A shaded woodland walk through the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), following a stream past wooden bridges and waterfalls through a forested valley that fills with thousands of jersey tiger moths from July to September.
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) on the island of Rhodes in the South Aegean is one of the most distinctive short walks in Greece, following a well-maintained boardwalk and dirt path through a shaded ravine filled with liquidambar styrax trees whose resin attracts thousands of Jersey tiger moths each summer. The valley is located 25 kilometres west of Rhodes Town, accessed via a signed turn-off from the main west coast road.
The trailhead is at the Petaloudes car park, where a seasonal entrance fee of approximately €5 is charged during the summer months. No permit is required beyond the site admission. Parking is free. The path climbs 2 kilometres from the car park through the valley, crossing several wooden bridges over a seasonal stream and passing a number of reconstructed historic water mills. Elevation gain is minimal at around 50 metres, with a gentle incline throughout.
The surface is primarily compacted earth and wooden boardwalk, largely shaded by a dense canopy of oriental sweetgum trees. The path is fully signed and easy to follow for all ages. There are no water sources along the route; a small cafe operates near the car park in summer. The walk is typically completed as an out-and-back, returning to the car park from the upper valley.
The valley's main attraction is the Jersey tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria), which congregates in enormous numbers from July to September, covering tree trunks and branches with their distinctive orange-red underwings. Visitors are asked not to clap, shout, or disturb the moths, as sudden noise forces them to fly and expends critical energy reserves during their summer resting period. Outside the moth season, the valley remains a pleasant shaded forest walk with birdsong and flowing water in the stream below.
The upper end of the valley features a small reservoir and a hillside monastery. The path terminates here and walkers return by the same route. The entire walk takes between one and one-and-a-half hours at a leisurely pace. Petaloudes pairs well with a visit to Ancient Kamiros, located a further 10 kilometres along the west coast road.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Petaloudes, Rhodes
- Best season
- July-September for butterflies; April-June otherwise
Highlights
- Jersey tiger moth colonies
- Waterfalls and streams
- Dense forest shade
- Historic water mills
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning for the most active moth sightings
- Do not clap or make noise — this disturbs the moths
- Combine with a visit to nearby Ancient Kamiros
When to visit
July to September is the window for seeing the Jersey tiger moth colonies at their peak numbers. April to June and October offer a cooler, quieter forest walk in the shade without the summer heat; spring also brings wildflowers to the surrounding hillsides.
Accessibility
The lower section of the valley path uses wooden boardwalk and compacted earth suitable for most visitors. However, the path narrows and becomes uneven on the upper section and is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or strollers throughout its length. Visitors with limited mobility can comfortably enjoy the lower valley, stream crossings, and water mill area.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the butterflies in Petaloudes?
The Jersey tiger moths are present in the valley from July to September, with peak numbers typically in late July and August. Outside this period the walk remains pleasant and shaded but the moths will not be visible.
Is there an entrance fee to the Valley of the Butterflies?
A seasonal entrance fee of approximately €5 per person applies during the summer months when the moths are present. The site may be freely accessible outside the main season, though opening hours vary.
Why are visitors asked not to make noise in the valley?
The Jersey tiger moths rest on tree trunks and branches throughout summer, conserving energy by minimising flight. Sudden noise or clapping startles them into flight, which depletes their limited fat reserves and can cause them to die before the breeding season.
Can Petaloudes be combined with other sites on Rhodes?
Yes, the valley is 25 km from Rhodes Town on the west coast road. Ancient Kamiros ruins are a further 10 km south along the same road, making an easy half-day combination by car or scooter.