by Sarah Cleaves

Created on: July 16, 2009

A little piece of paradise, Rhodes has something to offer everyone, whether it be a relaxing day on the beach soaking up the sun or exploring one of the many ruins or monuments on the island such as the impressive Acropolis of Lindos, the Old Town of Rhodes where the Knights of St John resided, or the ruins of the once proud town of Kamiros. And there is just as much to keep those with a love of nature busy too.

Whenever I visit the island I never miss the opportunity to explore its fabulous forests, and perhaps one of the most beautiful walks is up through Butterfly Valley. The first time I did this walk I was a child, and leaving a lasting impression the forest has pulled me back time and again to enjoy the enchanting journey over wooden bridges and up winding stone steps.

Tall pine trees keep you sheltered from the worst of the sun's rays and with a small stream trickling down the mountain beside the path it can be quite a relief to escape the worst of the heat. All around nature sings as the water flows over the rocks and the frogs croak as they splash about in it. A quick stop to look at the stream reveals a number of different creatures such as lizards, crabs, and dragonflies.

But the most important creature in Butterfly Valley is of course the Panaxia butterfly of the species quadripunctaria poda which gives the valley its name. The species come to the valley in their thousands every year to reproduce, attracted by the fragrant resin of the pine trees which fills the valley with the scent of vanilla. Between the months of June and September the butterflies can be seen everywhere on rocks and trees. Though they are brown in colour when resting, on opening their wings and taking to the air they create a wonderful cloud of red rising up to the tree tops. It is, however, forbidden to disturb the butterflies deliberately for it is vital to their survival that they conserve their energy and avoid flight wherever possible during these summer months.

Even without the butterflies this is a beautiful walk and one that I have enjoyed earlier in the year before the butterflies arrive. There are two cafes in the valley offering refreshments, the first at the entrance beside a souvenir shop and the second part way through the walk. The path winds all the way up the valley until it brings you to the Monastery of the Virgin of Kalopetra built in 1782.

A little further south of Butterfly Valley lies the Seven Springs, or Epta Piges as it is called in Greek.

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