4.6 / 5

Butterfly Valley
📍 FethiyeView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to June, September to November

⏰ Open Hours:Open 24 hours

🏞 Things To Do:Swimming, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Boat Trips, Butterfly Watching

💰 Budget:Free entry, Boat trip costs vary

🧳 Traveller Types:Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Photographers

🔍 Known For:Home to 100+ unique butterfly species, its serene natural beauty and rugged landscape

🚉 Distances:40 km from Dalaman Airport, 15 km from Fethiye town, 14 km from Oludeniz Beach

👟 Hiking Tips:Carry water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes for the hike down to the valley

📸 Photo Opportunities:Stunning views from the cliffs, the beach, and from boats in the sea

🚤 Boat Trips:Available from Oludeniz Beach, usually include lunch and a swimming stop

🦋 Butterfly Species:Includes the unique Jersey Tiger Butterfly and other rare species

Have questions about Butterfly Valley?Ask the Tripoto Community ›

How to Experience the Magic of Butterfly Valley, Turkey’s Hidden Paradise

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can witness thousands of butterflies fluttering in the air, surrounded by lush green mountains and turquoise blue waters? If yes, then you need to add Butterfly Valley to your bucket list. This stunning destination in Turkey is one of the most beautiful and secluded spots in the country, and a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to visit Butterfly Valley, one of Turkey’s most stunning and secluded destinations. You’ll learn how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and when to go. You’ll also get tips on how to enjoy this natural wonder safely and responsibly, and how to explore the other gems along the Turquoise Coast.

Read on to discover how to experience the magic of Butterfly Valley, Turkey’s hidden paradise.

Butterfly Valley, Fethiye – A Slice Of Paradise

Butterfly Valley is a secluded bay located in the Fethiye district of Mugla province, on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is part of the Lycian Way, a 540-km long hiking trail that connects ancient sites and natural wonders along the coast.

The valley gets its name from the thousands of butterflies that inhabit the area, especially the Jersey Tiger butterfly, which has distinctive black and orange stripes. The butterflies are most active and visible between June and September, when they mate and lay eggs on the Mediterranean Monkshood plants that grow in the valley.

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The valley is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, such as olive trees, figs, pomegranates, laurels, wildflowers, birds, reptiles, and mammals. The valley is a protected area, and no construction or development is allowed. The only way to access the valley is by boat or foot, which adds to its charm and exclusivity.

Butterfly Valley is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also for adventure seekers. The valley offers a range of activities and attractions, such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, yoga, and music. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the valley from the cliffs, or relax on the sandy beach.

Butterfly Valley is a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, and reconnect with yourself and nature. It is a place where you can experience the simple joys of life, such as watching the sunrise and sunset, listening to the waves and the birds, and feeling the breeze and the sun on your skin.

Butterfly Valley is a place where you can experience the magic of nature, and create unforgettable memories.

3 Ways To Visit Fethiye Butterfly Valley

The closest town to Butterfly Valley is Oludeniz, a popular tourist destination known for its blue lagoon and paragliding. Oludeniz is about 15 km away from Fethiye, and you can easily reach it by bus, taxi, or car.

From Oludeniz, you have three options to visit Butterfly Valley:

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Shuttle Boat

The easiest and cheapest way to visit Butterfly Valley is by taking a shuttle boat from Oludeniz beach. The shuttle boat runs every hour from 10 am to 6 pm, and takes about 30 minutes to reach Butterfly Valley. The boat costs 20 TL (about $2.5) per person for a round trip, and you can buy the tickets at the kiosk on the beach.

The shuttle boat is a convenient and scenic way to visit Butterfly Valley, as you can enjoy the views of the coast and the islands along the way. However, the shuttle boat has some drawbacks, such as:

- It can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak season

- It has limited time slots, and you have to return by the last boat at 6 pm

- It does not stop at any other places along the coast, such as Gemiler Island or Kabak Beach

- It can be cancelled due to bad weather or low demand

Boat Cruise

Another way to visit Butterfly Valley is by taking a boat cruise from Oludeniz beach. The boat cruise is a full-day tour that includes stops at several places along the coast, such as Gemiler Island, St. Nicholas Island, Cold Water Bay, and Blue Cave. The boat cruise costs 100 TL (about $12.5) per person, and includes lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You can book the boat cruise online or at any travel agency in Oludeniz.

The boat cruise is a fun and relaxing way to visit Butterfly Valley, as you can enjoy the variety of sights and activities along the coast. However, the boat cruise has some drawbacks, such as:

- It can be expensive and touristy, especially if you are on a budget or looking for a more authentic experience

- It has limited time at each stop, and you may not have enough time to explore Butterfly Valley fully

- It can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak season

- It can be cancelled due to bad weather or low demand

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Hiking

The third and most adventurous way to visit Butterfly Valley is by hiking from Oludeniz beach. The hiking trail is part of the Lycian Way, and follows the coast and the cliffs for about 8 km. The hiking trail is marked with red and white signs, and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The hiking trail is free, but you need to bring your own water, food, and sunscreen.

The hiking trail is a challenging and rewarding way to visit Butterfly Valley, as you can enjoy the views of the coast and the islands along the way. However, the hiking trail has some drawbacks, such as:

- It can be difficult and dangerous, especially if you are not an experienced hiker or have a fear of heights

- It can be hot and exhausting, especially during summer or midday

- It can be isolated and risky, especially if you are alone or have an emergency

- It can be confusing and misleading, especially if you miss the signs or take the wrong path

What To Do At Butterfly Valley

Once you reach Butterfly Valley, you will be amazed by its beauty and tranquility. You will also find a range of things to do and see, such as:

Hiking

One of the main attractions of Butterfly Valley is hiking. You can hike up the valley to see the waterfalls, the butterflies, and the plants. You can also hike up the cliffs to see the views of the valley and the sea. The hiking trails are marked with signs and arrows, and vary in difficulty and duration. Some of the hiking trails are:

Waterfall Trail: This is the easiest and shortest trail, and takes about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. The waterfall is a small and refreshing spot, where you can swim or relax. You can also see some butterflies and plants along the way.

Butterfly Trail: This is a moderate and longer trail, and takes about 45 minutes to reach the butterfly area. The butterfly area is a shaded and secluded spot, where you can see thousands of butterflies and plants. You can also hear some birds and insects along the way.

Cliff Trail: This is the hardest and longest trail, and takes about 2 hours to reach the top of the cliff. The top of the cliff is a stunning and panoramic spot, where you can see the whole valley and the sea. You can also feel some breeze and sun along the way.

Swimming

Another attraction of Butterfly Valley is swimming. You can swim in the clear and calm waters of the bay, or in the cool and fresh waters of the waterfall. You can also snorkel or scuba dive in the bay, and see some fish and coral. You can rent snorkeling or scuba diving equipment from the campsite, or bring your own.

Yoga

If you are looking for some relaxation and meditation, you can join the yoga sessions at Butterfly Valley. The yoga sessions are held every morning and evening, and are open to everyone. You can practice yoga on the beach, or on the wooden platform overlooking the sea. You can also bring your own yoga mat, or use the ones provided by the campsite.

Music

If you are looking for some entertainment and socialization, you can enjoy the music at Butterfly Valley. The music is played every night, and varies from live bands to DJs. You can listen to different genres of music, such as rock, reggae, folk, and techno. You can also dance, sing, or play instruments with the other guests and locals.

Where To Stay At Butterfly Valley

If you want to stay overnight at Butterfly Valley, you have three options:

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Tents

The most common and cheapest option is to stay in a tent. You can either bring your own tent, or rent one from the campsite. The campsite is located on the beach, and has basic facilities, such as toilets, showers, electricity, and wifi. The campsite also has a restaurant, a bar, a shop, and a library. The tent costs 50 TL (about $6.25) per person per night, and includes breakfast and dinner.

Bungalows

The second option is to stay in a bungalow. The bungalows are wooden cabins with beds, fans, and mosquito nets. The bungalows are located on the hillside, and have a view of the valley and the sea. The bungalows share the same facilities as the campsite, such as toilets, showers, electricity, and wifi. The bungalow costs 100 TL (about $12.5) per person per night, and includes breakfast and dinner.

Tree Houses

The third option is to stay in a tree house. The tree houses are wooden platforms with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The tree houses are located on the hillside, and have a view of the valley and the sea. The tree houses share the same facilities as the campsite, such as toilets, showers, electricity, and wifi. The tree house costs 75 TL (about $9.4) per person per night, and includes breakfast and dinner.

Best Time To Visit Butterfly Valley

The best time to visit Butterfly Valley depends on what you want to see and do. Generally, the best time to visit Butterfly Valley is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. However, each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as:

Spring (March to May): This is a good time to visit Butterfly Valley if you want to see the flowers and plants in bloom, and enjoy the mild and pleasant weather. However, this is also the rainy season, and you may encounter some showers and storms. The sea may be too cold for swimming, and the butterflies may not be very active yet.

Summer (June to August): This is the best time to visit Butterfly Valley if you want to see the butterflies and enjoy the hot and sunny weather. However, this is also the peak season, and you may encounter some crowds and noise. The prices may be higher, and the availability may be lower. The sea may be too warm for snorkeling or scuba diving, and the hiking trails may be too hot and exhausting.

Autumn (September to November): This is a good time to visit Butterfly Valley if you want to see the butterflies and enjoy the warm and sunny weather. However, this is also the transition season, and you may encounter some showers and storms. The sea may be too cold for swimming, and the butterflies may start to disappear. The prices may be lower, and the availability may be higher.

Winter (December to February): This is the worst time to visit Butterfly Valley if you want to see the butterflies and enjoy the warm and sunny weather. However, this is also the off season, and you may encounter some peace and quiet. The prices may be the lowest, and the availability may be the highest. The sea may be too cold for swimming, and the butterflies may be gone. The hiking trails may be too wet and slippery.

Safety Tips For Visiting Butterfly Valley

Visiting Butterfly Valley is a wonderful and memorable experience, but it also requires some caution and responsibility. Here are some safety tips for visiting Butterfly Valley:

1. Wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots or sandals, for walking on the beach, the rocks, and the trails. Avoid wearing flip-flops or bare feet, as they may cause injuries or infections.

2. Bring enough water, food, and sunscreen for your visit, as there are no shops or vending machines in the valley. You can buy some snacks and drinks from the campsite, but they may be expensive or limited.

3. Dispose of your trash properly, and do not litter or leave anything behind in the valley. You can use the bins provided by the campsite, or take your trash with you. Respect and protect the nature and wildlife of the valley, and do not disturb or harm them.

4. Follow the rules and regulations of the campsite, such as booking, payment, check-in, check-out, and noise. You can find the rules and regulations on the website or at the reception of the campsite. Be courteous and friendly to the staff and the other guests, and do not cause any trouble or inconvenience.

5. Be careful and alert when swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the bay, as there may be some currents, waves, or rocks. Do not swim or dive alone, and always wear a life jacket or a buoy. Do not swim or dive beyond the marked areas, and do not touch or feed the fish or coral.

6. Be careful and alert when hiking on the cliffs or the valley, as there may be some steep, narrow, or slippery sections. Do not hike alone, and always carry a map or a guide. Do not hike beyond the marked trails, and do not climb or jump from the cliffs.

Other Nearby Attractions

Butterfly Valley is not the only attraction along the Turquoise Coast. There are many other places of interest near Butterfly Valley, such as:

Gemiler Island

Gemiler Island is a small and uninhabited island near Butterfly Valley, and a historical and archaeological site. The island was once a Byzantine settlement, and has many ruins and churches dating back to the 4th and 6th centuries. The island is also known as St. Nicholas Island, as it is believed to be the original tomb of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors.

You can visit Gemiler Island by taking a shuttle boat or a boat cruise from Oludeniz beach, or by hiking from Kayakoy Ghost Town. You can explore the island and see the ruins and churches, or swim and snorkel in the bay. You can also enjoy the views of the coast and the sunset from the island.

Kabak Beach

Kabak Beach is a secluded and peaceful beach near Butterfly Valley, and a popular spot for camping and yoga. The beach is surrounded by pine forests and mountains, and has a long and sandy shore. The beach is part of the Lycian Way, and has many campsites and guesthouses along the coast.

You can visit Kabak Beach by taking a shuttle boat or a boat cruise from Oludeniz beach, or by hiking from Butterfly Valley or Faralya Village. You can relax on the beach, or swim and snorkel in the bay. You can also join the yoga sessions or the music events at the campsites.

Kayakoy Ghost Town

Kayakoy Ghost Town is an abandoned and haunted village near Butterfly Valley, and a cultural and historical site. The village was once a thriving and multicultural community of Greeks and Turks, but was deserted after the population exchange of 1923. The village has over 500 houses, churches, schools, and shops, all in ruins and decay.

You can visit Kayakoy Ghost Town by taking a bus, a taxi, or a car from Fethiye or Oludeniz, or by hiking from Gemiler Island. You can explore the village and see the ruins, or visit the museum and the art gallery. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the sea from the village.

Butterfly Valley is a hidden paradise in Turkey, and a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. You can visit Butterfly Valley by boat or by foot, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the valley. You can also stay overnight at Butterfly Valley, and experience the magic of the valley at night.

You can also visit other nearby attractions, such as Gemiler Island, Kabak Beach, and Kayakoy Ghost Town, and discover the history and culture of the Turquoise Coast.

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