Butterfly Valley - Kelebekler Vadisi

✍ Kostiantyn Klynov

Kelebekler Vadisi - Butterfly Valley

First of all - why butterflies? Biologists claim that up to one hundred species of these insects live in this place, and some of them, about three dozen, are endemics living only in this place. Actually, calling this place a “valley” is not entirely correct. In fact, this is a narrow and deep canyon, entering which is fraught with some difficulties.

Where is it located?

Türkiye, Mugla district, Fethiye district
GPS coordinates 36.49781276° 29.12669419°
Valley on Google map

How to get to Butterfly Valley

From the village of Faralya to the Valley of the Butterflies there is an extreme trail along the rocks, which in several places is hung with rope railings and passage through these sections requires basic climbing skills. There are signs at both ends of the trail warning that walking/climbing along it is “dangerous and prohibited.” Nevertheless, this is exactly how hikers who travel along the Lycian Way come here. Including us:)

A much simpler and safer way to get to the valley is to approach by boat from the sea, landing directly on the beach. For example, come here by “water taxi” from Oludeniz. Or you can buy a more expensive multi-island excursion that includes landing at Butterfly Valley. This is exactly how most “cultural” tourists end up here.

No matter how you get to the Butterfly Valley, you will almost certainly be approached by a representative of the local community and offered to pay for your visit. If you go down the cliffs, it will be a beach fee. And if they sailed from the sea, then through the passage into the valley (to the waterfall). The cashier is not inclined to bargain, but he writes out receipts (issues tickets) without any problems.

What to do?

First of all, you can swim here! The beach is pebble, with clean clear water. Behind the beach there is a private garden, pomegranates, citrus and mulberries. There is a small bar and restaurant on the beach. The shower, toilet and changing cabin are located in the depths of the garden and the cashier often sits next to them.

Waterfall

Deep in the canyon there is a small seasonal waterfall. “Seasonal” means that there is water in it not all year round, but only after heavy rains. It rains here in winter, and by early summer the waterfall usually loses most of its strength. There are only 900 meters from the beach to the waterfall, but the last meters before the waterfall are again quite difficult - to get to the water, you need to wade through the thickets and climb over rocks.

Where to stay?

There is a campsite in Butterfly Valley, you can arrange and pitch a tent. I got the impression that for the most part this campsite is aimed not at hikers, but at yogis and esotericists seeking solitude. In the warm season, there are permanent tents here and overnight accommodation is sold complete with meals (at a relatively high price). What I mean is that if you want to spend the night in Butterfly Valley on a budget in your own tent and with your own food, you will most likely need to spend some time haggling with the campground manager.

Another accommodation option is the village of Faralya located above the canyon. In Faralya there are many private pensions (hotels) and some kind of camping. The most magnificent views and photographs are taken from above!