5. BUTTERFLY VALLEY & SEVEN SPRINGS

OVERVIEW

Tour Overview

After picking you up with Manos Going signature bus, relax observing the west coastline of Rhodes island before reaching the Butterfly Valley. Upon arrival, your driver will give you clear instructions about the departure place & time, and you can start exploring the canyon. You will also receive our custom-made map with directions and information to help you orient through the valley.

You will have 2 hours of free time to lose yourself in this green oasis! The valley goes through the Canyon of the Pelekanos River and forms an ideal ecosystem for the rare species of moth – Kalimorphos Panaxia Quatripunctaria or Jersey tiger moth. Seeing hundreds of butterflies in their natural habitat is truly unique scenery. The favorable combination of humidity and constant temperature (between 24-30 C/ 75,2-86 F) with Liquidambar Styrax trees attracts these insects in great amounts during the hot summer months – from June to September. If you are attentive, you can also spot funny crabs!

The Valley is beautifully formed with wooden bridges over pools and falls of water, and little benches to relax and enjoy the scenery. The upper footpath leads to a little Monastery of Panaghia Kalopetra where you can get some rest enjoying refreshments while observing the scenic view of the west coast.

Or visit the Museum of Natural History at the bottom of the Valley to see a small exhibition displaying information about endemic and rare species on Rhodes Island.

After, sit back in our air-conditioned medium-sized bus and relax while you reach the second destination of the day – Seven Springs Valley. You will then have 1 hour 45 min of free time to explore the refreshing ravine.

Following the footpath that winds along a creek with gushing water, you will reach a charming open-air cafe-restaurant where you can stop for a bite or a drink. The restaurant has been run by Petas family since 1945 and can be a wonderful chance to give your taste buds a great experience.

Then, explore the area with the Seven Springs. The water from seven natural sources gushes into a creek that feeds a small man-made lake. Adventurous explorers will have an opportunity to walk through a narrow, dark tunnel with water flowing over their feet. Unless you are claustrophobic or uncomfortable with dark spaces, it can be a very fun experience! The tunnel is 150m long and links the springs to the reservoir.

Below the reservoir is a unique water supply construction dating back to the Italian dictatorship, which is worth visiting. The small dam with the waterfall makes a very pretty photo backdrop!

After your visit, return to the parking area, where our friendly driver waits for you to take you back to your hotel. From exploring a unique nature park filled with butterflies to counting natural springs and walking through an underground tunnel, this scenic outing offers much for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy!

ITINERARY

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

– 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 the 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
  

* Times may vary slightly according to seasonal/ daily conditions/ traffic/ the group size!

** Please note the butterflies are in the valley from mid-June to mid-September.

EXTRA INFORMATION

PICKUPS

Precise pickup time & place for your accommodation will be provided on your Booking Confirmation Page/ Voucher. You can check our PICKUP route under Our Tours.

– Faliraki resort 08:30 – 08:45

– Kallithea resort 08:45-09:00

– Rhodes Town (Including Cruise Port) 09:05-09:25

– Ixia Resort 09:25-09:50

– Ialysos Resort 09:50-10:00

Should you need to clarify your pickup location before booking, do not hesitate to contact us at info@manosgoing.com.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY – 2

Walking over periods of more than 10-20 minutes includes uneven surfaces, unpaved trails, and paths through slightly hilly terrain. Travelers must be able to step in and out of the tour vehicle (our coaches are equipped with a power step).

If you choose to walk up to the Monastery of Kalopetra at the Butterfly Vally, 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 to take a rest.

The Valley of Seven Springs includes some inclines, narrow walkways, uneven surfaces, little rocks, and tree roots. The path is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or reduced mobility. Also, the underground tunnel that leads to the artificial lake, is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.

If you have reduced mobility or special needs, please contact us before booking to discuss the options. We will do our best to make everyone feel comfortable!

DISCOUNTS

Infants under 3 years may join the tour free of charge, please note that no car seat is provided. Infants must be seated on the parent’s lap. Children under 10 years have a 50% discount.

EXTRA EXPENSES

The price of the Transfer does not include the Entry ticket to the Butterfly Valley.

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.

An opportunity for a light lunch/ snacks/ refreshments can be found in the tavern at the Valley of Seven Springs. Typically, sandwiches/ pitta wraps are approx. 3 EUR, salads 5-10 EUR, meal 7-25 EUR. Also, two snack bars are operating at the Butterfly Valley. One is situated by the lower entrance (next to the Museum of Natural History), and one is situated by the Main Entrance.

Public WC in Butterfly Valley – 0.5 EUR, 7 Springs Valley – free.

CLOTHING

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. During summer (June-September) do not forget your hat or a light wrapping, and sunglasses. Make sure to carry with you a bottle of water! Always wear your sunscreen!

If there is anything else you would like to know, let us know and we will be happy to assist!

Map