The Valley of the Butterflies, Petaloudes in Greek, is a green canyon about a kilometre long on the west side of Rhodes, where a stream runs through shady woods and tumbles over small waterfalls. Plane trees, oaks, pines, bay laurel and oriental sweetgum, the tree whose resin attracts the butterflies, shade a wooden path that follows the water. From June to September, thousands of Jersey tiger moths, a species of butterfly-like moth that rests in the valley, gather on the tree trunks and rocks, and the sight of them taking off is the reason people come. The park also has a restaurant in an old Italian mill, a small natural history museum and a butterfly hatchery. At the highest point of the trail stands the Kalopetra monastery, dating from 1782.
Visitors must stay on the path and keep quiet, because the insects rest during the day and are easily disturbed. Do not clap, shout or touch them, because the moths are fragile and their energy is limited. The walk through the valley takes about an hour at a gentle pace, longer if you climb to the monastery. The trail is mostly wooden boardwalk and steps, with some uneven sections, and is suitable for most reasonably active walkers and children.
Seasons are clear and important
The valley is open from 1 May to 31 October, from 8am to 4pm, and is closed for the rest of the year. The butterflies themselves appear only from about June to September. That means the valley is closed from November to April and reopens on 1 May each year. If you are visiting between November and April, do not plan on it; consider Seven Springs or Filerimos instead, which are open in the cooler months.
Getting there
The valley is about twenty-five kilometres from Rhodes Town, near Theologos and the airport coast, reached by car, taxi, bus or organised tour. It is often paired with Filerimos hill on a half-day trip. Visit in the morning, when the air is cooler, and avoid midday crowds.
Wear flat shoes and bring water and a hat. A modest entry fee applies. Photography is allowed, but do not use flash. If you are travelling in summer, build the valley into your first week and book a morning slot, because tour coaches arrive later in the day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk on a wooden path through a shady wooded canyon with streams and waterfalls, ending at a hilltop monastery.
Best time
Morning in June to September, for the butterflies. The valley is closed from 1 November to 30 April.
How long
About an hour, a little longer to climb to the monastery.
Tips
Stay on the path, keep voices low, skip flash photography, and arrive early before the coaches.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and nature lovers visiting between May and October.
- Families
- A gentle, shady boardwalk walk that children enjoy, though the steps are not buggy-friendly.
- Couples
- Quiet and green, followed by lunch in the mill restaurant.
- Pair with
- Filerimos hill, which is nearby and open in winter.
- Time needed
- Two hours including the drive from Rhodes Town.
Good questions
When is the Valley of the Butterflies open?+
From 1 May to 31 October, from 8am to 4pm daily. It is closed in winter, so it is not open in November and reopens each May.
When can I see the butterflies?+
From about June to September, when the moths gather in the valley. Visit in the morning for the best chance of seeing them at rest.
What else is in the valley?+
A restaurant in an old Italian mill, a small natural history museum, a butterfly hatchery and the Kalopetra monastery at the top of the trail.
What should I wear?+
Flat, comfortable shoes for the boardwalk and steps, a hat and water. Keep quiet and stay on the path.
What can I do instead in winter?+
Visit Filerimos hill, walk to Seven Springs or explore the Old Town. All three are open in the cooler months.
