Qeparo Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The main cove anchorage below the Old Qeparo clifftop village in 4–9m over sand and rock. Holding is good on the sand patches — confirm the anchor is on sand rather than resting on rock ledge before setting full scope. The cliff face and coastal range behind Qeparo provide shelter from N, NE, and E. The cove is slightly more enclosed than the open beaches to the N, giving a marginally more sheltered feel in northerly flow, but the SW Ionian exposure is the same as every anchorage on this coast. The atmosphere at Qeparo is remarkably quiet — far fewer tourists than Dhërmi or Borsh, partly due to the access challenge of the narrow cliff road and partly due to the abandoned-village character of Old Qeparo above.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Qeparo is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check the forecast for Llogara Pass gusts before anchoring — if cloud is streaming over the 1,027m summit, consider Porto Palermo or Sarandë instead. Watch for katabatic gusts throughout your stay.
2. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–9m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m depth).
3. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Qeparo are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to SW and W and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m alarm radius for Qeparo cove in 4–9m. The mixed sand and rock bottom requires careful anchor placement — if on sand, holding is reliable and 75m is conservative; if on rock, holding is unreliable and the alarm may trigger. Verify bottom type by slowly paying out scope and feeling for drag before committing. The SW exposure is the standard Riviera risk — set the alarm and monitor the evening forecast. Himarë harbour (2.2nm N) is the nearest all-weather refuge if SW conditions deteriorate overnight.

Good May–October. Best in May, June, and September when settled conditions and low visitor numbers create an ideal combination. July–August viable but the single taverna has limited capacity — arrive early for dinner if planning a visit. October: viable in settled weather; the village above is increasingly quiet as the summer season ends. Not recommended November–April.

Navigation Hazards

• SW and W exposure: standard Riviera SW Ionian exposure; F3+ SW uncomfortable; F4+ untenable; Himarë (2.2nm N) is the nearest breakwater shelter
• Mixed sand/rock bottom: anchor must be confirmed on sand patches — rock sections provide no holding; use a trip line as a precaution given the mixed bottom character
• Steep trail to village: the trail from the beach to Old Qeparo village is steep and unmarked in places — wear appropriate footwear and carry water; do not attempt in rain when the limestone becomes slippery
• Isolated location: Qeparo has no emergency facilities; the nearest services are at Himarë (2.2nm N); do not anchor here in deteriorating conditions without a departure plan

Rules & Regulations

• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). Fly yellow Q flag. Himarë is a port of entry June–September only; outside summer season, clear at Sarandë or Vlorë.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: Anchor on sand patches — rock sections have poor holding. Stay 50m+ from the beach. Monitor SW swell forecasts; Himarë harbour (2.2nm N) is the refuge if conditions deteriorate.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Himarë town (4km N) (2.2nm)
• Restaurant: One seasonal taverna in Old Qeparo village (accessible by dinghy to beach then 20-minute steep walk up; July–August only; cash ALL/EUR). No other facilities. Full provisioning at Himarë town (4km N).
• Provisions: None on site — Himarë town (4km N) (2.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Old Qeparo village above the anchorage is one of the most atmospheric sites on the Albanian Riviera — a partially abandoned stone village with Byzantine Greek Orthodox church, Ottoman-era stone houses, and panoramic views; absolutely worth the 20-minute climb
2. The seasonal taverna in the village serves traditional Albanian food in a setting of extraordinary character — stone walls, vine shade, and views over the Ionian; one of the best dining experiences on the Riviera coast
3. Qeparo's obscurity is an asset: in July–August when Dhërmi is overwhelmed, Qeparo typically has the anchorage to itself or shared with one or two other boats; a genuine refuge from the busy Riviera scene
4. The dinghy landing at the beach is straightforward in calm conditions — tie the dinghy painter to a large stone on the beach; the beach is small enough that you can see the dinghy from the village trail above
5. Approach Qeparo from the N after a morning stop in Himarë — 2.2nm under engine or sail in 30–40 minutes — and arrive before the afternoon SW Maestral develops