I handed my fare over to the taxi boat captain and sat down on the wooden seat bench breathing a great sigh of relief. In retrospect, my plans for that day were not complicated. I just wanted to catch the taxi boat from the beach at Olu Deniz to the well-known landmark of Butterfly Valley, a large canyon that is considered to be one of the most picturesque and amazing places in Turkey. In Turkish it is called Kelebekler Vadisi and it is a prime example of the beautiful result of Mother Nature’s work.
However to catch the small taxi boat for the scheduled departure time, I had to run the gauntlet of the larger boats that were insistent on me being their next customer instead. All explanations that I did not want to visit six islands, sunbath and swim or enjoy a tasty BBQ on-board fell on deaf ears. When the boat lads saw that their normal sale tactics were not working, they resorted to some weird and wonderful tales that if it had been my first time in Turkey, I might have believed.
According to the ticket seller called Volkan, the taxi boat to Butterfly Valley had sunk two days before. Once the ticket seller called Mustafa started talking, I just nodded in politeness but was really glad when out of the corner of my eye, I saw the taxi boat finally come sailing in.
Reaching Butterfly Valley
I hurriedly clambered upon the taxi boat and we set off to Butterfly Valley. Running the gauntlet of the ticket sellers and getting wet while climbing on the taxi boat was completely worth it as we sailed past large mountains that eventually led way to the beautiful canyon that is home to many species of butterflies.
I had already been warned not to expect to see many butterflies as it was out of season but there were a few elegantly flying around as I departed from the taxi boat and walked deeper and deeper into the canyon which reminded me of the film “Jurassic park”. My first destination within Butterfly Valley was a waterfall however I had to turn back when the climb after 900 meters proved to be more than difficult for a novice like me. Instead I headed back to the beach area for some well-deserved refreshments.
Restaurants and Refreshments
Restaurant facilities at Butterfly Valley are basic but this is what the canyon is all about. The emphasis is not on pandering to your every whim so you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The motto is “We are one. We are all”. Think of the lost hippie generation when you visit the restaurant which is self-service and also insists that you clear your own table by taking your dishes to the designated washing up point.
Restaurant at Butterfly Valley
Accommodation at Butterfly Valley
If you are looking for places to stay in South West Turkey that are off the beaten track, Butterfly Valley has to be on your agenda. Accommodation is basic, in fact it is a wooden hut and washing facilities are shared bathrooms further down the track into the canyon. If the wooden huts are not your idea of fun, you can rent a tent for the night or you are even invited to sleep on the beach!
Overnight accommodation
Things to do at Butterfly Valley
Whether you visit Butterfly Valley just for the day or overnight the emphasis on “things to do” is all about keeping in touch with nature. Trekkers and hikers will have a field day in the canyon while photographers better free up memory space on their cameras. Swimmers and snorkelers will have a great time in the crystal blue waters or you can just chill out and sunbath on the beach. Night time is saved for BBQs and bonfire parties on the beach.
The Beach
How to Get To Butterfly Valley
You can visit on one of the numerous boat trips that leave from Olu Deniz however your time will be limited. The best way is by using the official Butterfly Valley boat taxi which leaves from Olu Deniz at 11.00am and 2pm, returning from the valley at 1pm and 5pm. Cost is for 15tl for a return ticket. Note : Ignore anything told to you by ticket sellers as they are just trying to get you on their boats and will say anything to achieve it.
Taxi boat
Will Butterfly Valley Be Ruined By Mass Tourism?
The reputation of Butterfly valley is spreading and has been since the 1970’s. It would be normal to assume that as more and more people visit, the canyon will be ruined by greedy tourism chiefs and hotel owners. However if things continue like they are doing, this destination will never fall fowl of the mass tourism mistakes so often seen in other parts of Turkey.
The organization that looks after Butterfly Valley “welcomes free spirited and adventurous travelers to enjoy this unique paradise”. The goal is to keep the valley as a sanctuary that can be enjoyed forever and they do this by promoting the slogan “living in harmony with nature”. Locals and volunteers are actively working to ensure the valley is protected from overuse and misuse. Further reading on them and Butterfly Valley can be found at http://www.kelebeklervadisi.org/ (Written in Turkish and English).
Living in harmony – The Butterfly valley motto
Have you been to Butterfly Valley? If so, did you enjoy it as much as I did?
Never been but looks just lovely. Definitely on my wish list for a road trip.
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
there you are Natalie its been 10 days since your last posting we’ve been missing you
what can i say yet another fabulous read
you must nearly be at the end of your trip now has hubby joined you ???
i like to see butterflies flying around anyway so this is another place for us to visit i dont no about staying overnight i like my home comforts
looking forward to your next update
Hi Jack – Definitely make the effort if you go in that direction
Hi Phil and Di – I can only blame my lack of posting at being pampered, wined and dined in a luxurious hotel in Fethiye with hubby!
Back in Didim now so picking up the blog posts again. Loads to tell so keep an eye out.
Natalie recently wrote about..Butterfly Valley
This has been added to my bucket list too. Thanks for the link to the website – the dingalows look great to stay in.
Roving Jay recently wrote about..Turks drink more tea than the Brits
Just back from there – love it! Although think it’s best appreciated “off season” as you found it. Much more peaceful than high season when the beach becomes a dumping ground for 45 minutes a time for passing tour boats. A necessary evil for business at the cafe and people paying to access the valley I suppose?
We also walked back on the top road and viewed from above (the Kabak/Faralya to Olu Deniz road ) the impact of the valley is absolutely stunning. Many a photo opportunity presented as you can imagine.
Love reading your adventures and seeing your lovely photos.
Take care x
What an incredible place that I had never heard of before, I must visit!!!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently wrote about..Atlanta, Georgia: Culinary Destination
Dream scenery… absolutely beautiful!
Fida recently wrote about..Beauvais Lake<br>Fishing in the Rolling Hills
@Roving jay – You’re welcome. Think I would opt for a night under the stars though
@Jo – I could not figure out how to get to the top hill as I did want some photos from there as well. Glad you made it though
@Andi – It is definitely incredible
@Fida – A destination for your unusual destinations blog maybe?
Natalie recently wrote about..Kas – Mediterranean Delight in Turkey
Can you believe we’ve never got the taxi boat across to Butterfly Valley?!! We’ve viewed and photographed it from above when walking along the Lycian Way, though. Amazing. Great photos.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently wrote about..Around Fethiye: The Fethiye Heads
If you ever do get the taxi boat Julia – Stay well clear of the boat boys!
Natalie recently wrote about..Welcome to Cirali
Hi Natalie,
your information has been a great help.
We are interested in doing volunteer work at butterfly valley.
Do you have any advice in what is the best way to go about it?
Do we need to apply, if so any ideas on whom I may contact?
your thoughts would be greatly appreciated, many thanks.
Tal
Hi Taleszia, the best thing to do is go there and speak to the people direct.
Natalie recently wrote about..The Man Who Tattooed Himself For Turkey
Absolutely beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place called Butterfly Valley? It’s now part of our “To-Travel” list.
Tawny – There are so many destinations in Turkey that are beautiful. Visit them all!
Natalie recently wrote about..Kemer – The Sad Facade and an Obsession with the Euro
Hi Natalie from sunny (for a day) England. Enjoyed your post, brought back some good memories – so important to keep these places under-exploited.
Alan recently wrote about..Lizzie Phelan – Witness To War Crimes
I’m so bummed I didn’t get a chance to see BV while I was in Turkey. Next time!
DTravelsRound recently wrote about..Escape of the Week: The Dead Sea
@Alan – Totally agree. Enjoy England
@DTravelsRound – Definitely next time. It is beautiful to see
Natalie recently wrote about..Five Reasons to Pick Turkey as Your Next Holiday Destination
This place looks like paradise on earth, I’ve only been to Istanbul and loved it, can’t wait to go back to Turkey
Angela recently wrote about..Tehran in pictures, a temptation of local markets and sweets shops
Angela : There is so much to see and do in this area. If you make it then you will love it as well
Natalie recently wrote about..Kas – Mediterranean Delight in Turkey
Beautiful! Ahh, so bummed we didn’t get to explore further when we were in Turkey. All the more reason to go back!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently wrote about..Memphis Tours Egypt: 2 Day Trip to Cairo & Giza Pyramids
Loads of reasons to come back to Turkey Kieu and also stay here!
Natalie recently wrote about..Five Reasons to Pick Turkey as Your Next Holiday Destination
I’ve been to Butterfly Valley twice — in ’95 and ’99 — and absolutely loved it. The hikes to the waterfall and that family-run restaurant were both well worth it.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently wrote about..A Tale of Two Treks
I never made it to the waterfall Raymond – Wish I could have done it.
Natalie recently wrote about..Five Reasons to Pick Turkey as Your Next Holiday Destination
Such a gem and heavenly looking place. I never heard of this place before. It does look like one of the place I’ll love to take pictures at.
Sarah Wu recently wrote about..Epcot – Around The World in a Day
Sarah – I am quite sure your photos would be amazing. You would have a field day here
Natalie recently wrote about..Adventure Rope Climbing In Kemer
So want to go here. I’ve heard nothing but great things and these photos back it up
I am recommending it to everyone and anyone who heads in that direction Caz. it is a great place, unaffected by mass tourism.
Hi Natalie,
I just started reading your blog and I love it already. I don’t know if you’ll see this question since it is April now. But, can Butterfly Valley be reached by car or only boat. Thank you! I look forward to reading more as we plan our trip for this summer.
Hi Dana, it can be reached by car but it is a hard journey from what I understand. Many locals in the area can tell you more.
Thanks, Natalie!
Such a beautiful place – I got married on the beach in 2010! Amazing day……
It is beautiful Hannah – I should imagine your day was amazing
Natalie,
I will be in Turkey from Sep 22-29 2012
I am in charge of the second leg of the trip (two nights in the Mediterranean coast).
I really want to spend a day at the Butterfly Valley – do you have any suggestions of a no-super-touristy town and hotel we can stay the two nights?
My friend and I have travel a lot and we really enjoy staying a places that are quiet and again, out of the tourist track. Any suggestions I will really appreciate!
thanks!
Marco
Hi Marco, I recommend you look into Faralya. I have never stayed there but reports I have heard are good and it seems to be non tourist. It is also close to Butterfly Valley, although the walking route seems to be for fit hikers only.
http://www.faralya.org/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Faralya
Natalie recently wrote about..The Simplicity of Simena and My Desire to Return
Wow, I stayed here in 1990 for a few days and the photos and description make it look virtually identical to when I went. Its wonderful to see its still pretty much the same place after all these years.
Wow that is some years ago Richard. Glad to learn that over those years, they have not given in to mass tourism
My partner and I went to butterfly valley three years ago and it was stunning…..although slightly ruined for me as I had some sort of tummy bug ..we were warned that the climb up to the waterfall could be a bit challenging but decided to go up anyway ..this was in mid July so it was baking hot too, safe to say after half an hour I was feeling too ill to walk any further and returned to the beach for a drink and a sit down!
People have said to me that the waterfall is not that spectacular EM so I like to think we did not miss out on much
Natalie recently wrote about..The Church of the Redeemer and the True Cross
i spent a couple of nights there in one of the shacks, once the boats left after 2ish it was beautiful,the beach restaurant was excellent, except for the wasps and the food that was served for breakfast and dinner was lovelt too. the atmosphere at night in the open air bar was peaceful, the rock bar on the rockface was having a reggae night , which was appreciated by myself, the locals and boat crew were friendly and welcoming and one day i would like to return there for longer…pete
That sounds wonderful Pete – I too would like to return one day and spend the night in one of the shacks. It is an amazing place
Hi Natalie, how long does the boatride take from Oludeniz beach to Butterfly Valley? Looking from the picture of the boat, it doesn’t seem to be a bumpy ride, is it?
Hi Melissa, it was about a 15 minute ride. The trip is very scenic so I really enjoyed it. The weather was nice as well so it was smooth all the way
Natalie recently wrote about..Where To Stay in Cappadocia