Rhodes: Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Valley Day Trip

The Rhodes Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Valley Day Trip offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s natural beauty for just $30.46 per person. This 7-hour tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day, with scenic drives, ample free time at both locations, and engaging sights like waterfalls, butterflies, and lush greenery. The tour departs from over 40 pickup points around Rhodes, making access simple and convenient. While the butterflies are only visible during high season from late May to mid-September, the overall experience remains engaging even outside that period, thanks to stunning landscapes and enjoyable walks.

A key strength of this trip is the freedom it offers to explore each site at your own pace. Visitors can snap Instagram-worthy photos amidst waterfalls, wooden bridges, and dense forest, or simply relax in the open-air cafes overlooking the springs. The tour is also praised for knowledgeable and friendly drivers, who add a personal touch with helpful explanations and extra stops. That said, some walking is involved—particularly in Butterfly Valley where paths are unpaved and uneven—so good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $30.46, with transportation and free map included.
• Two major nature sites: Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Valley, visited in one day.
• Flexible exploration time at each location: 2 hours at Butterfly Valley, 1 hour 45 minutes at Seven Springs.
• Scenic drives with comfortable, air-conditioned buses ensuring a pleasant journey.
• Walking involved: paths are unpaved, uneven, with some steep sections; sturdy shoes are advised.
• Ideal for nature lovers who want a relaxed day with hiking, photography, and fresh air.

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Starting the Day with Pickup and Transportation in Rhodes

This tour begins with a pickup from over 40 different locations across Rhodes, including popular hotels and landmarks such as the Rhodes Tourist Port and Kalithea Mare Palace. After a brief 45-minute drive, travelers arrive at the first stop, Butterfly Valley—a highlight for fans of nature and wildlife. The comfortable coach ensures a smooth ride, with air conditioning and enough space for a relaxed atmosphere.

The pickup times are scheduled between 8:45 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on your hotel, so arriving a few minutes early is wise. The tour providers, Manos Ggoing, emphasize punctuality, and the drivers are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness throughout the day.

Exploring the Valley of the Butterflies: A Natural Wonder

The Valley of the Butterflies is the tour’s first major stop, with 2 hours of free time for exploration. This area is famous for the Panaxia Quatripunktaria butterflies, which can be observed during the high season from late May to mid-September. Visitors walk along rustic paths beside the Pelekanos River, enjoying the chance to see butterflies fluttering among lush foliage.

The walk involves unpaved, uneven paths with some steep sections and steps, covering approximately 0.62 miles (1 km). Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water, especially since walking can be challenging in warmer weather. The scenic waterfalls and wooden bridges provide excellent photo opportunities, and some choose to visit the small natural history museum on site. For those seeking panoramic views, hiking to the top of the valley near the Kalopetra Monastery offers a breathtaking perspective.

Scenic Drive to Seven Springs Valley and Its Highlights

After leaving Butterfly Valley, the tour continues with a scenic drive through Rhodes’ countryside to reach Seven Springs Valley. The drive takes about 45 minutes and offers glimpses of island landscapes and lush greenery. Upon arrival, travelers have 1 hour 45 minutes to explore the springs and surrounding nature.

The Seven Springs are surrounded by towering plane and pine trees, creating a cool, inviting atmosphere. Visitors can relax at the outdoor cafe-restaurant, which overlooks the springs, or take a walk through a narrow tunnel to reach an artificial lake with a dam and waterfall. The area is especially scenic, with clear springs and dense vegetation making it a lovely spot for photos.

Some sites within Seven Springs may be dry during the low water season, which can slightly diminish the experience. Still, the green scenery and peaceful environment make for a rewarding visit, even if the water levels are lower than expected.

Walking and Exploring at Seven Springs: What to Expect

Walking in Seven Springs involves some uneven terrain, with steps and a short tunnel that adds a touch of adventure. The path to the artificial lake is a highlight for those wanting a bit of exploration in their day. Visitors often appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air under the shade of plane and pine trees.

The restaurant at Seven Springs serves tasty local dishes, but the limited time means many prefer to bring snacks or eat beforehand. The timing allows for plenty of photos and a leisurely stroll, but some reviews note that more time at the springs would be welcome for a more relaxed visit.

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Return Journey and Drop-off Locations in Rhodes

After the exploration at Seven Springs, the journey back to Rhodes takes about 1 hour. The tour concludes with drop-offs at over 40 locations, including popular hotels like Calypso Beach, Hotel Capsis, and Sunwing Kallithea Beach. The punctual and friendly drivers ensure a smooth end to the day, with many reviews praising the ease of the pickup and drop-off service.

This organized return makes the tour suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those who want to minimize logistical worries while enjoying Rhodes’ natural sites.

Tour Pacing and Physical Considerations

The overall pacing balances walking and sightseeing with comfortable driving times, but some aspects require a moderate level of fitness. The paths in Butterfly Valley can be steep and uneven, and the walk to the top of the valley adds to the physical demand. The tunnels and steps at Seven Springs also require caution, especially in hot weather.

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels, due to the walking involved. Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes and water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Options

This specific experience stands out because of its combination of two popular natural sites in one day, with ample free time to explore each. The scenic drives, well-organized itinerary, and friendly drivers contribute to a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The availability of a free map of Rhodes’ nature sites** adds an extra layer of convenience.

On top of that, the reviews highlight the quality of guides and drivers, who often go beyond expectations with extra stops and helpful explanations. The value for money is also a strong point, considering the accessibility of two major sites and the comfort of transportation.

Final Thoughts on the Rhodes Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs Tour

This tour delivers a balanced mix of nature, scenic views, and relaxed exploration, making it particularly suitable for those wanting to escape the busy beaches and urban areas of Rhodes. The two sites—Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs—each offer unique glimpses into the island’s lush environment, with plenty of photo opportunities and peaceful surroundings.

While the walking can be challenging for some, the scenic landscapes and friendly guides make this trip worth considering. The price point, combined with organized transportation and free exploration time, makes it a good value for travelers eager to connect with Rhodes’ natural beauty.

For nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or families looking for an easy-paced day out, this trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience Rhodes’ green side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Butterfly Valley open during all seasons?
No, butterflies are visible only during high season from late May to mid-September. Outside this period, butterflies are not present, but the scenery and walks still make the visit worthwhile.

How much walking is involved?
The walk in Butterfly Valley involves unpaved, uneven paths with some steep sections and steps, covering about 1 km. Walks in Seven Springs involve some uneven terrain and a short tunnel.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. There are options at the Seven Springs restaurant, but the time may be limited.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven paths and some steep sections. It is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels.

Can I expect to see butterflies during my visit?
Butterflies are typically visible during the high season. If visiting outside that window, you’ll still enjoy the walk and scenery, just without the butterfly sightings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and possibly sunscreen or hats for protection during the walks are advisable.

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