My plans for another day of vacation in Turkey were simple. I just wanted to catch a taxi boat at Oludeniz Beach to get to the well-known attraction - Butterfly Valley and the Grand Canyon, which are considered to be one of the most picturesque and amazing places in Turkey.
During the trip on the water I got a little wet from the sea drops, but this was forgivable, as the scenery of the big mountains and the beautiful canyon, which is home to many species of butterflies, smoothed out all the unpleasant feelings.
I had already prepared myself for the fact that I would not see many butterflies, as it was out of season, but right on the shore I was already met by several representatives of this insect species. The deeper I went into the gorge, the more the place reminded me of the movie "Jurassic Park". My first destination in the valley of butterflies was a waterfall, but I had to turn back, as the 900-meter crossing was unrealistically difficult for a beginner. Instead, I went back to the beach area to have a snack. The restaurant in the Valley of Butterflies is self-service. I liked the Rock Bar. You have never seen such a place in your life. Its terrace overlooks the beach, which can be reached by a narrow staircase carved into the rocks. From time to time, the Rock Bar hosts a fire show by masters from different countries, and musicians organize performances, as the natural acoustics of the bar are wonderful. The Rock Bar opens in mid-June.
If you are looking for a place to stay in the southwest part of Turkey, in the middle of nowhere, then Butterfly Valley should be on the agenda. The accommodation for guests is in the form of wooden huts, and the washbasin and bathrooms are shared. If the wooden huts are not suitable, then you can rent a tent for the night or even stay to sleep on the beach.
On the valley side, a stone house above the waterfalls and a village road is an oasis for visitors. Artwork and workshops are on display. You can read books under the cedar trees during the day and sample locally grown food and drinks. In the afternoon, everyone can watch incredible sunsets.
Visiting the Valley of the Butterflies is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. During the trekking, tourists spend the day in the canyon, and photographers can take amazing pictures. Swimmers and scuba divers will have the opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear water. The diving school has been operating here for about 10 years. In the valley, you can see rock formations and the unique underwater world off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. If you prefer a passive holiday, then relaxing and sunbathing on the beach is quite possible. At night, bonfires are lit on the shore.
Getting back from Butterfly Valley is quite easy. You can take one of the many boats that leave from Oludeniz, but your time will be limited. The best way to get back is to use the official Butterfly Valley taxi boat, which leaves at 11:00 and 14:00, and returns from the valley at 13:00 and 17:00. The cost of a return ticket is 15 lira. Note: do not pay attention to the stories of the ticket sellers, as they are just trying to get you as a customer, so they will say anything.
The fame of the Butterfly Valley has been spreading since the 1970s. Every year more and more tourists visit the canyon. Travelers can enjoy the unique nature and a real paradise on earth. The goal of the tourist site is to keep the valley as a refuge in which one can enjoy forever, living in harmony with nature. Local residents voluntarily and actively work to ensure that the valley is protected from excessive and improper use.
