Butterfly Valley is a must-see eco-tourist attraction that you should make plans to see when visiting Turkey. The Butterfly Valley covers 86,000 sq. m, and is located on the renowned 500 km Lycian Way, which can only be accessed on water. Approximately 100 species of butterflies live in Butterfly Valley. They include the white, orange, and black Jersey Tiger. A waterfall drops from a canyon wall that’s 350 meters high, within time becoming a calm river. This waters the butterflies’ natural habitat, the lavender chaste trees. In 1987 The Turkish government designated the valley as a preservation area, in order to safeguard the butterflies and flora in the region.
Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) stayed almost unknown until the 1980s, when trekkers started to travel there. Today, one town has been transformed by modern development. Also, the sea is full of alcohol cruises and fake pirate ships. The beaches are full of tourists, and the clear skies are full of paragliders. Butterfly Valley was purchased in 1981, and was opened to tourists three years later. Another three years later, the government assigned the valley as a national preservation area. Today only tents and bungalows are allowed there. Also, the focus is on natural growth, rather than commercial growth. Crops in the region include oranges, peaches, apricots, and olives. Numerous backpackers visit the valley between April-November.
In many regards, Butterfly Valley has preserved a traditional lifestyle. The only electricity there is used to power the area’s many dining areas. Fresh, large family meals, which often feature local produce, are served twice daily. Mediterranean-style breakfasts include items such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Meanwhile, dinners are typically vegetarian Turkish banquets. Visitors often sit on one end of the beach, at a bar that is constructed in the rocks. On the other end of the beach, trekkers enjoy freshly prepared meals. It is definitely an environment that both permanent and temporary residents can enjoy.
Past the shoreline, adventurers can be thrilled by climbing up almost vertical ropes located on the back wall of the canyon. Another option is to climb up steeper ropes to the village known as Faralya. The village provides a sweeping view of the valley located below. At the bottom of Farayla, a wood stand functions as a temporary bar for day hikers originating from Butterfly Valley. However, there’s also something for the more adventurous travelers. They can start from the middle of the Lyclan Way trek, which is 500 km in length. The best way to enjoy local beers is in hammocks located at the edge of the cliff.
Butterfly Valley means different things to different people. For some people, it’s a yearly getaway that allows them to escape their hectic lives for a couple of weeks or months. For other people, it’s a one-time destination where time seems to stand still. In fact, one might be surprised that a place like Butterfly Valley exists in this 24/7 world we find ourselves in. Fortunately, it does, and we can visit it time and time again.