CrescentHomes

Almost indescribably beautiful, this tiny turquoise bay near Oludeniz is home to waterfalls and several species of butterflies, including the nocturnal orange and black Jersey Tiger Buttefly. After the daytrippers leave, an inviolable silence settles over Butterfly Valley, with only the rolling surf and the occasional strains of a backpacker's guitar to lull visitors to sleep in their huts.

Until about twenty years ago, Butterfly Valley was a relatively unknown and untouched area. For thousands of years, its inhabitants were only the butterflies and local fauna. Luckily there was (and still is) really no access to the valley by land, except for a small trail that led to villages situated the top of the valley. This near geographic isolation helped to keep the habitat pure and intact. Starting in he early 1970s, backpackers and naturalists started to "discover" the valley in small numbers. With the help of local man, Hasan Bayramoglu (known as "Lawyer Hasan"), these backpackers reached the valley boat. During one of the many trips to the valley, Hasan and some of his biologist friends learned of the unique butterflies and fauna in the area. The splendor and rarity of the butterflies and fauna led Hasan and his friends to vow to protect this land from being destroyed by the tourism industry that was beginning to boom in Turkey. To accomplish this they started an intense campaign to inform and educate anyone interested in the protection of habitats. They informed people at universities, newspapers, members of "green" movements, members of foreign organizations, all in an attempt to create a public opinion that promoted the safety of the Butterfly Valley. They were not interested in isolating the valley from human contact completely, rather they were only interested in assuring that those who came would take care of the area. So their goal has been (and still is) to establish a sanctuary there so that the valley van be enjoyed forever. From this concern has raised an adaptable group of people who are working to protect the area from overuse and misuse.

mushtaq

Looks like a great place to visit, how do you get down there?



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http://www.turkishestateagents.com/...p?TOPIC_ID=1379

CrescentHomes

From Oludeniz by boat it takes only 30 minutes
Oludeniz to Butterfly Valley; 11.oo, 14.oo, 18.oo
Valley to Oludeniz; 9.oo, 13.oo, 17.oo

Also for trekkers, an adventurous footpath exists up in Faralya Village, starting nearby the guest house called George House but it is 30 minutes again to get there from the village.

mushtaq

I thought I saw the vally for sale on some website.

Jenny

yeah ive seen it for sale somewhere aswell, a while ago

Navan

A valley for sale......how sad[V] It's part of nature and I'm confused as to how it can be sold.


Anna

merlin

See the Saklikent thread Anna. Saklikent in all its glory was sold to a single restauranteur on lease.

http://www.turkishestateagents.com/...Terms=saklikent

Its a national treasure!

Merv!