This picturesque valley in a densely wooded landscape along a small river is located 25 km southwest of Rhodes Town and is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Rhodes.

Walking through the valley you can admire millions of tiny black, white and orange butterflies of the species callimorpha quadripunctaria, resting in large groups on tree trunks and flitting around the area.

A visit to the Valley of the Butterflies

The walk through the valley follows marked trails and takes approximately one hour (about 1.5 to 2 km).

The paths are well maintained and although there are steps in a few places, even seniors, untrained hikers or young children can manage the walk through the valley.

Butterflies live here freely and naturally and are not bred in any way.

Nevertheless, the overall environment of the Butterfly Valley is greatly influenced by man. In fact, the watercourse has dried up over time and due to climate change and would be dry for most of the year, thus destroying the unique microclimate suitable for butterfly life.

The water in the stream is therefore artificially circulated in a closed circuit. Down it flows in its natural channel, up it is pumped through pipes.

At the end of the Valley of the Butterflies is the small monastery of Kalopetra, which is not open to the public.

At the main entrances you will find several restaurants and bistros.

Entrance fees and opening hours

Children under 12 years old are admitted free of charge. All visitors over the age of 12 pay the following amounts at the ticket office:

• 6 eur - July, August, September
• 3 eur - rest of the year

Payment can be made by card or cash.

Opening hours are 8am-7pm daily and usually open from mid-April to the end of October.

For more information, visit the official website butterfliesrhodes.gr.

Transport and parking

The best choice of transportation is a rental car. There are two official car parks on site, about 1km from the entrance, both of which are free.

The Valley of the Butterflies is about 25 km away from Rhodes town and the turn off is near the airport, follow the "Butterflies" signs.

There is also a D.E.S. Roda bus from Rhodes town via Ixia, Iaylsos, Kremasti, Paradeisi and Theologos twice a day.

It departs from Rhodes at 9:45 and 11:45, and returns at 12:45 and 15:15, the ride takes about 45 minutes and you can buy a ticket from the driver for 6,50 eur, or at the ticket office at the bus stop (only in Rhodes town).

You can pay with card or cash at the driver and at the ticket office.

The current timetable can be found on the website rodospublictransport.gr in .pdf format. Click on "West Side Routes".

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