Valley of the Butterflies

The Valley of the Butterflies is a narrow green valley about 5 km long near the village of Epano Kalamon in the northern part of the island of Rhodes. The valley is formed by a stream which, unlike a number of other Rhodian streams, is said to never dry up. This is where most tourists go in the months of July and August, when it is home to thousands of butterflies of the species of stilt-winged butterfly, which take refuge here during the mating season. They are apparently lured here by the golden resin of the Eastern Ambrone trees, which smells sweetly like vanilla. Unfortunately, the number of butterflies has decreased significantly in recent years, due to the number of visitors who disturb them. Here you can walk through a part of the valley that is about 1 km long, where an educational trail leads. At its upper end is the rural church of Moní Panagías Kalópetras from 1782, from where there is a wonderful view of the region. At the lower end of the accessible part, in the former mill, there is a museum of butterflies from all over the world.

If you go here outside the butterfly season like we did, you will still enjoy a beautiful nature walk in the shade of the trees and you can observe goldfish and crabs in the ponds.

The entrance fee is €5 in season and €3 outside it.