Located on the slope of Mount Gjivlash, Qeparo is a traditional village on the Albanian Riviera. It’s divided into two parts - Old Qeparo and New Qeparo - with the latter boasting an attractive stretch of golden sand overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
You can rent a beach umbrella for a day on the sands of Qeparo Beach, which is backed by a breezy promenade lined with restaurants and bars. A short drive north is the sparkling bay of Porto Palermo where you can swim beneath the remains of a centuries-old castle.
From Lower Qeparo, you can follow the walking trail that leads through olive groves to the historic village of Upper Qeparo. While it was largely abandoned following the fall of communism, many of his buildings have been brought back to life. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, be sure to admire the beautiful Church of St. Demetrius.
Getting there
Qeparo is around two hours drive from Vlorë and four hours from Tirana. Tirana International Airport is also four hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular ferries connect from Corfu to the Albanian town of Saranda, from where it’s around an hour’s drive to Qeparo.