Who I Am
My name is Elvis Plaku, and I have called Tirana home for over 21 years. I started this blog back in September 2004 — which, if you do the math, makes it one of the oldest English-language blogs about Albania still running. I work in web development and digital marketing by day (I run a small agency called Sfida.PRO), but writing about life in Albania has always been the thing that keeps me coming back to the keyboard after hours.
Why This Blog Exists
When I started Albanian Blogger, there was almost nothing online about Albania in English. No honest, on-the-ground perspective from someone actually living here. Most coverage came from foreign journalists parachuting in for a story, or from travel writers passing through for a weekend. I wanted to fill that gap — to give readers an unfiltered look at what daily life in Albania is actually like, written by someone who lives it every day. Over two decades later, that mission has not changed. Albania has transformed enormously since 2004, and this blog has documented that journey — the construction boom, the cafe culture explosion, the rise of tourism, and the everyday moments that never make the news.
What I Write About
A bit of everything, honestly. Albanian culture and traditions, travel tips and hidden gems, daily life in Tirana, history you will not find in guidebooks, the food scene (which deserves way more attention than it gets), and practical guides for people thinking about visiting, moving to, or doing business in Albania. I also write about the Albanian diaspora experience, since so many of us are spread across Italy, Germany, the UK, and beyond. I try to cover the things that real people actually search for — from how to get a SIM card at the airport to what it is really like raising a family here.
Who This Blog Is For
If you are a tourist planning your first trip to Albania, a digital nomad scouting Tirana as your next base, part of the Albanian diaspora wanting to reconnect, or simply someone curious about this corner of the Balkans — this blog is for you. I write for real people with real questions, not for algorithms. If you have ever Googled something about Albania and wished you could just ask a local — consider this blog that local.
What Makes This Different
I am not a travel writer passing through. I live here. I deal with the traffic on Rruga e Durresit, argue over coffee bills at the local bar, navigate the bureaucracy, and celebrate the small wins that make life in Tirana uniquely rewarding. That insider perspective is something you cannot fake. When I tell you a neighborhood is worth visiting or a restaurant is overrated, it comes from years of personal experience — not a 48-hour press trip.
Where to Start
Not sure where to dive in? Here are some good starting points:
- Tirana Guide for Tourists — first-time visitor essentials
- Tirana for Digital Nomads — coworking, cost of living, and connectivity
- Tirana Through Local Eyes — the city as locals experience it
- Tirana Insider Guide — the deep dive
Get In Touch
I always enjoy hearing from readers. Whether you have a question about Albania, want to suggest a topic, or just want to say hello — reach out.
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eplaku
Thanks for reading. Albania is a fascinating, complicated, beautiful place — and I am glad you are here to explore it with me.