Himare – Kudhes – Qeparo – Himare

A scenic drive along the glistening bays of the Ionian Sea brings us to the trailhead in Kudhës. We ascend the winding village road, passing through olive groves and into the heart of the settlement. Beneath the shade of the central plane tree, we pause with the locals before continuing on a gently rising path toward Qeparo.
The trail is adorned with oleander and cypress, and flocks of goats grazing the slopes look up at us with curiosity. After a final short climb to a pass, the horizon opens: the deep blue Ionian Sea spreads out before us, with Corfu visible in the distance. Soon, the old town of Qeparo comes into view, perched above olive fields and overlooking the tranquil shore. Here, time seems to stand still among the stone houses and cobbled lanes. A light lunch in a village taverna provides the perfect break.
In the afternoon, we follow a shepherd’s trail down to Borsh, where our transfer awaits. Depending on conditions, the guide may also choose to shorten the walk by descending directly to Qeparo Beach, with time for a refreshing swim. On the return drive, we may make a stop at the protected bay of Porto Palermo, once a military base. Here stands Ali Pasha Tepelena’s intriguing castle on a small peninsula, whose thick walls and commanding position reveal its remarkable strategic design.