Your stay — Blue Paradise
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Durres.
The Property — Blue Paradise
Blue Paradise hotel in Durres is a 3-star gem with a laid-back atmosphere, offering a mix of modern comfort and Mediterranean charm. The lobby's clean design and sea-facing windows create a sense of calm, while the friendly staff add a warm touch. This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious families or solo travellers looking for a relaxed beach holiday. The hotel's proximity to the beach and the nearby water sports facilities make it an excellent choice for those seeking an active break.
Chronicles of Durres
Durres was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and was an important port city in the Roman Empire. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of ancient ruins, Ottoman-era bazaar buildings, and modern developments. Today, Durres is a vibrant city with a strong cultural identity, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year. The city's 16th-century old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a well-preserved castle and a lively bazaar. Durres is also known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
Best Time to Visit
Full Durres guide →Best months
June and September are the best months to visit Durres, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and minimal crowds, making it an ideal time for beach activities and exploring the city's ancient ruins.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Durres, with high temperatures (28-32°C) and crowds of local Albanians and international visitors. Hotel prices increase during this time, and popular events like the Durres International Festival and the Albanian National Independence Day drive the tourist influx.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy discounted rates at hotels like Blue Paradise and explore the city's historic sites without the peak-season chaos.
Weather & packing
Durres experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF for protection against the strong Albanian sun, even in the shoulder months.
Live City Briefing — Durres
- A new bus station has opened in Durres, improving public transportation links to nearby Tirana and Vlorë.
- The city's beachfront promenade has been renovated, offering a wider pedestrian area and improved amenities for visitors.
- The Durres Archaeological Museum is undergoing a renovation project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Visitors can still access the museum's temporary exhibitions, but some areas may be closed during the renovation.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Blue Paradise, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) to minimize the potential for street noise, which may be a concern given the hotel's location in Durres, a coastal city with a busy waterfront area. Additionally, opting for a room at the back of the hotel may help reduce noise from the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they may be more prone to noise from the street, especially at night when the city comes alive.
Best views
Rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape or the sea, depending on the room's orientation.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-5
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the waterfront area may be a concern, especially during peak season. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the city center means that some noise from nearby bars or restaurants may be audible in rooms on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a balcony to enjoy the sea views and fresh air. 2. Take advantage of the hotel's location and walk along the waterfront, exploring the city's historic castle and beachfront promenade.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Blue Paradise
Free WiFi up to 50 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but there are stairs-only access for some rooms in the historic wing
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available on the lobby's public PC
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00, Early bag-drop available from 08:00, Late check-out until 18:00 costs 5,000 ALL
Available from 08:00 to 22:00 at a cost of 500 ALL per item per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entry via the main entrance, but some rooms may be located in areas with structural limitations
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 200 ALL per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required, but a valid credit card will be held for incidental charges at check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 910 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Albanian Lek (ALL)
You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates are often poor; try a local bank or an ATM for better rates. Be aware that some tourist areas may charge higher commission fees.
Contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in larger towns, but cash is still king; many small shops and cafes only accept cash.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 lek is considered polite; for taxi drivers, round up the fare to the nearest 10 lek.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A traditional Albanian coffee from a street vendor costs around 50-100 lek.
A plate of shopka salad (a mix of vegetables, meat, and bread) from a food stall costs around 200-300 lek.
A main course at a local restaurant, such as a plate of grilled meat or fish, costs around 800-1,200 lek.
The streets around the bazaar area are filled with affordable food options, including grilled meats and traditional Albanian dishes.
Bili Basho and Euro Supermarket are common budget supermarket chains in the area.
The local market in the bazaar area offers affordable high-street and market shopping options.
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 200-300 lek; from the airport, take bus number 1 or 2 towards the city center.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local cafes and food stalls; use public transport instead of taxis; and consider buying produce from local markets for a more authentic experience.
Emergency Contacts
DurresDurrës emergency numbers are the same as the national Albanian ones. For police dial 129, ambulance 127, fire 128. For roadside assistance call 126. English may not be widely spoken, so have a local or your hotel staff ready to assist if needed. Save these for your trip.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Durres, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Blue Paradise
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 910 m · ~11 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Durres Bus Station (terminali i autobusave) → Kadris Hotel (via Sheshi Pranvera stop)
💡 Bus lines 1, 3, and 6 all pass near the hotel. Ask for 'Sheshi Pranvera'—it's a small square just 2 blocks south of the hotel. Exact change is expected, so keep coins handy.
Durres City Center (any point) → Kadris Hotel
💡 Use the 'Taxi Durres' app or call +355 69 20 20 111 for reliable drivers. Avoid flagging down random cabs near the port—they often quote inflated prices for short hops. A ride from the amphitheatre to the hotel should cost no more than 500 lekë.
Tirana International Airport (TIA) → Durres City Center (near Kadris Hotel)
💡 Buy a ticket from the driver (cash only, lekë or euros accepted). Get off at the main Durres bus stop on Rruga e Durrësit, then it's a 10-minute walk downhill to Kadris Hotel—no need for a taxi unless you have heavy luggage.
Tirana International Airport (TIA) → Kadris Hotel, Durres
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in; official taxi ranks at the airport charge a fixed rate—look for the yellow taxis with a meter, or pre-book a transfer via the hotel for peace of mind.
About Durres
Wikipedia ↗
Durrës ( DUURR-əs, Albanian: [ˈdurəs]; Albanian definite form: Durrësi) is the second most populous city of the Republic of Albania and seat of Durrës County and Durrës Municipality. It is one of Albania's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with roughly 2,500 years of recorded history. It is loca...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Blue Paradise?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) to minimize the potential for street noise, which may be a concern given the hotel's location in Durres, a coastal city with a busy waterfront area. Additionally, opting for a room at the back of the hotel may help reduce noise from the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Blue Paradise?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they may be more prone to noise from the street, especially at night when the city comes alive.
Is Blue Paradise noisy?
Street noise from the waterfront area may be a concern, especially during peak season. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the city center means that some noise from nearby bars or restaurants may be audible in rooms on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Blue Paradise?
Rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape or the sea, depending on the room's orientation.
What are insider tips for staying at Blue Paradise?
1. Request a room with a balcony to enjoy the sea views and fresh air. 2. Take advantage of the hotel's location and walk along the waterfront, exploring the city's historic castle and beachfront promenade.
What time is check-in at Blue Paradise?
Check-in at Blue Paradise is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Blue Paradise have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi up to 50 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Blue Paradise?
200 ALL per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Blue Paradise?
A plate of shopka salad (a mix of vegetables, meat, and bread) from a food stall costs around 200-300 lek.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Blue Paradise?
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 200-300 lek; from the airport, take bus number 1 or 2 towards the city center.
When is the best time to visit Durres?
June and September are the best months to visit Durres, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and minimal crowds, making it an ideal time for beach activities and exploring the city's ancient ruins.
Top Attractions in Durres
💡 Grab a cheap byrek from 'Byrektores' near the clock tower—about 50 ALL. The street is busiest after 18:00.
💡 Climb is steep and narrow—wear sensible shoes. Best at sunset for good light and fewer people.
💡 Walk east of the main pier for less crowded spots. No lounger required—bring a towel. Free showers at some access points.
💡 Buy tickets from the small booth outside; cash only. Early morning or late afternoon avoids crowds and heat.
💡 Entrance is around 300 ALL (roughly £2.50). Go early to beat tour groups; the small café upstairs has good coffee.