Valley of the Butterflies
Tickets are available at the entrance.
Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
Location
The Valley of Butterflies is located in the northern part of the island, 26 km from the town of Rhodes and 10 km from the airport.
Tickets
From 30/06 - 30/09 the ticket price is 6€ for Adults & free for Children under 12. From 01/10 - 31/10 the ticket price is 3€ for Adults & free for Children under 12. From 12/04 - 13/06 the ticket price is 3€ for Adults & free for Children under 12.
Welcome to the Valley of the Butterflies – A Natural Paradise in Rhodes
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) is one of the most unique and breathtaking natural attractions in Greece. Located on the western side of Rhodes Island, this lush green valley transforms every summer into a living sanctuary filled with thousands of butterflies resting peacefully among trees, rocks, and wooden bridges.
If you are searching for the best nature experience in Rhodes, this is the place.
Surrounded by waterfalls, shaded hiking trails, and rare vegetation, the valley offers visitors a completely different side of Rhodes beyond beaches and resorts. It is a peaceful escape where nature, ecology, and beauty meet.
Explore the Valley of the Butterflies in Rhodes
The Valley
The Valley of the Butterflies is a unique natural park where thousands of butterflies gather each summer. A peaceful escape with shaded trails and flowing streams.
Panaxia Quadripunctaria
The Panaxia quadripunctaria is the rare butterfly species that fills the valley from June to September, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Kalopetra Monastery
The historic Kalopetra Monastery sits above the valley, offering beautiful views and a touch of history to your visit.
Why the Valley of the Butterflies is So Special
Unlike many tourist attractions, the Valley of the Butterflies is a protected ecological habitat. Every year, from June to September, thousands of Jersey Tiger Moths (Panaxia quadripunctaria) gather in the valley.
They are attracted by:
The humidity from natural springs
The shade of dense trees
The resin scent of Oriental Sweetgum trees
The cool microclimate of the canyon
This rare natural phenomenon makes Petaloudes one of the most photographed and visited natural parks in Greece.
A Must-Visit Attraction in Rhodes
While Rhodes is famous for its beaches and the historic Rhodes Old Town, the Valley of the Butterflies offers something completely different.
It is ideal for:
Nature lovers
Families with children
Couples looking for romantic scenery
Hiking enthusiasts
Photographers
Eco-tourism travelers
If you are planning your holidays in Rhodes, visiting the valley should be at the top of your list of things to do.
What You Will Experience
Visiting the valley is more than just seeing butterflies. It is a full nature walk experience.
🌳 Scenic Walking Trails
The park features a well-maintained uphill trail with:
Wooden bridges
Stone steps
Flowing streams
Small waterfalls
Shaded resting areas
The full walk takes approximately 45–90 minutes depending on your pace.
🦋 Thousands of Butterflies
During peak season, entire tree trunks and rocks are covered with resting butterflies. When disturbed, they briefly fly together, creating a spectacular natural display.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to remain quiet to protect their habitat.
🌊 Cool & Refreshing Environment
Even during hot summer days in Rhodes (often over 35°C), the valley remains noticeably cooler thanks to:
Dense forest coverage
Flowing water streams
Canyon-style landscape
It is one of the best places on the island to escape the heat.
Location & Accessibility
The Valley of the Butterflies is located approximately:
25 km from Rhodes Town
15 km from Rhodes International Airport
Near the village of Theologos
You can reach the valley by:
Rental car
Taxi
Organized tour
Local bus (seasonal routes available)
Free parking is available near the entrance.
Best Time to Visit
The butterflies usually gather from:
Mid-June to Early September
The best months to see large numbers are:
July
August
For a quieter experience, visit:
Early morning (before 10:00 AM)
Late afternoon
Entrance Tickets & Visitor Information
Entrance fee applies during summer season
Reduced ticket prices for children
Comfortable shoes are recommended
Not fully suitable for strollers due to stairs
Bring water and sunscreen
Always check current opening hours before visiting.
Environmental Protection
The valley is a protected ecological zone. Visitors must:
Stay on marked paths
Avoid loud noises
Never touch butterflies
Do not litter
Respecting the habitat ensures future generations can enjoy this natural wonder.
Plan Your Visit to the Valley of the Butterflies Today
If you are visiting Rhodes and want to experience one of Greece’s most remarkable natural parks, the Valley of the Butterflies should not be missed.
Explore nature. Walk through shaded forest paths. Witness thousands of butterflies resting in harmony.
Discover one of the island’s true hidden treasures.