Butterfly Valley — Kelebekler Vadisi in Turkish — is arguably the most dramatic hidden beach on the entire Turkish coast. Wedged between sheer limestone cliffs that drop 350 metres straight into a jade-green sea, accessible only by boat or a near-vertical hiking trail, it's one of those places that feels genuinely earned once you get there.
The valley gets its name from the Jersey Tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria), which breeds here in the thousands during summer. But honestly, you'll be too busy staring at the cliffs to notice the butterflies at first.
How to Get to Butterfly Valley
This is the most important thing to know: Butterfly Valley beach has no road access. You get there one of two ways — by boat from Ölüdeniz, or by a very steep hiking trail from the village of Faralya above.
⛵ By Boat from Ölüdeniz
Recommended. Water taxis run daily in summer from Ölüdeniz public beach. Journey ~30 minutes each way. Multiple departures from around 10am, last return typically 5-6pm. Buy tickets at the beach.
~300-400 TL return per person (2025)
🥾 Hiking from Faralya
For experienced hikers only. Drive or take a dolmuş to Faralya village (above the valley), then descend via a very steep, rope-assisted trail. Around 30-40 minutes down, 45-60 minutes back up. Not suitable after rain.
Free, but challenging
Getting to Ölüdeniz First
From Fethiye centre, take a dolmuş to Ölüdeniz (every 5-10 minutes in summer, ~25 minutes, ~40 TL). Then walk to the public beach and look for the water taxi signs near the shore. Boats to Butterfly Valley are well-signposted.
From Dalaman Airport, it's about 65 km (1h 15min by car or shuttle to Fethiye, then dolmuş to Ölüdeniz).
Costs & What to Budget
| Item | Price (TL) | ~EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Boat return (Ölüdeniz ↔ Butterfly Valley) | 300-400 TL | ~7.50-10€ |
| Camping on the beach (incl. dinner) | 400-600 TL | ~10-15€ |
| Beach bar food & drinks | 150-300 TL | ~4-7€ |
| Locker for valuables | 50-80 TL | ~1.50-2€ |
| Hike from Faralya (trail) | Free | Free |
Note: There is no ATM at Butterfly Valley. Bring enough cash before you go.
Camping at Butterfly Valley
Staying overnight is one of the best decisions you can make. When the day boats leave, the valley transforms — the cliffs glow gold at sunset, the stars are extraordinary without any light pollution, and you essentially have one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches to yourself.
The camp is run by the valley's management and includes:
- Tent rental or bring your own
- Dinner and breakfast included in most packages
- Basic showers and toilets — don't expect luxury
- A small bar open until late
- Hammock spots under the trees
The Waterfall & Hiking Inside the Valley
Once you're in the valley, there's more to explore than just the beach. A trail leads through dense forest to a hidden waterfall — about 20-25 minutes of gentle walking. The trail is well-trodden but can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
The valley is also part of the Lycian Way, Turkey's famous 540km long-distance trail. If you're feeling ambitious, you can hike south towards Kabak Bay (about 3-4 hours of serious walking).
The Butterflies
The Jersey Tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria) is the valley's most famous resident. They arrive en masse in late July and August, clustering on rocks, trees, and the waterfall in the thousands — a genuinely surreal sight. Outside of July-August you'll still see individual moths, but the mass gathering only happens in summer.
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Sea | Crowds | Butterflies |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | 22-25°C | Low–Medium | Some |
| July–August | 26-29°C | Very Busy | Peak ★★★ |
| September–October | 24-27°C | Low–Medium | Fewer |
September is the sweet spot: warm sea, far fewer people, and boats still running. The valley is technically accessible year-round, but boats may not run in winter months — call ahead.
What to Bring
- Cash — No ATM, no card payments at most stalls
- Water shoes — The beach is pebbly and the entry into the sea can be rocky
- Sunscreen — The valley is sheltered but the sun reflects off the water intensely
- Shoes for the waterfall hike — Flip-flops won't cut it on the trail
- Snorkel — The water clarity is spectacular; worth it if you have one
- A book — If you're camping, evenings are wonderfully slow
📍 Quick Facts
- Location: Faralya village area, 14km south of Fethiye
- Getting there: Boat from Ölüdeniz beach (30 min) or hike from Faralya
- Boat return fare: ~300-400 TL (2025)
- Best months: May–June, September–October
- Butterflies peak: Late July – August
- Camping: Available; book ahead for July–August
- Coordinates: 36.5312° N, 29.1005° E