Rhodes: The Valley of the Butterflies

The Valley of the Butterflies is a place of unique beauty on the island of Rhodes –and in entire Greek-, where anyone can relax while watching the butterflies, taking hikes or enjoying Greek cuisine in a restaurant overlooking the waterfall.

Location

The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) is located about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Rhodes City, on the western side of the island, about 5 km (3 miles) South East of the village of Theologos.

What is to be seen here?

The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the most attractive destinations on Rhodes. During August, thousands of butterflies come to the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy season, the butterflies –still in the caterpillar stage- are still hidden in the thicket feeding on the foliage. But as the wet season ends, towards the end of May, the butterflies emerge in the forms recognizable to all of us and constantly move to areas of highest humidity, reaching the valley in August.

Mainly due to disturbance caused by visitors in the latest years, the population of the Panaxia butterflies is in decline. Visitors are allowed to watch the beautiful butterflies in their environment, but it is prohibited to disturb the butterflies in any way (such as whistling, hand clapping). That’s because during this period (from May until mating period) the butterflies don’t eat and survive from the energy stored while they were caterpillars. And when visitors disturb them, the butterflies consume valuable energy as they are forced to fly all day. Sadly, when they use all the energy saved the butterflies die.
butterflies in the Valley of the Butterflies
The valley is lush and there is a river is running through it. The place is nicely arranged with stone steps, wooden bridges and an uphill path leading to the Monastery of the Virgin of Kalopetra. The trees, the waterfall, the river and of course, the butterflies make this experience a truly unique one.

The Valley is also a place to enjoy shady walks and even a traditional Greek meal in the restaurant overlooking a waterfall. At the entrance to the valley there are numerous souvenir shops. A part of the Valley is actually the “Museum of Natural History”.

Unfortunately sometimes there are only few butterflies in the valley but that doesn’t mean the experience is not enjoyable even without seeing the butterflies.

Opening months and tickets

The entrance costs €5 and the valley is opened from May to September daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The path leading to the Monastery is opened all year long.