Valley of the Butterflies
A lush gorge filled with streams, waterfalls, and thousands of butterflies during peak season. A serene natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Day boats leave, crowds thin out
Valley of the Butterflies
Best Time
Day boats leave, crowds thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush gorge filled with streams, waterfalls, and thousands of butterflies during peak season. A serene natural escape.
"A living fairytale where nature shows its most delicate side, truly unforgettable!"
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are a must for the uphill paths and stone steps. Avoid flip-flops!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Refill stations are available but carrying your own is wise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Butterfly Swarms
Throughout the valley
Witness thousands of butterflies, especially Jersey tiger moths, creating a magical, fluttering spectacle.
Shaded Walking Trails
Valley floor and uphill paths
Explore lush greenery, wooden bridges, streams, and small waterfalls on a serene, shaded path.
Panoramic Monastery View
Top of the valley
Climb to the monastery at the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are a must for the uphill paths and stone steps. Avoid flip-flops! +1
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Refill stations are available but carrying your own is wise.
📸 Camera Ready
Every corner offers a photo opportunity; capture the butterflies and scenic beauty.
⏰ Avoid Peak Hours
Visit after 2 PM or early morning to escape the main crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are a must for the uphill paths and stone steps. Avoid flip-flops! +1
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Refill stations are available but carrying your own is wise.
📸 Camera Ready
Every corner offers a photo opportunity; capture the butterflies and scenic beauty.
⏰ Avoid Peak Hours
Visit after 2 PM or early morning to escape the main crowds and enjoy tranquility.
🦋 Butterfly Season
Butterflies are most abundant from late May to early September.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Valley of the Butterflies as a unique and peaceful natural wonder, highlighting its lush greenery, waterfalls, and the magical sight of thousands of butterflies. The serene atmosphere and scenic trails are consistently lauded. However, some find the uphill walking challenging, especially in heat, and note that butterfly sightings can vary seasonally.
"The Valley of the Butterflies is a hidden gem in Rhodes – peaceful, unique, and absolutely worth a visit. Walking through the shaded paths surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls feels like stepping into another world. During the summer months, thousands of butterflies gather here, creating a magical atmosphere that's hard to describe in words.
Take your time to enjoy the calm, listen to the sound of water and nature, and if you can, climb up to the monastery at the top for a beautiful panoramic view. Wear comfortable shoes – it's a gentle hike but with some steps – and bring your camera, because every corner is a picture waiting to happen.
A place where nature shows its most delicate side. Truly unforgettable!"
Maurizio Faini
"Been here 10 years ago (to a different part) it was lovely and relaxing then, it seems to have become much more commercial with several car parks and costly snack bar.
Car parking is far away and there is no accessibility - we had to walk down a long, dangerous (steep road on a blind bend) to get to the entrance - so hectic with cars and people! cost was 18 euros for 3 of us, it’s all steep slippery steps so you need to be very fit and in trainers with good grip. Saw some small frogs and loads of moths right at the end of the season (early September)."
Sarah Jamieson
"Butterfly Valley is a truly unique experience — walking through the shaded paths surrounded by lush greenery and hearing the gentle sound of running water feels like stepping into another world. The sight of thousands of butterflies resting on the trees is absolutely breathtaking and something you don’t see every day.
The walk is easy and suitable for families, with spots to rest along the way. The fresh air and natural beauty make it a perfect break from the busy tourist spots. Staff are friendly and keep the area well maintained.
Tip: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and wear comfortable shoes for the paths.
Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers!"
Konstantinos Koumi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to the Valley of the Butterflies from Rhodes Town can be done by taxi, which is around €60 each way. Renting a car is another option if you prefer flexibility. Some organized excursions also depart from Rhodes Town, but they often leave early in the morning.
Yes, you can visit without a car. Taxis are available, though they can be pricey. Organized tours are also an option, but check their departure times to ensure they fit your schedule.
The main transportation options are taxis and rental cars. Some tour operators also offer bus tours to the valley.
Public bus services to Butterfly Valley are limited or non-existent, making taxis or rental cars the more practical choices for independent travel.
Butterfly Valley is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Rhodes Airport (RHO), depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Butterfly Valley is typically around €6 per person.
Advance booking for Butterfly Valley tickets is generally not required, as you can purchase them upon arrival.
Butterfly Valley is usually open daily during the butterfly season, typically from May to September. It's best to check the exact hours closer to your visit, as they can vary.
Information on specific child admission fees is not widely available, but it's common for children to have reduced rates or be free for very young ages.
Discounts for Butterfly Valley are not commonly advertised, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance or checking with tour operators if you are part of a group.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The peak season for butterflies in the Valley of the Butterflies is typically from late May to early September, when thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather.
It's highly recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers due to the uneven terrain and stone steps. Light, breathable clothing is also advisable for the warm climate. +1
The valley involves uphill walking and numerous stone steps, which can be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's not considered fully accessible.
Yes, there are restroom facilities (for a small fee), restaurants, and rest areas located at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail.
While there are streams and small waterfalls, swimming is generally not permitted or practical within the main walking trails of Butterfly Valley. The focus is on observing nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire valley offers stunning photo opportunities, from the fluttering butterflies to the lush greenery, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints from the higher paths.
Photographing butterflies can be challenging as they are delicate and can fly away quickly. Patience and a good zoom lens can be helpful.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing butterflies from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the scenic landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks and protected areas to avoid disturbing wildlife. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and potentially more active butterflies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure children wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. While there are resting spots, the terrain requires careful supervision. The educational aspect of seeing different species of butterflies and learning about their habitat can be a highlight for curious young minds.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Wear appropriate hiking gear, including good quality walking shoes or hiking boots, and carry sufficient water. The shaded environment is pleasant, but the exertion can still lead to dehydration. The panoramic views from the top are a great reward for the effort.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the delicate details of the butterflies from a respectful distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive landscapes. Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering illumination for both wildlife and scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Butterfly Phenomenon
It's important to note that the butterflies are sensitive to noise and disturbance. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a quiet demeanor to avoid scaring them away. While the butterflies are the main draw, the valley's natural beauty, with its streams, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, is a significant attraction in itself, offering a peaceful retreat even outside of peak butterfly season.
Some visitors have noted that the butterfly population can vary year to year and even day to day depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors. While the valley is named for the butterflies, its serene atmosphere and scenic trails make it a worthwhile visit regardless of the exact number of butterflies present.
Navigating the Valley Trails
Comfortable footwear is paramount for exploring these trails. Sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended, as flip-flops or sandals are unsuitable for the uneven terrain and can lead to slips or discomfort. The walk is described as a gentle hike but requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the inclines and steps.
Benches are strategically placed along the routes for rest, and facilities such as restrooms and small eateries are available at various points within the valley, including the entrance, middle section, and the top.
Best Times to Visit for an Optimal Experience
Alternatively, early mornings before the peak heat and crowds arrive can also be an excellent time. This allows for a more serene walk through the valley and increases the chances of seeing butterflies when they are most active.
For those specifically hoping to witness the peak butterfly phenomenon, the late spring and summer months (May to September) are generally considered the best. However, even outside of peak butterfly season, the valley's natural beauty, shaded trails, and waterfalls offer a refreshing escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit