Permet, Albania

Capital City

With a population of just 5,945, Përmet is a sleepy town where bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The city's artisanal traditions - from its jam and rakia production to its football club - offer a glimpse into traditional Albanian life, but the local Orthodox community's ongoing dispute with authorities over a confiscated cathedral suggests Përmet may not be the idyllic haven some expats imagine. Overall, this remote mountain town is best suited for those seeking an authentic, if at times challenging, taste of southern Albania.