Rhodes Butterflies Valley
Butterfly Valley is a place of picturesque beauty located on the Greek island of Rhodes in Petaludes Valley. In this unusual area there are waterfalls, lakes, rivers and charming flower beds. Water bodies provide sufficient humidity, which contributes to the formation of a favorable microclimate for flora and fauna.
Tsiraks, which tend to produce odorous resins, grow in the park. During the drought in the village of Theologos, steppes of the rarest species of Tigers and four-point bears gather for tender aromas emanating from the Tsiraks, filling the area with life and movement. They flock here from all over the neighborhood. It was through these inhabitants that the area was called « Butterfly Valley ».
Butterflies, as if meditating, are sitting on trees, almost never flying through the territory. On the bark, you can not see them at first sight, since they, masking, change color. From May to September they have a mating season. During this period, moths are very vulnerable so as not to harm them, it is strictly forbidden to touch, and it is also not allowed to scream. The less butterflies spend energy, the longer they live.
Several species of these amazing creatures propagating on the territory of the Valley of Butterflies are listed in the Red Book.
In the fall, all butterflies leave this area, they fly apart, launching a new migration cycle. Even in the park live crabs, lizards, rare birds, goats roam freely.
The valley of butterflies is a national park under state protection. The protected area is a narrow park, the trail along which leads all the time up to the top of the hill. It is necessary to take into account this feature and not forget about comfortable shoes. On the way you can see the ancient mill, old with the Tiberia bench. Even in ancient times, the Greek emperor was in voluntary exile due to love problems. Since then, this place has been shrouded in a special atmosphere, it is considered if you make a wish by sitting on the – bench it will surely come true. On the top is the monastery of the Virgin Mary Cleopatra of the XVII century with a belfry and carved wooden iconostasis. The monastery is a popular pilgrimage center.
The local butterfly museum operates at the reserve.
