Qeparo, Albania: Things to Do & Travel Guide

Albanian Riviera › Qeparo, Albania: Things to Do & Travel Guide

Find out about beaches and things to do in the tranquil beach village of Qeparo Albania, located in the southern part of the country right on the Albanian Riviera.

Enjoy unparalleled sea views and majestic mountains in the background in the picturesque old magical village of Qeparo. The crystal-clear water shimmers in the sun and the warm breeze gently caresses your body. In the distance, you can see a charming village with narrow streets lined with traditional greek style stone houses.

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Accessed via a steep road that follows the Valley, Upper Qeparo is separate from Lower Qeparo, a newer town that has been established only in recent years on the beachfront. Despite being partially abandoned, the elder Qeparo is an excellent example of a traditional Albanian village and lacks no charm.

Qeparo – A picturesque village on the Albanian Riviera

Qeparo impresses with its idyllic location right on the hillside of the Albanian Riviera. From the mountains, there is a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding landscape. The village of Upper Qeparo impresses with its traditional stone houses, narrow streets and charming atmosphere.

Qeparo also has a rich cultural history, which is reflected in the village’s architectural treasures and historical sites. Tourists can find a variety of accommodation options including traditional guest houses. The locals are know for their warm and welcoming hospitality.

Discover the traditional architecture of Qeparo, a picturesque village in Albania known for its characteristic stone buildings.

Where to stay in Qeparo – Accommodation

The beach village offers both hotels and holiday apartments, as well as traditional guest houses that allow guests a unique insight into local culture and hospitality. The locals are known for their warm hospitality and are happy to help visitors with tips and recommendations.

For those seeking a special experience, I recommend stying at Farm House Qeparo. Perched on the hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the olive groves and village from up here. The hosts were super hospitable and treated me with a different breakfast every day.

Qeparo Beach – Things to do

Beaches and natural wonders around Qeparo

If you are in the mood for a swim or sunbathe, there are multiple beaches, easily accessible, in and around Qeparo. From hidden coves with turquoise waters to impressive cliffs, the coastline of the Albanian Riviera offers a variety of options for sunbathers and nature lovers. Hikers can explore scenic trails and discover the surrounding landscape and its natural beauty.

The white pebble Qeparo Beach has a lovely new promenade. It is less touristy than most, making it easier to find a spot on the sand. The sunsets here are legendary.

To the south, Borsh Beach is famous for being the longest beach in Albania. I drove down there for a day trip and enjoyed a fantastic beach walk.

Travelling the opposite way back up the coast, Porto Palermo Beach is a free beach that is a bit smaller. The clear waters here make it ideal for snorkelling with a backdrop of the old castle of Ali Pasha.

Upper Qeparo – Ali Pasha Tower

At the northern end of the village, a small hiking trail takes you up to the Ali Pasha Tower (Sarajet e Ali Pashës). Follow the path for 200 metres through the most picturesque olive groves you can imagine, and eventually you will reach the ruins of Karos Fortress.

This was the area’s original settlement, settled some time around the Iron Age according to archaeological studies. Nowadays, a few walls and several defensive towers are all that remains of the citadel. From up here, on a clear day, you can see out up until the island of Corfu.

Restaurants

Much to my surprise, I found a couple of excellent restaurants in Qeparo and ended up eating two of the best meals of my trip here!

With tables set in a little garden under the giant oak tree at the entrance to the village restaurant, Te Rrapi ne Qeparo has a magnificent location.

The English menu offers Albanian classics – hostess Veronika ushered us into her small kitchen to choose from the dishes she had prepared. We ended up with a delicious spread of grilled vegetables, homemade byrek, and some seriously powerful tzatziki.

A little further up the street, Xhorxhi Restaurant is a local family owned haunt. I enjoyed a very generous lunch here on my final day. Grilled fish served with salad, bread, homemade cheese and grilled vegetables set me back a very reasonable 1,200 LEK.

More Things To Do near Qeparo

Visit Porto Palermo Castle

A 15-minute drive from Qeparo, Porto Palermo is one of the most distinctive castles in Albania. It sits on a small peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow stretch of land and can be accessed on foot, with parking available in front.

The castle’s distinctive triangular shape is the work of French engineers who were recruited for the project by Ali Pasha in 1804.

Porto Palermo Castle was built in the 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena. Historics actually argue whether the castle was actually built by Ali Pasha. Some believe it was built way earlier by the Venetians, due to its similar triangular shape with round towers, like the Venetian Triangle Castle at Butrint.

Historically, the bay of Porto Palermo has always been an important harbor which had to protect Himara. In Greek it was named Panormos (Panorama), and later renamed to Porto Palermo in Byzantine times, similar to what happened to the city of Palermo in Sicily. During and after World War II the castle has been used as a prison and a shelter for military units. In 1948 Porto Palermo Castle was declared a ‘Cultural Monument’ and nowadays serves as a museum.

• Opening hours: 9am – 6pm daily during summer season
• Admission: 300 LEK

Soviet History – The Submarine Bunker

During Albania’s communist period, the area north of Castle of Porto Palermo served as a Soviet submarine base. The submarine bunker, which is actually a tunnel, is located nearby and is part of the same military complex.

I was very excited about seeing an underwater bunker. But as soon as we arrived at the spot on the highway where you turn off to drive down to the water’s edge, I could see that it was not a bunker at all, but rather a tunnel.

I discovered however that it was possible to hike over the hill and get down to the netrance on the other side. Following the path over the hill, you will also get access to some amazing secret beaches, completely secluded.

Conclusion: Qeparo Beach on the Albanian Riviera – A paradise for Explorers

The Albanian Riviera is a dream destination for explorers and beach lovers. The breathtaking coastal landscape offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding mountains. The Riviera’s pristine beaches attract sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts.

In addition to the beaches, the Albanian Riviera also offers a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers. The more adventurous can explore the many hiking and biking trails or lose themselves in the region’s national parks and nature reserves. The Albanian Riviera is also known for its rich cultural history, which is reflected in the historical sites and architectural monuments along the coast.

Qeparo is still representative of the unspoilt beauty of Albania. This picturesque village on the Albanian Riviera impresses with its idyllic location, rich cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of the locals. The narrow streets and traditional stone houses give Qeparo a unique charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in another world and experience the unspoilt nature of Albania.

What attractions are there to discover in Qeparo? Qeparo is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its historical attractions and monuments. Highlights include the castles of Ali Pasha and Porto Palermo, as well as the historic church of St. Nicholas.

What accommodation options are there in Qeparo? There is a wide range of accommodation in Qeparo, including hotels, holiday apartments and traditional guesthouses. Tourists have the opportunity to find suitable accommodation depending on their budget and preferences.

What natural wonders are there in the area around Qeparo? The area around Qeparo offers a variety of natural wonders, including hidden coves, impressive cliffs and scenic hiking trails. Popular places to visit include Porto Palermo Bay, Llogara National Park and Mount Cika.