Butterfly Valley Is Not Only Turkey's Most Perfect Beach, But An Actual Butterfly Wonderland

Turkey's Most Perfect Beach Is An Actual Butterfly Wonderland

In Turkey's Butterfly Valley, a lush gorge winds down to a stunning blue-water beach. And while we'd recommend visiting this verdant paradise based on its looks alone, the rocky oasis is also home to more than 80 species of butterflies, including the exotic Jersey Tiger, which is really just an incredibly happy bonus.

Butterfly Valley's so-called "hippie" demographic lazes under the stars in bungalows, hammocks and tents, sunning themselves on the sand and barbecuing near a beachside bar before taking "hair-raising" hikes into the butterfly-filled terrain, where a waterfall flows and photographers are met with stunning panoramas of the ocean below.

With views like these, we'd gladly set up camp here, too.

140858466

148810152

148863318

Nestled on Turkey's Lycian Way, Butterfly Valley is a government-protected wonderland -- the area is noticeably better-preserved than the neighboring beach town of Ölüdeniz. You can hop a boat from Ölüdeniz to get to the Valley, or you can brave the adventurous expedition that is hiking down from a nearby cliff town called Faralya. With steep drops and ropes to help hikers hold on in some parts, some locals advise against the hiking adventure... but alas, some visitors just can't resist.

However you get to Butterfly Valley, you're guaranteed to see what previous visitors have described as one of the "most beautiful places of your life," with some beautiful wildlife to boot. If a B.Y.O. tent isn't your style, the nearby villages offer a handful of cliffside hotels, waiting to pamper you after a long day of perfection.

Stay "fly," Butterfly Valley!

148804777

ship
170257904

kelebekler vadisi

Before You Go

Holkham, Norfolk

Best Beaches Whatever The Weather

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE