Travel Guide Qeparo

Qeparo/Qeparoi (pronounced "chéparo"/"chéparoï") has around 400 inhabitants and is part of the municipality of Himara. The village is also called Κηπαρό/Kiparo in Greek. It lies 7 km southeast of Porto Palermo and 40 km northwest of Saranda. Minibus connections to Vlora, Saranda and the "Albanian Riviera".Still little known to tourists, Qeparo is divided between the "new village" (Fshati i Ri/Neo Kiparo), which borders the shore and is populated by Albanians, and the "old village" (Fshati i Vjetër/Paleo Kiparo) perched 300 m above sea level, where the inhabitants are mainly Greeks. While most of the activity is concentrated on the shore (pebble beach, hotels, minibuses...), it's the upper part that's particularly worth a visit. Accessible via a narrow road, the "old village" offers dazzling views of the coast, Corfu and the Acroceraunian mountains. It retains its 18th-century feel, with cobbled lanes, vaulted passageways and elegant stone houses, including the delightful French-restored Qeparo villas, which can be rented by the week. The village also boasts several churches, including that of the ancient monastery of St. Demetrios, built in the center of the village in 1760. And don't miss the ruins of the ancient fortress of Karos, 300 m to the north, which was occupied until the 4th century AD. Situated on a hill 450 m above sea level, this site offers a breathtaking panorama.