Have you ever considered a place where thousands of butterflies fly around you amidst the mountains, beautiful beaches, and turquoise water flowing around you? If your answer is yes, which should be the case, who wouldn’t want to visit such a place? One such place to visit is the Butterfly Valley in Turkey. You can see various butterflies flying around this valley. This makes it one of the most beautiful and hidden places in Turkey, making it a perfect place to rejuvenate and relax. Want to know more about this place? Then, read this blog till the end.
About Butterfly Valley In Turkey
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Butterfly Valley in Turkey is located at the foothill of Babadağ, 15 km South of Fethiye in the Mugla Province. Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, the valley is called Kelebekler Vadisi and stretches across an area of 3 Km to 4 Km. The valley is home to more than 147 species of flora from 54 families and 105 butterfly species from 15 families. It is surrounded by 350-metre cliffs and a waterfall that pours down the back canyon wall. The valley also comprises lush vegetation and a golden sand beach that opens across the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The place is also a must-visit for adventure lovers, as one can indulge in activities like swimming, hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and much more. This makes it one of the most worth-seeing sites in Turkey.
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Things To Do In Butterfly Valley In Turkey
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In Turkey, the Butterfly Valley is a one-stop destination with options that meet all expectations, whether enjoying nature naturally or choosing water sports. Here are some of the top things to do in the valley:
- Hiking: The valley has several hiking paths that meander through it and take you to magnificent viewpoints. These trails also have waterfalls. Hiking also helps you discover new plants and butterflies across the valley.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: One can snorkel and swim in the water near the bay or in the water of the waterfall. There are shops at the campsite where you can rent snorkel and scuba diving equipment.
- Camping: Camping is the best choice for those seeking an outdoor experience. You can set up your tent in the camping area and spend the night surrounded by the serene beauty of the valley. You can gaze up at the sky above at night and have an enchanting experience.
- Boat Tours: Visitors take a boat tour to explore the coastline. These tours often stop at scenic spots along the coast, making the tour more adventurous.
- Meditation and Yoga: You can find peace in the serene beauty of Butterfly Valley in Turkey. Several visitors come here to practise yoga and meditation and connect themselves with nature. You can also attend the yoga sessions held every morning and evening. These are free and open to everyone.
- Butterfly Watching: Tourists get mesmerised by glancing at the colourful butterflies. The best time to see them is during the summer. You will get a magical sight and hear birds and insects along the way.
Best Time To Visit Butterfly Valley In Turkey
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The best time to visit Butterfly Valley varies depending on your choice. Usually, the best time is from May to October. The weather stays sunny in these months, and the sea stays calm. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best time to visit the valley based on the season:
- Spring Season: March to May is a good time to visit Butterfly Valley because the flowers and plants are in full bloom during these months, and the weather is pleasant. But, in these months, you won’t see many butterflies and the water will be too cold for swimming.
- Summer Season: June to August is a good time to witness butterflies and enjoy the sunny weather. As this is when you will see a lot of butterflies, you will find some crowds. Also, the seawater and hiking trails will be too warm for scuba diving and hiking.
- Autumn Season: September to November is a good time to visit the Butterfly Valley. But, in this season, you might not swim because of cold water.
- Winter Season: December to February is not a good time to visit Butterfly Valley. However, this is the off-season, which makes it ideal for finding peace and solace.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Turkey
How To Reach Butterfly Valley In Turkey
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Travelling to Butterfly Valley in Turkey would not involve a road trip. One has to first get to Oludeniz, which is around 15 Km from Fethiye. From Oludeniz, there are three main ways to reach the valley:
1. Shuttle Boat
Taking a shuttle boat from Oludeniz Beach is the cheapest way to visit Butterfly Valley. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach Butterfly Valley. The shuttle boat costs 20 TL per person for a round trip. It is easily available and runs every hour between 10 am and 6 pm.
2. Boat Cruise
You can also take a boat cruise to Butterfly Valley from Oludeniz Beach. The cruise costs 100 TL per person, and lunch, drinks, and snorkelling equipment are included. The tour is a full day and stops at places along the coast, like Gemiler Island, Cold Water Bay, St. Nicholas Island, and Blue Cave.
3. Hiking
You can hike from Oludeniz Beach to Butterfly Valley. The 8 Km hiking trail is part of the Lycian Way and will take you around 4 hours to reach Butterfly Valley. Hiking is the best option if you want to enjoy the beautiful views of the coast and the island.
Best Places To Visit Near Butterfly Valley In Turkey
After visiting the Butterfly Valley in Turkey, plenty of destinations are nearby. Some of the popular ones include the following:
1. Oludeniz Beach
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Oludeniz Beach is located between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. It is a certified blue beach renowned for its beaches and shallow water. It is considered one of the best spots for paragliding in the world. One can also go on surfing and kayaking. Being a marine reserve, you can witness the flora and fauna while scuba diving. Visitors can also sit and relax while soaking in the sun and savouring delicious food.
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2. Kayakoy Ruins
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Kayakoy, also known as the Ghost Town, is an open-air museum comprising over 50 homes and 3 churches. Kidrak Beach, part of the Kidrak National Park, is a must-visit destination. One of the most famous churches in the area is the Basilica of Panagia Parigoritissa, renowned for its Gothic architecture. You can also visit the museum to explore the city’s history.
3. Kidrak Beach
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Kidrak Beach is a must-visit destination in Kidrak National Park. Surrounded by lush pine trees, the beach is a perfect place to enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, and more. You can also explore the animals and flowers and even go paragliding. The beach also has various cafés and beach clubs where visitors may rest and relax.
Further Read: Turkey In May
Butterfly Valley is thus a natural beauty. You can explore its gorgeous pathways, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings. Every time you spend here will leave an indelible mark on you. So, immediately plan your trip to Turkey and spend quality time in this stunning location. The stunning vistas will take your breath away from the time you arrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Valley In Turkey
Is Butterfly Valley a good place for vacation?
Yes, Butterfly Valley in Turkey is worth seeing. It is a beautiful place with cliffs all around. It is famous for its colourful butterflies, stunning views, and fantastic beach. So, if you love nature, you must visit it.
Is Butterfly Valley an excellent place to swim?
Yes, Butterfly Valley is an excellent spot for swimming. It's the ideal spot to appreciate nature while swimming because of the crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings.
Can you get to Butterfly Valley, Turkey, by car?
No, you can't drive to Butterfly Valley in Turkey. The two primary ways to get there are by boat from Oludeniz or on foot from Faralya.
How long does Butterfly Valley last?
The length of the Butterfly Valley in Turkey is between 3 Km and 4 Km.
How long do you spend at Butterfly World?
You can spend 4 to 5 hours at Butterfly Valley in Turkey. To do water sports and appreciate its natural beauty. Moreover, if you are planning to camp then you can stay at least a day.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
