9 Reasons to Visit Butterfly Valley, Turkey
Butterfly Valley in Fethiye district, is home to diverse butterfly species and it is located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
The valley’s steep walls are 350–400 m (1,150–1,310 ft) high and has a form of a narrow canyon stretching over around 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi).
Facts About Butterfly Valley in Fethiye Turkey.
The valley is open to the public the entire year and various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, canyoning, canoeing, and scuba diving can be performed.
In the Lycian Era (BC 300-400), the Butterfly Valley was used as a port for the village of Faralya.
The valley has the perfect climate for moths for butterflies to breed and it is squeezed between two rocky slopes down with waterfalls opening onto a secluded cove.
A beautiful Turkish village Faralya is sitting on top of the mountains that overshadow the valley.
Getting in and Out of Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is located about 15 kilometers south of Ölüdeniz and 30 km south of Fethiye, a district located within the boundaries of the valley Oludeniz.
Fethiye is a charming city with a beautiful Old Town with shops, restaurants and bars.
How to get to Fethiye?
By Air: The nearest airport is in Dalaman, 50 kilometers away from Fethiye. There are domestic and international flights from cities in Turkey and Europe, year long. There are shuttles and buses from Dalaman to Fethiye Centrum. Antalya the most famous touristic city with International Antalya Airport is 199 kilometers from Fethiye. There are buses going both ways, almost in every hour. Once you arrive in Fethiye Bus Terminal, you can take shuttles, buses or taxi cabs to Ölüdeniz. Butterfly Valley Service Boat awaits you at the marvelous beach! Boat makes 3 round-trips daily. If you miss the boat, there is a speed-boat which can pick you up; but it has to be arranged and there is an extra fee!
By Bus: There are buses to Fethiye and Muğla, from almost every city in Turkey. Once you arrive in Fethiye Bus Terminal, repeat the step stated above.
By Train: You can catch the train and enjoy a trip through Anatolia to Denizli, located 217 kilometers from Fethiye. The bus terminal is near the train station and there are hourly buses to Fethiye. The mountain road is very refreshing, with breath-taking views.
The Turquoise Coast of Turkey
From the valley, a wide-strip sand beach stands out at a bay on the Turkish Riviera. Also called the Turquoise Coast is also known for mountain scenery, its nice beaches, and warm climate and it stretches in southwest Turkey along the Mediterranean.
Fethiye is also the Turquoise Coast’s oldest resort and largest town.
This combination of Mediterranean climate, superb Turquoise Coast beaches with crystal clear waters has lead to many of the most beautiful photos of the country of Turkey.
Chasing Butterflies in Fethiye
The valley is home and a protected area to almost 100 species of butterflies. You can find naturally grow trees in the valley such as pomegranate, lemon, olive, grape, orange, walnut, peach, apricot, and laurel.
The butterflies are resting on the rocks nearby and you can often see them float through the trees often coming towards you as you walk. Butterfly watching is possible in the valley for 9-10 months, after the winter.
The butterflies only gather during the breeding season which appears in October. Some of the species of butterflies in the valley including the exotic and endemic orange, black and white Jersey Tiger.
Chasing Waterfalls
This waterfall is a secret of the valley and is small but beautiful and where the butterflies breed. There is a total of two small perennial waterfalls at the end of the cliffs.
Both waterfalls are worth visiting and offer an amazing view.
A Perfect Place to Retreat From the World
In the valley, there is a camp facility, where you can stay in tents or choose bungalow houses. You can enjoy relaxing, the beach pretty and scenic. During summer the clear waters in the bay can be really enjoyable.
There are many things you can do including snorkeling and diving are also really popular at Butterfly Valley, or admiring the dramatic sunset.
An Important Ecotourism Attraction Place
The Butterfly Valley is an important ecotourism attraction place in Turkey, due to its natural beauty.
Any type of construction in Butterfly Valley is strictly prohibited by law and it was designated as a nature reserve and protected area of first category on February 8, 1995.
You can get involved with some the sustainable projects while staying in the valley, set up for the area.
Astonishing Scenery
Steep cliffs touch the stunning colors of the seawater, under the Faralya coast, where Butterfly valley is located. One of the best ways to see the valley and get those breathtaking photos is from the village of Faralya, top of the valley.
There are a number of trails leading out of the canyon that lead to stunning views over the valley and a series of waterfalls.
Take a Boat Trip from Oludeniz Blue Lagoon to Butterfly Valley
Another way to enjoy your visit to the Butterfly Valley is to take a boat cruise from the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz to Butterfly which also goes to Gemiler Island, also called St. Nicholas Island.
Taking a boat you can not only explore the most popular sights around Fethiye: Butterfly Valley, Blue Cave, St. Nicholas island, and Cold Spring Bay, but enjoy sunbathing on the boat, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear turquoise waters, or just relax.
Hiking to Butterfly Valley
Hiking is another activity from Ovacik, and two days track is much more convenient, especially in summer, for most people and you can camp in between. Still, some hikers do the 16 kilometers track in one day.
The 40-minute hiking trail between Faralya and Butterfly Valley is not for inexperienced climbers or the faint-hearted.
There are smaller hiking trails up through the valley to reach the waterfalls and get cool bathe in their water.
Main photo: William Neuheisel/Wikimedia Commons
Have you had the chance to visit Turkey’s Valley of the Butterflies? We’d love to hear about your experience and see your photos.
