Butterfly Valley - Schmetterlingstal

The Butterfly valley (Greek: Πεταλούδες, Petaloúdes) is on Rhodes or near Psinthos.

background

The butterfly valley is actually only interesting in the summer months, because then the butterflies are also here. They sit by the thousands on the branches and floors of the valley and form the incredible pattern that has made them world-famous. There are not as many as there used to be for a long time, but now very many again.

In the summer months, the animals are attracted by the smell of the resin of the maple species that grow here. This is where they settle down to mate. They come together from all over the island, attracted by the scent of the resin.

The Rhodians almost lost the butterfly valley. Until a few years ago, there were fewer and fewer butterflies that appeared here. Then they finally pulled the rip cord and put the protection of the butterflies before the needs of the tourists in order not to lose this unique natural spectacle. In addition, the valley was lucky not to have burned down in a major forest fire disaster.

The first reason the butterflies stay away is the free range goats. They eat everything that is just growing fresh. And with the fresh leaves also the eggs of the butterflies. The goats belong to some shepherd, but they don't reveal themselves when you ask about the goats. It is illegal to keep free range goats here. They break a lot. Even a shooting bonus has not yet shown any success.

The second reason is the climate, which has changed a bit in Rhodes in the last ten years, especially with regard to rainfall. They fall here all year round now. That bothers the butterflies, who are not used to it.

The most important reason, however, is the tourists themselves. The butterfly species is a moth species that sleeps all day and becomes active at night in order to then mate. The masses of tourists who were brought into the valley, who wanted to see the butterflies fly, have massively disturbed the animals. Everyone who came wanted to be in a flock of butterflies. Trees were beaten, stones were thrown and many other things were done to make the butterflies fly. The animals did not come to rest and therefore they no longer mate.

Today the tour guides in the valley are no longer allowed to explain anything out loud. They do that beforehand. The valley is monitored by cameras. The number of people who watch out has increased significantly. The penalties one must fear for frightening butterflies are already severe. The most important thing was that the tour guides explain what is going on in the valley. The visitors adhere to it to a very, very large extent. The population of butterflies has also recovered somewhat.

getting there

The best way to get to the Butterfly Valley is by car. But there is also a regular bus service from Rhodes. Then you are tied to the times. If you take a tour of the island, the butterfly valley is always there, even if there are no butterflies. If you are there outside of the butterfly season, you do not have to pay the entrance fee for the valley yourself. You can go for a walk like that and see all of the beauty of the valley.

fees

If you want to explore the butterfly valley, it costs 5 euros. You should definitely bring sturdy shoes, the stairs are quite adventurous.

activities

You can stay in the butterfly valley for quite a while. In addition to the butterflies, there is a whole lot more to discover. The area is very idyllic and invites you to take a walk.

kitchen

In addition to a small shop that sells all kinds of things, there is also a tavern below the entrance that is tailored to tourists, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. It is very nicely situated by the brook. You can endure it here.

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