About Qeparo
Qeparo is a seaside village in the Albanian Riviera, located between Lukova and Himara, and righ next to Borsh. It is said that Qeparo’s name was derived from the Greek word kipos, which means garden. The Greek tribe of the Chaonians inhabited the area in the late Bronze Age, around the 14th to 11th century BC. The charming village has become popular under tourists for its white and sandy beaches, the beautiful stone architecture and its calming natural environment. Here you can find everything you need to know when visiting Qeparo.
How To Get To Qeparo
Qeparo is located in the Albanian Riviera and can be reached via the coastal road (SH8) between Saranda and Vlora.
To get to Qeparo from abroad, the best way is to fly to Corfu first, and then take the ferry to Saranda. You can rent a car directy from the Ferry Terminal in Saranda and from there it is a 40 kilometers drive to Qeparo, which takes just under an hour.
From the centre of Saranda, you can also take a direct mini-bus (furgon) to Qeparo or any other bus in the direction of Himara, Dhermi or Vlora.
Alternatively, you can fly to Tirana and rent a car from the airport, or take any bus to Saranda that is following the coastal route to drop you off in Qeparo.
What To See And Do In Qeparo
Qeparo is divided in two parts: the partly abandoned, historic old village on the hill, and the new part near the beach. Here are some suggestions what to see and do in and around Qeparo.
Qeparo Beach
Qeparo Beach is a beautiful place to calm down and relax. The white and sandy beach with turquoise waters make a perfect place to relax for the afternoon, or even watch the sunset. Located in a large bay, the beach also gives you a great view at the surrounding mountain ranges and the old village at Upper Qeparo.
Alongside the beach there is a pedestrian promenade which is a great place for a stroll. Since the modern part of Qeparo is built near the seaside, the beach is very centrally located. There are plenty of restaurants and bars and you can rent beach beds and umbrellas on the beach.
Upper Qeparo
Upper Qeparo is the original village of Old Qeparo and is located on the slopes of Mount Gjivlash, around 450 meters above sea level. There is a small road leading from the lower to the upper village over 2.5 kilometers. If you decide to walk, it will take you about 45 minutes, but you will be rewarded with great views while walking alongside some beautiful olive groves. Since it can get very hot in summer, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The village was more or less abandoned after the fall of communism in the 1990s but it recently started to see a comeback due to tourism. Some houses have been reconstructed and are now inhabited again. Walking around the cobbled streets will give you a great impression of a traditional Albanian village The beautiful architecture includes many small houses, a monastery, a church, and a very beautiful bell tower.
Settlement Of Karos
About 200 meters east of Upper Qeparo, between the olive groves, you can find the remains of the Settlement of Karos. The archaeological site dates all the way back to the Iron Age, when the first inhabitants arrived in the region.
Things To Do Around Qeparo
Just south of Qeparo is another village called Borsh, which has the largest beach in the south of Albania and up on the hill you can visit Borsh Castle. Only a few kilometers north of Qeparo is the Porto Palermo Castle of Ali Pasha and the village of Himara is also worth a visit for its many great beaches and a stroll through the old town where Himara Castle is located.
Tours To Qeparo
Are you staying in Saranda and don’t have your own transportation? Then you can easily visit Qeparo on a tour from Saranda. There are several tours showing the highlights of the riviera that include Qeparo in their itinerary.
Where To Eat In Qeparo
- Restaurant Riviera: This restaurant is located on the western end of the promenade and is among the highest rated restaurants in Qeparo.
- Barbarossa Tavern: This bar is located next to the big tree on the promenade and serves great seafood and pizzas.
Hotels In Qeparo
Although you can easily see Qeparo on a day trip from Saranda, why not stay the night or even a couple of days to relax and see what more the Albanian Riviera has to offer.
Since the old town in Upper Qeparo is mostly deserted, there are hardly any options to stay there. The tourist infrastructure is mainly built in the new part around Qeparo Beach. Prices are relatively low in Qeparo, but are more expensive in summer and we recommend to book upfront.
Search below or have a look at our recommendations:
- Ionian Bay Rooms: Ionian Bay Rooms has rooms and apartments with a direct view at Qeparo Beach. The complex has a swimming pool and Borsh Beach is also only 650 meters away.
- Qeparo Pano Rooms: Qeparo Pano Rooms has fully equipped apartments and is only 100 meters from Qeparo Beach. The complex has a tarrace and a garden as well as views at the Ionian Sea.
- Sunset Boulevard Rooms: If you want to be right a the centre of the beachfront, Sunset Boulevard is the place to stay. It is located directly at the pedestrian promenade so you’ll have everything close by, including a restaurant in the hotel itself.
- Sunset Villas: Sunset villas is located about 1 kilometer from the beach, in the higher parts of the town, so it has stunning views over the green area and the entire bay. The holiday homes have a kitchen and the outdoor space has a nice garden and swimming pool.
Other Practical Info About Qeparo
Emergencies
There is a medical center on Qeparo Beach which is only open during the summer season, but for emergencies you can always call the following numbers:
General Emergencies – 112
Ambulance – 127
Fire – 128
Police – 129
You can also read more about staying safe in Albania on our Health & Safety page.
Banks And ATMs
There is no bank in Qeparo, but there is an ATM at the beachfront promenade.
Post Office
The closest post office to Qeparo is in nearby Borsh.
Shopping In Qeparo
There are a few small grocery shops in Qeparo, but for larger supermarkets and more shopping options you have to go to either Himara or Saranda.
Related Activities
Nearby Things To See
