Dear friends of Magic Towns Albania,
I think we all agree that some stories we cross paths with stay with us forever. 🧡
This is one of the reasons why we love sharing diverse stories from people who’ve moved to Albania and want to share their life experiences with us.
Because, at the end of the day, these aren’t just stories; these are feelings and emotions and challenges from people from all over the world.
Recently, we shared the story of Aldo Amico, who was born in Sicily, raised in Belgium, and then chose Albania to build his new chapter.
What we loved most about his journey is that it’s not about “moving abroad” in the glossy, social-media sense. It’s about adapting, feeling lost at times, meeting people who help you settle in, and realising that home can look very different from what you imagined.
If you’ve ever thought about living somewhere new, or even just starting over in a small way, his story might resonate with you.
You can read it here when you have a quiet moment:
Our goal with this format is not to sell a dream, but to show what life here actually feels like, through the eyes of people who chose Albania and made it work, step by step.
Alongside personal stories (which you can read here), we keep exploring:
what daily life is really like in different Albanian cities
practical guides for expats, families, and remote workers
honest insights about housing, costs, education, and lifestyle
LSUT hospital experienced a severe power outage last night, leading to significant backlash from medical personnel and the public. The outage cast a shadow over the psychiatric wing, putting vulnerable patients at risk and raising significant questions about the institution’s infrastructure. A psychiatrist at the hospital described the event as an “institutional crime,” asserting that “a red line had been crossed.”
Moreover, he emphasized the critical role of every second in a reanimation procedure, highlighting the potentially lethal consequences of such an incident. The situation signals a serious breakdown in essential utility services, with potentially grave risks to patient safety.
The incident has spurred ongoing discussions about the need for upgraded infrastructure, crisis management, and preventative measures to protect the patients, staff and all stakeholders from future incidents.
Source: Shekulli.com
Watchmaker Ajdin Gjini shares the history and maintenance of the iconic stone clock at Gjirokastër Castle. Originally installed in 1968, the clock has been adapted over the years to meet changing demands. Described as a symbol of the city, the clock is considered one of the most distinctive in the Balkans due to its historical and architectural value.
Despite facing occasional problems, the clock continues to function and has a significant emotional connection for both residents and visitors. Gjini’s insights shed light on the unique tradition and craftsmanship behind the clock, making it a must-visit landmark in Gjirokastër.
Source: Euronews
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana recently hosted a vibrant concert titled “Ku ka si Tirona,” showcasing the traditions of the city’s folklore through song and dance. The concert featured a diverse program of urban folk songs, traditional dances, and reflections of Tirana’s rich cultural identity.
Renowned artists from the National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, including guest performers Irma Libohova, Armaldo Kllogjeri, and Greta Zani, presented a carefully selected repertoire celebrating the works of historical figures like Muharrem Gura. This event marked the beginning of a new artistic cycle called “Treasures of the Soul,” aiming to promote cultural heritage through various projects throughout the 2026 season.
Source: Euronews
A report by the Supreme State Audit in Albania sheds light on the challenges faced by teachers in the country, particularly in terms of professional training and transportation expenses. The report reveals that funds allocated for teacher training have not been utilized effectively due to delays and procurement issues, leading to a lack of implementation of planned activities.
Additionally, funds intended for transportation support have either not been disbursed or used as intended, resulting in teachers having to cover transport costs themselves.
Source: Euronews
The law allowing citizens and businesses to revalue their immovable property at a tax rate of 5% will officially take effect on January 22. The revaluation process will commence in the second week of February and continue until December 31, 2026.
This opportunity to increase property value by aligning it with market value is expected to stimulate property transactions, as it provides a lower tax rate compared to the previous 15%. Procedures for revaluation include hiring a licensed expert or working with the local directorates of the State Cadastre Agency to calculate the taxable base and associated taxes.
Source: Euronews
The Tax Administration in Albania has conducted inspections on nine real estate agencies to investigate serious violations and potential tax evasion in the home sales sector. Violations included undeclared employees, use of non-tax documentation, lack of price transparency, and failure to comply with legal obligations related to invoicing and sales.
Seized computer equipment revealed signs of tax evasion linked to real sale prices of apartments, which may be further investigated and referred to judicial authorities. This news highlights concerns about fair competition in the market and public interest.
Source: Euronews
Ivanka Trump, accompanied by a polyphonic group, had a working dinner with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Vlora, focusing on investment plans for Sazan Island. Following the dinner, Ivanka Trump and Rama were seen engaging in a friendly conversation.
Footage shows Ivanka Trump leaving alongside the Prime Minister in a large convoy of vehicles. Her visit to Vlora was related to the investment she and her husband are considering on Sazan Island.
Source: Euronews
Thank you for reading!
Sara
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.