Butterfly Valley, Muğla, Türkiye

Standing: Notable
Rank: Rank 574 of 2,952

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is a valley in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It lies at the foot of Babadağ, a 1,975-metre mountain nominated for preservation as world heritage. The valley forms a narrow canyon about 3–4 km long, with steep walls 350–400 m high, and opens onto a wide sandy beach on the sea. On 8 February 1995 it was designated a first-category nature reserve, and any type of construction in the valley is prohibited by law.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The valley takes its name from its butterflies: scientists have recorded some 105 butterfly species from 15 families native to the valley, among them the Jersey tiger, along with about 147 plant species from 54 families. A wide sandy beach lies at the mouth of the valley, and a creek carrying water from a spring in nearby Faralya village runs through its middle to the sea. A trail inside the valley leads to two small waterfalls that drop from 60 m all year round. Camping, hiking, canyoning, canoeing and scuba diving are possible in the valley.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Season and crowds

Butterfly Valley is open to the public throughout the year. The best time to see its butterflies is between June and September, when many species in a wide range of colours can be observed. In July and August, around 200 visitors camp in the valley each day. Food and drinks are available in the summer, when a small country restaurant and a bar operate in the valley.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Getting there

A shuttle boat service runs to Butterfly Valley from Belceğiz Beach in Ölüdeniz, about 5–7 km away. The valley itself opens onto a wide sandy beach on the sea. Above the valley, a road from Ölüdeniz to Uzunyurt, which forms part of the Lycian Way Ultramarathon route, runs along the rocks around the canyon.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What to watch out for

Butterfly Valley is a protected nature reserve where permanent construction is banned, so only temporary structures are allowed there. Up to 250 people can stay in tents on an area of about 10,000 square metres, alongside a few simple wooden bungalows, and the central sanitary facilities are shared. Electricity comes from a generator and is available free of charge only at certain times of the day. Tour sailboats frequently stop in the bay, and officials and campers have complained about the disturbance they cause.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Place details and sources

Admission fee: 8.00 TRY OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Type of place: Nature reserve OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Access: Private OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09

Website OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09

Common questions

What is Butterfly Valley?

A valley in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, home to many butterfly species.

How do I get to Butterfly Valley?

By shuttle boat from Belceğiz Beach in Ölüdeniz, about 5–7 km away.

Can I walk down to the valley?

A footpath leads down from Faralya (Uzunyurt), but because of its rope-assisted climbing sections and changing surface it should be walked with a guide.

When can I see the butterflies?

Between June and September.

Is the valley open all year?

Yes, the valley is open to the public all year round.

Can I stay overnight in the valley?

Yes. Up to 250 people can stay in tents, and there are also a few simple wooden bungalows.