The name occurs as Cupelnich around 1200 in the work of Presbyter Diocleas; Kupêlnik in 1348; Copenico in 1416; Chopilich in 1614 in the report of the Venetian writer Mariano Bolizza; Coppilico on the 1688 map of the Venetian cartographer Francesco Maria Coronelli; Coplico on the 1689 map of the Italian cartographer Giacomo Cantelli da Vignola; and as Copelico in the 1703 report of the Catholic Archbishop of Bar [Antivari], Vincentius Zmajevich.

During the Ottoman occupation, many of the inhabitants of the town converted to Islam, although the rural population in Malësia e Madhe continued to be mainly Catholic.

The communist regime put heavy restrictions on mobility but after the fall of communism in 1991, Koplik experienced a great influx of new settlers from the countryside.

[citation needed] Koplik and the surrounding areas have seen investment with a casino as well as restaurants being built to accommodate the increased demand from the tourist influx during the summer months.

Koplik is a starting point for hikers wishing to explore the literary famous Malsia e Madhe, translated in English as the "Great Highlands" which receive much literary attention most famously in the travels of the early female anthropologist Edith Durham in her book High Albania as well as others including Lord Byron, Margaret Hasluck and many native figures.

It is generally the place where from the rural villages go for anything from buying household items, clothing and other everyday things to attaining services such as health care, haircuts etc.

It is also a transport hub as it is somewhat of a gateway into the deep valleys of Malsia itself and therefore a place of congregation for the various minibuses with at least half a dozen being present there at any time in the day.