One of the many attractions of Rhodes besides all the places of historical interest, is certainly the wonderful Butterflies Valley. It is located in the hinterland in the north-west part of the island in the natural park that rises in the Petaloudes area (butterflies in Greek) about 25 kilometers from the capital.

A decidedly magical place where the dotted Harlequin or Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterflies live in red and brown colors that are found in the thousands on trees, on rocks or on the path. The concentration of butterflies in this area is given by the particular climatic conditions of humidity and by the large amount of a particular resin present in the wood.

The show is unique and unparalleled during the summer period from June to September, months of Lepidoptere reproductions, which gather the swarms filling the surrounding vegetation.

The area is part of the Theologos village which is covered with pine trees, with many paths and a stream that gives life to small waterfalls and ponds, a landscape that seems to come from a storybook.The walk extends for about a kilometer with a path that goes into the woods in the cool and sheltered from the warm Rhodes sun with jumpers and comfortable benches where you can rest and enjoy nature. The route being precisely in a valley is sloping but you have the possibility to choose the preferred direction as the beginning or uphill or downhill, in fact the entrances are two one on top of the hill, the other at the bottom.

Our advice, however, is to reach the lower part, use the nice Petaloudes train that takes you to the top entrance and then go down on foot. Equip yourself with suitable shoes avoiding flip flops or open shoes, perhaps because you are still in a wooded area between stones, branches and slopes. The morning is the best time to hike. At the top of the hill there is a nice little church with a small bar where you can have a drink or have a drink.

Opening time

July – August from 8.00 to 19.00

May – June – September from 8:00 to 18:00

April – October from 8:00 to 16:00