DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Qeparo

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°12
Qeparo (Albania)
ℹ️

Practical info — Qeparo

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Divide your time between the modern lower village by the beach and the semi-abandoned, historic Upper Qeparo on the hill.
  • The hike up to Upper Qeparo is quite steep; tackle it early in the morning or drive up, but parking is very limited.
  • Wander through the cobblestone alleys of the old town; the stone houses and bougainvillea make for excellent photography.
  • The beachfront is less commercialized than neighboring towns, making it first-rate for a quieter Riviera experience.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Seafood

Enjoy daily catches simply grilled with olive oil and lemon at the family-run tavernas along the seafront.

🍽
Qeparo Olive Oil

The region is renowned for its centuries-old olive groves; ask to taste local olive oil with your bread.

🍽
Petulla

Traditional fried dough often served for breakfast, excellent with local honey or feta cheese.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Olive Oil

Buy a bottle directly from farmers or small shops in the village as a well-suited, authentic souvenir.

🛍
Seasonal Fruits

Pick up fresh figs, citrus, or grapes from local grocers, depending on the season.

🧘
Old Qeparo (Upper Village)

Wander the silent, ruined cobblestone streets for a peaceful journey back in time with sweeping sea views.

🧘
Southern End of Qeparo Beach

Walk past the main promenade to find quieter stretches of pebble beach away from the cafes.

Qeparo is one of the most characterful and authentic villages on the Albanian Riviera. It is uniquely split into two parts: the historic Upper Qeparo, perched on a hillside with well-preserved stone houses and narrow alleys, and the modern Lower Qeparo, which stretches along the Ionian coast. The area is renowned for its ancient olive groves, producing some of the highest quality olive oil in Albania. The upper village provides a strategic vantage point with views reaching as far as the Greek island of Corfu. The beach in Qeparo features a mix of pebbles and sand, providing a peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier nearby hubs. A major attraction in the immediate vicinity is the Porto Palermo Bay, home to the historic 19th-century fortress of Ali Pasha. Visitors can enjoy local hospitality in traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood, local cheeses, and Mediterranean herbs. Qeparo is accessible via the scenic SH8 coastal highway. The best time to visit is from late May to September, when the weather is great for swimming and exploring the surrounding nature.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C771013182326262117128
Rain mm11910491585028162484110140150

Geography

Coordinates
40.05754, 19.82359

Facts

  • Traditional stone architecture
  • Views of Corfu island
  • Famous for olive oil production
  • Split into upper and lower village
  • Ali Pasha Fortress nearby
  • Peaceful pebble beach
  • Located on the SH8 highway
  • Ancient settlement origins

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Borsh CastleBorsh Castle3 km · EExplore →
Porto Palermo CastlePorto Palermo Castle3 km · WExplore →
HimarëHimarë9 km · NWExplore →
LukovëLukovë10 km · SEExplore →
Himara CastleHimara Castle10 km · NWExplore →
Gjipe CanyonGjipe Canyon15 km · NWExplore →
Gjipe BeachGjipe Beach15 km · NWExplore →
Nivicë-BubarNivicë-Bubar17 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Qeparo (12)

Viewpoint Porto Palermo Castle🌿 nature

This viewpoint in Qeparo provides beautiful scenic views toward Porto Palermo Castle.

Heart beach📍 landmark

A small pebble cove shaped like a heart, accessible by a path from Qeparo.

Panorma Beach🎡 recreation

A pebble beach with a panoramic terrace and restaurant in Qeparo.

Gjiri Amla - Amla Bay📍 landmark

A secluded bay with white pebbles and turquoise water near Qeparo.

Plazhi i Qeparos🎡 recreation

Plazhi i Qeparos is the main local beach providing relaxation by the sea in Qeparo.

House Ruine🏺 historical

House Ruine features the decaying remnants of an old structure in Qeparo.

Panoramic viewpoint at Upper Qeparo🌿 nature

The Panoramic viewpoint at Upper Qeparo features expansive views of the region's landscape.

Porto Palermo Castle🏰 castle

A fascinating castle and cultural heritage monument of Albania, offering remarkable views of the surrounding coastline in Qeparo.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00💶

Kalaja në Qeparo

An ancient archaeological site featuring historic ruins, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of the Qeparo region.

Porto Palermo Beach🌿 nature

A beautiful natural coastal area in Qeparo, offering crystal-clear waters and a relaxing environment for all visitors.

Gjiri i Palermos

A spectacular bay in Southern Albania, known for its deep blue waters and dramatic natural scenery near Qeparo.

Plazhi i Porto Palermo

A popular coastal attraction in Qeparo, where tourists can relax by the sea and enjoy the beautiful Albanian landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Upper and Lower Qeparo?
Upper Qeparo is an old stone village on the hillside, while Lower Qeparo is by the beach.
What is the beach like in Qeparo?
A mix of pebbles and sand with very calm water, handy for relaxation.
Is the upper village inhabited?
It is partially abandoned, which gives it a magical and peaceful atmosphere.
Can you eat in the upper village?
There are a few small tavernas with fantastic views and local cuisine.
How far is Qeparo from Himara?
It is only about 12 km south, roughly a 20-minute drive.
Qeparo: where is it located?
Qeparo is located in Albania.
Qeparo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Viewpoint Porto Palermo Castle, Heart beach, Panorma Beach.
Qeparo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Qeparo: why is it worth visiting?
Qeparo is one of the most characterful and authentic villages on the Albanian Riviera.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →

Nearby cities

Vlorë — Qeparo (Albania)
Vlorë
City of independence
Saranda — Qeparo (Albania)
Saranda
Southern coastal resort
Ksamil — Qeparo (Albania)
Ksamil
A paradise coastal resort in southern Albania, famous for its four small islands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Palasë — Qeparo (Albania)
Palasë
The first coastal village south of the Llogara Pass, famous for its long white pebble beach and high-end resort developments.
Llogara Pass — Qeparo (Albania)
Llogara Pass
A spectacular mountain pass at over 1000 meters altitude, separating the Adriatic and Ionian seas with breathtaking coastal views.
Karaburun-Sazan — Qeparo (Albania)
Karaburun-Sazan
Part of Albania's only marine national park, consisting of an uninhabited peninsula and a mysterious island with untouched bays.
Himarë — Qeparo (Albania)
Himarë
A charming coastal town with a rich Greek-Albanian history, beautiful bays, and an imposing old castle.
Lukovë — Qeparo (Albania)
Lukovë
Lukovë is one of the most beautiful villages on the Albanian Riviera.
Gjipe Beach — Qeparo (Albania)
Gjipe Beach
A hidden coastal gem at the end of a deep canyon, accessible only by boat or hiking, famous for its crystal-clear water and towering cliffs.
Nivicë-Bubar — Qeparo (Albania)
Nivicë-Bubar
A tranquil village on the Albanian Riviera known for its dramatic landscapes, hidden beaches, and authentic charm away from the crowds.
Dhërmi — Qeparo (Albania)
Dhërmi
A spectacular village on the Albanian Riviera, where steep mountains meet stunning pebble beaches and deep blue sea.
Delvinë — Qeparo (Albania)
Delvinë
Delvinë is located in the hilly hinterland of Saranda.
Gjirokastra — Qeparo (Albania)
Gjirokastra
Gjirokaster is a historic city in southern Albania, renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
Perithia — Qeparo (Albania)
Perithia
A scenic northern coastal area of Corfu, known for its historic inland village and beautiful sandy beaches along the Ionian Sea.
Acharavi — Qeparo (Albania)
Acharavi
A popular coastal resort on the northern coast of Corfu, offering long sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere.

History & landmarks

Butrint — Qeparo (Albania)
Butrint
A premier UNESCO World Heritage site near Sarandë, featuring exceptionally preserved ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
Llogara Pass — Qeparo (Albania)
Llogara Pass
Mountain pass to the Riviera
The Blue Eye — Qeparo (Albania)
The Blue Eye
Karst spring
Borsh Castle — Qeparo (Albania)
Borsh Castle
Also known as Sopot Castle, it towers over the village of Borsh.
Porto Palermo Castle — Qeparo (Albania)
Porto Palermo Castle
A triangular fortress in a picturesque bay on the Albanian Riviera.
Himara Castle — Qeparo (Albania)
Himara Castle
A fortified settlement on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Lëkurësi Castle — Qeparo (Albania)
Lëkurësi Castle
Built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to control Saranda's port and the sea routes towards the island of Corfu.
Vurgu Plain — Qeparo (Albania)
Vurgu Plain
Vurgu Plain is a coastal lowland in southern Albania near Sarandë.

Nature

Maja e Çikës — Qeparo (Albania)
Maja e Çikës
Maja e Çikës is the highest peak of the Ceraunian Mountains, standing at 2045 meters.

More places

Butrint — Qeparo (Albania)
Butrint
Butrint is an ancient ruined city and a national park in southern Albania near Saranda.
Gjipe Canyon — Qeparo (Albania)
Gjipe Canyon
An impressive gorge on the Albanian Riviera that opens directly onto a remote beach.
Mali i Gjerë — Qeparo (Albania)
Mali i Gjerë
Mali i Gjerë, meaning the Broad Mountain, towers over the historic city of Gjirokastra.
Ceraunian Mountains — Qeparo (Albania)
Ceraunian Mountains
The Ceraunian Mountains stretch along the Albanian Riviera by the Ionian Sea.
Port of Sarandë — Qeparo (Albania)
Port of Sarandë
The Port of Sarandë is the premier tourist and economic hub in the south.
Phoenice (Finiq) — Qeparo (Albania)
Phoenice (Finiq)
Capital of the Chaonians and one of the wealthiest cities in Epirus.
Mesopotam Monastery — Qeparo (Albania)
Mesopotam Monastery
The 13th-century Saint Nicholas church is unique for its double apses and stone reliefs depicting mythical animals.
Lunxhëria Mountain — Qeparo (Albania)
Lunxhëria Mountain
The Lunxhëria mountain range runs parallel to Mali i Gjerë in southern Albania.