Butterfly Valley Guide: How to Get There, What to Expect and When to Go

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisisi) is a narrow cove wedged between two very tall cliffs, a short way down the coast from Ölüdeniz. There is no road to the beach. You arrive by boat, step onto a pebbly shore, and find a small waterfall, a stream, a sleepy beach camp and a lot of quiet. It is one of the most atmospheric stops on this coast, and it is easy to enjoy if you know what to expect.

Getting there: by boat

The straightforward and recommended way to reach Butterfly Valley is by boat. Boats run from Ölüdeniz beachfront, and in season there are also boat tours from Fethiye harbour that include a stop at the valley. The crossing from Ölüdeniz takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes each way, so the trip is short and scenic. Frequency, prices and the final return times change with the season, so check the current schedule at the beach kiosks and agree on your return time before you set off.

What you will find at the bottom

The beach is small, made of pebbles, and the water is clear and cool. It is walled in by sheer rock on both sides, which creates dramatic light in the morning and late afternoon. A narrow path leads inland from the beach alongside a stream. After a short and fairly flat walk you reach a waterfall that runs best in spring and early summer and may be much thinner, or nearly dry, in late summer. The walk is a gentle one, but the ground is uneven, so wear shoes with a decent grip.

Behind the beach there is a simple camp with tents, bungalows, a café and a small restaurant. Facilities are basic by design. It is a place to swim, read, eat something simple and slow down, not a resort.

The butterflies

The valley takes its name from the Jersey tiger moth, a striking black, white and orange insect that is commonly described as a butterfly. They gather in the shade of the valley in the hottest months, roughly July to September, and rest on tree trunks and rock faces. When they sit with their wings closed they are well camouflaged, so people often walk past thousands of them without noticing. Look closely at the shaded rocks and trunks along the stream path. Please do not disturb them or clap to make them fly, as it harms the colony.

Numbers vary from year to year with weather and conditions, so treat the butterflies as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to come. If you visit outside summer you will still enjoy the cove, the waterfall and the setting.

Best time to go

• May to June: The waterfall is at its best, the sea is warming up, and the crowds are lighter.
• July to August: Most butterflies, but also the hottest and busiest months. Go on a morning boat if you can.
• September to October: Warm water, calmer atmosphere and fewer visitors.

Boats run only in the warmer months and depend on sea conditions, so confirm that service is operating when you plan your trip.

Practical tips

• Bring cash for the boat and for food at the camp, since card machines can be unreliable in such a remote place.
• Pack water, sunscreen, a hat and swimwear, plus shoes you can walk in and get wet.
• There is little shade on the beach itself before midday. The camp has covered areas.
• Swim near the shore. The valley is exposed to the open sea and the water gets deep fast.
• Mobile signal is patchy. Settle your return boat time clearly with the captain.
• Take your rubbish back with you. There is no municipal waste collection in the valley.

Combine it with other stops

A popular plan is a boat tour that links Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island and the Blue Cave in a day. If you prefer a slower pace, take the boat just to Butterfly Valley, spend a few hours there and come back in the afternoon. You can also look at the beach from above: the road to Faralya has some of the best views on the coast, and our Ölüdeniz guide explains how to combine that with a day by the lagoon.

Is it right for everyone?

Butterfly Valley is great for people who like natural settings and simple facilities. It is less suited if you need step-free access, since there are boat steps, pebbles and uneven paths. Families with small children can enjoy it with care, but there is no lifeguard on duty, so keep a close eye on them in the water.