Albania's booming cafe culture: the country with more cafes than many European nations

In a country where coffee is almost a way of life, Albania’s cafe culture is thriving like never before. With over 26,000 bars and cafes, Albanians are proving they’re not just coffee lovers—they’re setting trends in the European cafe scene. So, what’s behind the country's booming cafe scene? Let’s take a closer look.

December 23, 2024 – Albania has become a leader in cafe culture, with more than 26,000 bars and cafes across the country. This number far exceeds the number found in most European countries, highlighting the important role these cafes play in everyday life and business.

Tirana, the capital, is at the heart of this trend, with over 8,300 cafes. Other cities such as Vlora, Durrës, Fier, and Elbasan follow closely behind. Even smaller towns like Shkodra and Korça are seeing growth in the number of cafes, turning them into key parts of their local economies.

Shpëtim Agolli, an expert on Albania’s economy, points out that the country has the highest number of bars and cafes in Europe. “After the pandemic, many countries saw a decrease in the number of cafes and bars, but in Albania, the sector grew,” Agolli says. This strong post-pandemic recovery makes Albania stand out, especially as the global trend was moving in the opposite direction.

The country also ranks high when it comes to spending in cafes. On average, Albanians spend 270 euros a year at local bars and cafes, the highest in the region and beyond. “Albanians spend more time in cafes than people in most European countries,” Agolli adds. Kosovo follows Albania closely with 11.2% of businesses offering food and drinks, while tourism-dependent countries like Montenegro and Greece rank lower.

The cafe and restaurant sector plays a major role in Albania's economy, making up 16% of all businesses. It employs about 50,000 people, with 64% of them being men. This sector is one of the most important employers in Albania, only slightly behind industries like textiles and footwear, which employ around 55,000.