploring Orthodox heritage sites, or driving to nearby towns. Përmet suits only those seeking genuine isolation, deep cultural immersion, or a base for rural Albania exploration—not digital nomads seeking community or convenience.