Come fly with me
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Butterfly Valley
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When:
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Jun - Sep 2007 (annual)
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Where:
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Butterfly Valley
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| Costs: |
Free; boat journey a few euros
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| Opening Hours: |
Always open
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The Butterfly Valley near Fethiye is a hidden gem of Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Deep, steep and accessible only by boat or via the Lycian Way walking trail, it is a protected site because millions of butterflies - over 30 daytime species including the Jersey Tiger Moth and 40 noctural species - come here to breed between June and September.
Construction is prohibited, so come by boat, bring a tent and camp overnight or stay in the tree-houses provided to appreciate this natural phenomena for yourself. In addition to the clouds of butterflies fluttering by, there are also two small waterfalls to discover, providing a refreshingly cool shower after a hike through the secret valley.
Boats leave daily from Belcekiz Beach in Olu Deniz and the turquoise water of the little bay means swimming here is also delightful. There is a small restaurant in the valley where you can have lunch if you choose.
Please remember that this is a haven for a sensitive type of insect, so don't shout to hear your own echo in the valley, take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, and if you see any litter on your journey, pick it up. The butterflies would thank you if they could!
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