Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

The Valley of the Butterflies, known in Greek as Petaloudes, is a wooded stream valley near the village of Paradeisi on Rhodes, in the South Aegean region of Greece, about 25 kilometres from Rhodes Town. The attraction is the Jersey tiger moth, Euplagia quadripunctaria, which gathers here in large numbers each summer, although it is a moth and not a true butterfly. The insects are drawn by the humidity and by the resin of the storax trees, Liquidambar orientalis, that shade the valley. When resting, the moths hold their dark wings closed and blend into tree bark, and only when disturbed do they flash orange-red underwings. For that reason visitors are asked to stay on the walkways and stay quiet, avoid clapping and avoid flash photography, and the site discourages anything that startles the moths. A network of wooden bridges, stone steps and footpaths follows a small stream and several pools and waterfalls, climbing gradually through the valley. A visit takes one to one and a half hours, and there is a small museum and a cafe area near the entrance. Moths are visible roughly from June to September, with the best viewing in July and August, especially in the morning when they rest and cluster. Outside the season the valley is still a pleasant, shaded walk, though far fewer moths are present. Admission is about 7 EUR for adults, with reduced rates for children, and the valley is usually open from about 09:00 to 18:00 in season. Midday and tour-bus hours bring the largest groups, so arriving soon after opening gives a calmer experience. Getting there by rental car takes about 35 minutes from Rhodes Town, and a KTEL bus runs toward Petaloudes.