Rhodes Butterflies Valley

Location: Theologos

The Valley of Butterflies, a natural reserve unique in its kind, lies in the northwestern part of Rhodes, approximately 27 km from Rhodes Town. As its name indicates, this area is a verdant valley that hosts Panaxia Quadripunctaria (Jersey Tiger) butterflies over the summer months.

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Butterflies lay their eggs in September and, around late October, the newly-born butterflies take the form of larvas. During the month of May, they stay in their caterpillars in various areas around the Mediterranean Sea, and, in early June, they eventually emerge as full butterflies. Then, they fly to areas of high humidity in order to reproduce. That is why they flock to this valley, which is traversed by the Pelekanos River.

In this biotope, dense vegetation, quaint wooden bridges, rocky trails, as well as small waterfalls and ponds combine to create a magical setting that fills visitors with awe, and, at the same time, a profound sense of peace. What makes it so unique is the abundance of oriental sweetgum trees, as their aromatic resin, along with the high levels of humidity, is what attracts millions of butterflies every year. Since this tree species is extremely rare in Europe, this is one of the very few habitats where it can be found on the entire continent.

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Top Tours and activities

• Valley of the butterflies and Filerimos hill

  Category: Day Trips, Island

  A relaxing tour Of Rhodes visiting the Valley of Butterflies, the top of Filerimos Hill -Our Lady Monastery and the ancient acropolis Ialyssos.

  5 hours Map

  from € 27.00

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• Butterfly Valley and Chalki Island Day Trip

  Category: Day Trips, Island

  Embark on a day trip to the colorful Valley of the Butterflies and picturesque Chalki Island.

  8 hours Map

  from € 54.00

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• Off-Road Adventure

  Category: Day Trips

  Go on a fun off-roading experience on beautiful hidden tracks throughout the island. Experience the amazing viewpoints on the island, taste local honey and other treats, all while driving in the ultimate off-road vehicle.

  3 hours Map

  from € 95.00

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More about the Valley of Butterflies

The coolness of the place, the sound of running water and the song of birds and cicadas guarantee a physically and mentally refreshing experience. Following the trail all the way uphill, visitors can also reach the Monastery of Panagia Kalopetra, which stands on the wooded slopes of Mount Lefkopoda and affords stunning views.

Over the years, the Valley of Butterflies has turned into an immensely popular tourist attraction. Unfortunately, though, mass tourism has had a negative impact on the butterfly population. Visitors must know that butterflies do not have a stomach; they just store energy in their bodies during their larva stage so as to use it later on. They are also extraordinarily sensitive to sounds, so when visitors disturb them, they fly away and consume valuable energy, which hastens their death before they can lay their eggs in September. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that it is strictly forbidden to disturb the butterflies in any way; loud talking, cheering, whistling and clapping need to be avoided.

Nevertheless, even just gazing at them is highly rewarding, as the gathering of so many butterflies in just one place is an extremely rare phenomenon. During the day, butterflies sleep or rest on tree trunks and leaves, roots, and rocks near the water, so that literally everything around is covered with them. And if you’re lucky enough to find some of them awake, you will behold a stunning scene as they fly close to one another.

At the bottom of the valley, there is also a small Natural History Museum exhibiting rare and endemic flora and fauna species of Rhodes, as well as butterfly species from all over the world. And if you get tired, you can have a refreshing drink or lunch in the picturesque taverns close to the valley.