BUS EXCURSIONS | 3. BUTTERFLY VALLEY & SEVEN SPRINGS
Rhodes Island is home to some verdant and unique nature parks confirming its fame as the "Emerald of the Mediterranean." On this full-day outing, visit the two most popular nature attractions - Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes) and Seven Springs Valley (Epta Piges) with our comfortable medium-sized bus to both sites in one day. Have 2 hours of free time at the Butterfly Valley to observe the Panaxia Quatripunktaria butterflies, stroll rustic paths weaving along the Pelekanos River, and take photos next to waterfalls & wooden bridges. Enhance your experience by visiting a little museum of Natural History or hike to the very top of the Valley for some great Panoramic Views next to the Kalopetra Monastery. Then drive through scenic countryside to the East Coast into the Valley of Seven Springs to have 1 hour 45 min of free time to explore the Valley enjoying the greenery and the lovely climate, have a nice rest in the open-air cafe-restaurant overlooking the springs, or get adventurous and walk through a unique narrow tunnel to reach an artificial lake with an impressive dam & a waterfall.
- Enjoy comfortable traveling in our modern, air-conditioned Midibus.
- Discover Rhodes' two most verdant attractions in one day.
- Have plenty of free time to explore sites hiking at your own pace.
Visit the two most popular Rhodes nature attractions - Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Valley with our convenient transfer to both sites in one day. From exploring a unique nature park filled with butterflies to counting natural springs and walking through an underground tunnel, this full-day outing is ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and hiking enthusiasts.
* Butterfly Season is from mid-June to mid-September.
Duration approx. 6,5 Hours + Pickups
Pickups between 08:45-09:45
Return between 15:30-16:30
ITINERARY
- Express drive to Butterfly Valley along the West Coast of Rhodes Island - approx 30 min
- Enjoy a relaxing drive through Rhodes countryside with a beautiful landscape full of olive, cypress, pomegranate, and citrus fruit trees
- On the way, see the local villages of Damatria, Pastida, Kremasti, and Paradisi
- Stop at the Parking Area (meeting point) - 5 min
- Receive meeting instructions from your bus driver. The precise departure time will be announced upon arrival
- Get directions for the Entrance, public WC, and snack bars
- Free time in the Butterfly Valley for your Individual browsing - 2 Hours
- Starting with the upper part of the Valley, walk along the little pond and waterfalls, enjoying the romantic scene
- Begin noticing butterflies on tree trunks, leaves, and rocks
- On the way, take a little rest reading various informative boards about the life cycle of the butterflies and other interesting stories
- Walk up to a little Monastery to capture a memorable Panoramic View of the West Coast
- Then walk all the way to the bottom part of the Valley to visit the Museum of Natural History and learn about endemic and rare species in Rhodes *(temporarily Closed)
- After your nature walk, reward yourself with an ice cream or fresh orange juice at the charming cafe next to the Main Entrance
- Drive crossing the Island from the west coast to the east coast - 40 min
- Meet again with the group at the bus parking area to continue the transport to the next sightseeing destination
- Take advantage of our bus with full air-conditioning to relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the island from one coast to the other
- Upon arrival at Valley of Seven Springs, stop at the Parking Area to receive meeting instructions from your bus driver. The precise departure time will be announced upon arrival
- Free time in the Seven Springs Valley for your Individual browsing - 1 hour 45 min
- Enjoy nature by having a short 10 min hike along the path that takes you to Seven Springs
- Notice the rich and diverse Island's flora & fauna, exceptionally rare & unique mixed forests, and local endemic plant species
- Try to spot all of the Seven Springs clambering around the roots of age-old plane trees
- Discover a century-old water supply system built by Italians consisting of a 150 m underground tunnel, viaducts, an artificial lake, and a dam
- Get adventurous and walk through a 150 m long narrow dark tunnel wetting your feet in fresh running water to reach the lake and the dam with an impressive waterfall
- Or have a relaxing break in an open-air tavern overlooking the Springs, having your lunch, a snack, or a beverage
- A relaxing return drive back to your resort/ accommodation - approx. 30 min-1hour
Estimated return times:
Faliraki & Kallithea resorts - 15:15-15:25
Rhodes City - 15:40-15:50
Rhodes Cruise Port - 15:45
Ixia Resort - 16:00-16:10
Ialysos Resort - 16:15-16:25
TOUR BUS
Medium Size Coach:
Occupancy: up to 37 pax
* Occasionally, it is replaced with a Minibus or Big Coach
ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE in Butterfly Valley is at the PARKING AREA (near the Main Entrance).
ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE in Seven Springs Valley is at the PARKING AREA on the Main Road.
EXTRA EXPENSES:
FOOD & DRINKS
Two snack bars are operating at the Butterfly Valley (by the Main Entrance and at the top). An opportunity for a light lunch/ snacks/ refreshments can be found in the Valley of Seven Springs tavern. Typically, sandwiches/ pitta wraps are approx. 3 EUR, 5-10 EUR salads, meal 7-25 EUR.
BUTTERFLY VALLEY Entrance Ticket:
Low season (May, October) - 3 EUR p.p. Children under 12 years - free.
High Season (June-September) - 6 EUR p.p. Children under 12 years - free.
Public WC – 0.5 EUR
SEVEN SPRINGS VALLEY is free of charge.
OTHER FACILITIES
Public WC in Butterfly Valley – 0.5 EUR, 7 Springs Valley - free.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY - 2/3
Travelers must be able to step in and out of the tour vehicle (our coaches are equipped with a power step). Walking over periods of more than 10-20 minutes includes uneven surfaces, unpaved trails, and paths through slightly hilly terrain.
If you choose to walk up to the Monastery of Kalopetra at the Butterfly Valley, there is a steep and uneven section of the trail with lots of steps. All the way through the path, there is a handrail and many benches for rest.
The Valley of Seven Springs includes some inclines, narrow walkways, uneven surfaces, small rocks, and tree roots. The path is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or reduced mobility, and the underground tunnel that leads to the artificial lake is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.