Butterfly Valley

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.

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!

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.

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.

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://yenikelebeklervadisi.org/(Written in Turkish and English).

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Nat says
at

I don’t think so but best to check with the orgnizers whose website is listed above
Geologist says
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Hello Natalie! I wonder is there possible nudism? Because i heared that it is possible this.

Thank you!
Natalie says
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Sonny – from what I can gather, the butterfly season is September and you won’t actually see a lot of them
Sonny Khlane says
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When is the time to see the actual Butterflies please? What would be the best of the best time/s in a day and which day/s? Seeing the butterflies there would be complete the journey for me since i may not have a chance to go there again.
Nat says
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I am sure you can but double check with the boat driver first
Paz says
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Hi!!! I went the last year to Butterfly Valley, but I arr?ved there cl?mb?ng the mountain. It was so tired but I could do it!!! This year I’m going there again but this time I think I will prefere the boat hahaha
Just one question..can I take the boat at 14h from ölüdeniz, sleep in Butterfly Valley and go back to ölüdeniz the next day at 17h?? Using the same ticket??

Thank you so muuuuuch!!!!!!!!
Paz Mercadal.
Nat says
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Hi Sydi,

Butterfly season changes depending on who you talk to. I have received many different answers but most seem to generate around Spring time. I visited in October and did not see any.

The tourist season runs from May to October and the price I paid to walk the valley was 5 lira, although it is a sure possibility that it has gone up now.
Sydi says
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Unfortunately I cannot find any dates here so cannot tell how recent the info is, whether to expect higher prices, etc. Out of season also is not clear if we do not know what “in season” is. What is the Butterfly season? What is the tourist season? And is there a price to explore the valley to find butterflies to photograph?

Thanks!
Natalie says
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It is beautiful Ryan – try and make it one day if you can
Ryan Biddulph says
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Natalie, this places looks beyond beautiful! Thanks for the inspiring share.

Ryan
Nat says
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As long as you don’t mind roughing it – I think that is a fabulous idea.

If you are hesitant about whether the four year old will like it. Book a hotel in Olu Deniz for one night. Then in the morning, go down to the beach, catch the water taxi, and then come back in the afternoon. That way you can test whether he will like it.
simon says
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Hi,
What do you reckon to traveling there and staying with a 4-year-old?
Rob says
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Wow, looks absolutely stunning and a nature lover’s dream! Would love to visit Turkey one day soon and must look into exactly where Butterfly Valley is located. Thanks for the great story and photos!
Sasa says
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Almost untouched nature, beautiful.
Nat says
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No Jamie – don’t tell them it is dangerous – it is fine! Just the South-east is off bounds at the moment, but Turkey is a very big county
Jamie says
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I’ve ever taken a taxi boat in one country and that was Thailand. Skimming across the ocean is the greatest, especially at night. While this island isn’t as beautiful as Thailand, it looks like it has a lot of beauty there. I have a lot of Korean friends who want to travel to Turkey, but I always tell them they need to wait a little while as its dangerous at the moment. I guess I was misinformed after reading a few posts on your blog!
Nat says
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Glad to find a mutual fan Thomas
Thomas says
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It was 1987 when i first discovered the Butterfly Valley, and revisited it 5 times in the following ten years. It is a very special place i feel spiritually connected to. My thanks go to Hasan Deniz B. and his many partners for making so many efforts and spending so much time over the years to keep this exceptional place alive and well. To see the BV once again and to find it as it ever was is one of my greatest hopes … Thank you too Natalie for your nice work here!
Nat says
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Never heard that before Navin – where did you hear about that?
navin says
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i heared about that beach that few couple of topless Europeans on the Butterfly Valley beach , is it true?
Nat says
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That sounds amazing Edward – would love to have experienced that
Edward Dutton says
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I went to Butterfly Valley in the early 2000s. We stayed in a tent on the beach. The food was amazing and the rock bar (cut into the rock face) was so fun. We played backgammon all the time and read. One of the most relaxing places I’ve ever been.
Natalie says
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There was a website a few years ago but nobody seem to be updating and checking it. When I was there, one of the local blokes in the restaurant said accommodation was booked as and when people arrived. There are some huts at the back of the beach and if all those were being used, people just slept on the beach he said. From what I can make out though, it is popular for a daytime excursion but not overnight, so you should not have any problems booking. If you want to be extra sure, book into a cheap hotel in Olu Deniz and then just nip over on the water taxi to check.
Jenna says
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Hi Natalie,

Your post mentions the overnight accommodation in Butterfly Valley, but doesn’t say how/where to book. I have looked online and can’t seem to find it to pre-book. Is it something we need to prebook or is it ok to show up and there will be a cabin available for us? Your help is most appreciated.

Thanks!
Jenna
Helen says
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Oh wow, thats sounds truly magical. I wish I’d known about Butterfly Valley when I visited Olu Deniz. I suppose I’ll just have to go back. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Natalie says
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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
Melissa says
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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?
Natalie says
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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
pete cress says
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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
Natalie says
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Hi Taleszia, the best thing to do is go there and speak to the people direct.
Taleszia says
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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
Natalie says
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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
EM says
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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!
Natalie says
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Wow that is some years ago Richard. Glad to learn that over those years, they have not given in to mass tourism
Richard says
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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.
Natalie says
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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
Marco says
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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
Natalie says
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It is beautiful Hannah – I should imagine your day was amazing
Hannah says
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Such a beautiful place – I got married on the beach in 2010! Amazing day……
Dana says
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Thanks, Natalie!
Natalie says
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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.
Dana says
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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.
Natalie says
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I am recommending it to everyone and anyone who heads in that direction Caz. it is a great place, unaffected by mass tourism.
Caz Makepeace says
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So want to go here. I’ve heard nothing but great things and these photos back it up
Natalie says
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Sarah – I am quite sure your photos would be amazing. You would have a field day here
Sarah Wu says
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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.
Natalie says
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I never made it to the waterfall Raymond – Wish I could have done it.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam says
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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.
Natalie says
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Loads of reasons to come back to Turkey Kieu and also stay here!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin says
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Beautiful! Ahh, so bummed we didn’t get to explore further when we were in Turkey. All the more reason to go back! 🙂
Natalie says
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Angela : There is so much to see and do in this area. If you make it then you will love it as well
Angela says
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This place looks like paradise on earth, I’ve only been to Istanbul and loved it, can’t wait to go back to Turkey 🙂
Natalie says
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@Alan – Totally agree. Enjoy England

@DTravelsRound – Definitely next time. It is beautiful to see
DTravelsRound says
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I’m so bummed I didn’t get a chance to see BV while I was in Turkey. Next time!
Alan says
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Hi Natalie from sunny (for a day) England. Enjoyed your post, brought back some good memories – so important to keep these places under-exploited.
Natalie says
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Tawny – There are so many destinations in Turkey that are beautiful. Visit them all! 🙂
Tawny- Captain and Clark says
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Absolutely beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place called Butterfly Valley? It’s now part of our “To-Travel” list.
Natalie says
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If you ever do get the taxi boat Julia – Stay well clear of the boat boys!
Turkey's For Life says
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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
Natalie says
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@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?
Fida says
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Dream scenery… absolutely beautiful!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
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What an incredible place that I had never heard of before, I must visit!!!
Jo says
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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
Roving Jay says
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This has been added to my bucket list too. Thanks for the link to the website – the dingalows look great to stay in.
Natalie says
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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.
phil + Di marina gateway says
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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
Jack Scott says
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Never been but looks just lovely. Definitely on my wish list for a road trip.