A pocket guide to Qeparo

Nestled between the rugged mountains and the crystalline Ionian Sea, Qeparo is one of southern Albania’s best-kept secrets. A blend of old-world charm and seaside tranquility, this sleepy village in the Himara region is the perfect escape for travelers seeking authenticity off the beaten path. With only a few days to soak it all in, here’s how to make the most of your day in Qeparo -with a stay at the stunning Villa Porta Qeparo as your base.

OLD QEPARO

Qeparo lies in the heart of the Albanian Riviera, where turquoise waters meet steep olive-covered hills. Qeparo Fshat -also known as Old Qeparo- is the soul of this region, a hilltop settlement of stone houses, Byzantine churches, and cobbled alleyways. Though many travelers flock to the shimmering beaches of New Qeparo below, only a few take the winding path uphill, where Albania’s forgotten stories wait to be rediscovered. Qeparo isn’t just a picturesque village -it’s an archaeological site. Excavations have revealed Bronze and Iron Age fortifications nearby, including the hill of Karos, which once housed a Mycenaean trading outpost. Unlike many coastal communities where Greek was commonly spoken, Qeparo held fiercely to its Albanian language and traditions. Religious life, too, played a central role. The Church of St. Demetrius, built in 1760, still stands with its wooden iconostasis and peaceful courtyard. It’s just one of the several Orthodox churches along the riviera. Walking through Qeparo Fshat is like stepping through an open-air museum. Ivy crawls up stone walls. Arched doorways frame distant views of the sea. Old cisterns, wells, and stone buildings. Most of them are abandoned. Decades of migration -both internal and abroad- left many homes empty. Silence fills the gaps where families once gathered.

QEPARO BEACH

You can’t visit Qeparo without spending a few hours by the sea. Just a 10-minute scenic drive down from the old village, Qeparo Beach is a tranquil stretch of pebble and sand shoreline with calm waters perfect for swimming. It is remarkably clear and uncrowded, even in peak season. Swim in turquoise waters, nap under an umbrella, or rent a kayak to explore hidden coves nearby. If you’re lucky enough, you might spot dolphins in the distance -locals say they’re frequent visitors. Qeparo beach is part of the famed Albanian Riviera, but unlike more crowded destinations, like Dhërmi, Saranda or Ksamil, the beaches here still feel like a secret. The beach curves gently along the bay, bordered by a promenade dotted with palm trees, cafés, and low-key tavernas. The water here is exceptionally clear, with visibility that makes it ideal for snorkeling or simply floating. Even in August, it’s possible to find a quiet spot, especially in the morning or later in the day.

WHERE TO STAY

Villa Porta Qeparo is more than just a boutique guesthouse -it’s an experience. This beautifully restored stone building in the old village combines historic architecture with modern touches -think of kitchen, air conditioner and a hot-tub. The villa’s terrace offers one of the best views in the village. As the sky turns pink over the Ionian Sea, you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with this place. Breakfast is served at Porta e Shijes on a sun-drenched terrace where you can sip your coffee and taste petulla with local honey and cheese while gazing at olive groves. In a world of over-tourism, Qeparo offers something rare: serenity, heritage, and genuine hospitality. Villa Porta Qeparo captures the spirit of the village perfectly -timeless, warm, and quietly luxurious.

INFORMATION

Find out more about Villa Porta Qeparo
Instagram: @portaqeparo, @porta.e.shijes
Location: Rruga Vangjel Luca, Qeparo Fshat