Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) quick facts
- Unique Attraction: The valley hosts thousands of Panaxia butterflies during August, offering a tranquil environment with creeks, waterfalls, and unique Zitia trees.
- Conservation Efforts: Visitors are prohibited from making noise, clapping, or disturbing butterflies to protect their energy reserves, as they cannot eat during this stage.
- Visiting Information: Open daily from June to October, with ticket prices ranging from €3 to €6. Children under 12 enter for free.
- Natural History Museum: Located at the entrance, it showcases endemic and rare species from the valley.
- Accessibility: Situated 26 km from Rhodes Town, the valley is easily accessible via a short inland road between Paradisi and Theologos, with bus services available.
About the valley of the butterflies
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) is another one of the landmarks of the island: the "Zitia" tree, which is found in a few parts of the Mediterranean, hosts thousands of butterflies that peacefully hang in the shadowy wet paths it creates with the brook, which occasionally is transformed to lakes and small waterfalls.
During August, the butterflies of the genus Panaxia (species Quadripunctaria Poda) swarm into the butterfly valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the butterflies, still in the caterpillar stage, remain in the Mediterranean thicket (arbutus, myrtle and rush) feeding on the foliage.
As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. They move constantly towards areas with high humidity, always following the "water ways", and as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.
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The butterflies like it quiet!
Unfortunately, over the last few years the population of the Panaxia butterfly has been constantly in decline, due to several factors, one of the most important being the disturbance by visitors. The butterfly has an atrophic peptic system, meaning has no stomach. From May until the mating period (for the males), and until the egg lying period (for the females) they do not eat. They survive from the energy stored from their previous lives as caterpillars.
The disturbance of visitors is forcing the butterflies to fly all day, consuming valuable energy. Visitors should not be denied the enjoyment of viewing the butterflies at rest, but it is prohibited to disturb them in any way (hand clapping, whistling etc).
Morphology and Developmental Stages of the Butterfly
There are four stages of development for the Butterfly: egg, pre-nymph (caterpillar or larva), nymph (pupa or chrysalis) and final and perfect stage. The life cycle is one year.
The butterfly Egg
Towards the end of September, the female butterfly lays more than one hundred eggs, white in colour, placed side by side like a mattress, or individually. The eggs are tough, resilient and slippery which offers them a great deal of protection against predators. As the cycle is only one year the butterfly dies a few days after the egg laying, a fact which places great biological importance on the egg for the existence and perpetuity of the species.
The butterfly Pre-nymph
The caterpillar has a worm-like appearance and emerges approximately one month after the eggs have been laid, around the end of October, Initially it is only one millimetre in length but it continuously grows. Its skin colour is yellow and white in the beginning, gradually darkening later on.
The increase in body size causes the shedding of the old skin and the appearance of a new one. This occurs six times. The pre-nymph stage lasts through the winter and spring, it's primal function being food consumption. Large amounts of plant material are consumed in order to made into larva tissue.
The butterfly as Nymph
This is the immobility stage, where the insect remains mummified within the cocoon, surrounded by a shroud. This takes place under stones, leaves or even a few centimetres under ground, usually beginning in the last two weeks of May. The cocoon is almost transparent with a brown tinge.
This stage lasts for a month. During this time, all the necessary re-organization of tissue takes place and as result the adult appears with the simultaneous shedding of the cocoon in the first few days of June. In the resting position, the Panaxia as an isosceles triangle with a head and wings which are held tightly against the body.
The wings have a brownish black colour with irregular yellowish white stripes, colours which were developed to blend into the surrounding tree trunks and rocks making it difficult for a predator to distinguish them. During flight, they reveal two bright red rear wings decorated with four black spots on each. Our "tree trunk" now appears bulky, hairy and bright pink! The antennae are long and pointed.
As in any large population of a species, for example humans, we don't all have exactly the same physical characteristics. The same applies to butterflies. The basic colours already described can vary from grey-brown to black for front wings and from yellowish red to deep red for the rear ones.
Panaxia feeds only during the pre-nymph stage. Experiments have shown that the adult can survive throughout the entire summer on water alone. It uses it's fat deposits to cover its energy needs.
The main natural enemies of Panaxia are frogs, lizards, crabs and bats. The butterflies react strongly to ultrasounds, indicating that they sense the ultra sounds emitted by bats. Panaxias' reaction to whistling and hand-clapping is immediate. This reaction consists of flying away from the danger area or evasive flight manoeuvres such as flying with wings only half open or irregularly flapping the wings.
When the cause for panic is over, Panaxia gathers its wings, calms down and settles once again into a sleeping position. It is important to understand that this behavior forces the butterfly to use energy it can not replace, so it is prohibited to disturb the butterflies in such ways.
The following general rules apply while exploring the Valley of Butterflies
- It is not allowed to leave the footpaths when exploring, in order to avoid trampling rare plants
- Avoid any kind of noise that could disturb the Butterflies, as well as talking loudly
- Clapping hands is strictly forbidden
- No smoking and polluting the environment with any sort of trash
- It is important to respect the indications of the signs and the guards
Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum of Rhodes operates at the entrance of the butterfly valley. Among the exhibits are endemic and rare species of the broader area of the Valley, which are displayed in cases representing the conditions of the natural environment.
Valley of Butterflies frequently asked questions
How do I get to the valley of the butterflies?
The valley is located about 26 km away from the town of Rhodes, and 6 km from the western coast, in the northern part of the island. Starting from Rhodes city you will find the valley between the villages Paradisi and Theologos along a small road that heads inland. There is also public transportation available by bus.When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Butterflies?
The best time to visit is between late June and early September, when the moths are most active. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds and experience the tranquil atmosphere.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Valley of the Butterflies?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee, which helps maintain the park and protect the natural habitat. Discounts are often available for children, students, and seniors.
Opening hours:
- The opening hours are Monday through Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
Ticket prices:
- 01/07 - 30/09: Adults 6€ and Free for children under the age of 12
- 01/10 - 31/10: Adults 3€ and Free for children under the age of 12
- 12/04 - 30/06: Adults 3€ and Free for children under the age of 12
Are there facilities available for visitors?
Yes, the site offers amenities such as a visitor center, restrooms, snack kiosks, and shaded seating areas. Additionally, there are clearly marked walking trails throughout the park to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Are the walking trails suitable for all fitness levels?
The trails are well-maintained but can be steep and uneven in some areas. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors with mobility issues may find some paths challenging. However, certain parts of the valley are more accessible.
Is the Valley of the Butterflies family-friendly?
Absolutely! The site is perfect for families with children, offering an educational and fun experience in nature. The shaded trails and the chance to see butterflies up close make it a favorite spot for kids.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for those who want to learn more about the history, ecology, and significance of the valley. Here are some suggestions for guided tours to the valley of Butterflies on Rhodes:
- Butterfly Valley Half-Day Bus Trip
- Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Valley Day Trip
- Filerimos Hill and Butterfly Valley Bus Trip
What should I wear or bring when visiting the valley?
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during the warmer months. Insect repellent is not usually needed but can be useful in some areas.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is a parking area near the entrance to the valley. It can get busy during peak hours, so arriving early is recommended.
