The Valley of the Butterflies

The scenic Valley of the Butterflies or Petaloudes as it is locally known is located in close proximity to the village Theologos and the Monastery of Kalopetra, approximately 23 kilometres from the town of Rhodes or 20 kilometres from the Rhodes airport. The Valley was built by the exiled Greek Prince of Walachia, Alexander Ypsilantis in 1784 for his sick daughter. The Prince reportedly left his servant in guard of his daughter but legend claims that the two fell in love with each other. The river by the name of Pelekanos, named after the servant, flows through the Valley and feeds off a waterfall – making it a beautiful background for a portrait.

Nature at its Best:

The number of butterflies is at their maximum in the valley during the months of June to September and attracts many visitors; local and foreign. They emerge from their hiding places and venture out of their cocoons before the rainy season that begins in October. The natural abundance of flora and fauna, and the scent of the storax attract the butterflies to the valley which is their natural habitat. The retreat also has rustic wooden bridges and benches, streams of water connecting to waterfalls and rock pools adding a timeless and mesmerizing charm to the Valley. Restaurants and gift shops are also located inside the resort to cater to the needs of the number of tourists visiting this place from time to time.

Due to this high traffic of annual visitors, the number of butterflies residing at this habitat has reduced dramatically. Visitors are advised to ensure that they are not noisy and disturb the butterflies because astonishingly, it can actually threaten the lives of the butterflies.

The picturesque views provide a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind in the quiet atmosphere of the Valley of the Butterflies. It is one of the top choices of tourists visiting the Island of Rhodes, Greece.