Qeparo combines a small beach with striking traces of its architectural and settlement history. At Qeparoi Beach, relaxation takes centre stage; in old and upper Qeparo, stone houses, narrow lanes, cobbled streets and old churches shape the cultural impression. Other landmarks include the Monastery of Saint Demetrius, the Ali Pasha Tower and Karos Castle. This contrast is useful when planning a trip: alongside the coastal focus are several sites, each with its own architectural or historical significance.

Coast and village at different elevations

Qeparoi Beach is small and known for its blue water. It is mainly used for relaxation. This makes the coastal aspect clear: it is the right local focus for a stay centred on relaxing by the water. The road from the coast to old Qeparo climbs up the hill. This uphill direction is a helpful guide if you want to explore both the coast and the old village. The beach and the village architecture thus offer different perspectives on the same place.

Stone houses, lanes and churches

In old Qeparo, stone houses and narrow lanes preserve traditional features. In upper Qeparo, cobbled streets and old churches shape the scene. The distinction is tangible for those interested in culture: in the old village, the focus is on house construction and narrow lanes; in the upper village, on paving and churches. Stone appears in several forms—as the material used for houses and as the surface of the streets. For those interested in architecture, the differences lie not only in individual buildings but also in the design of the lanes and streets.

Monastery and tower

The Monastery of Saint Demetrius is in lower Qeparo; its most complete form was built around 1730. The Ali Pasha Tower, also known as the Vlashaj Tower, is in Qeparo, about one kilometre north of the village. These different reference points help with orientation: the monastery is in lower Qeparo, while the tower is north of the village. The tower is notable for its distinctive stone surrounds with arcade motifs. These create a different architectural accent from the houses and cobbled streets: rather than lanes or streets, the focus here is on stone frames and the arcade motif. The monastery and tower thus offer different points of connection to Qeparo’s architectural history—a dated building phase and a distinctive architectural feature.

Karos and prehistoric history

Karos Castle reaches further back into the history of settlement. It belongs to an advanced phase of the prehistoric settlements of Chaonia and is described as a 3,000-year-old castle with five rows of walls. At Karos, the emphasis is therefore on its prehistoric context, complemented by the specific architectural feature of its five rows of walls. Compared with the monastery, whose most complete form was built around 1730, this represents a much earlier historical period. Qeparo’s cultural heritage can thus be explored across different periods, from prehistoric settlements to an 18th-century monastery building.

Discover more destinations: Ilias, Himarë, Qazim Pali, Borsh, Dhërmi, Kaninë, Piqeras

For the overview of the wider region: Vlora County.