Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is a steep-sided gorge that meets the sea in a crescent of shingle beach, reachable in summer only by boat from Oludeniz or Fethiye harbor. It takes its name from the Jersey tiger butterflies that breed here and fill the lower valley from around June to September. From the beach a rough, unmarked trail climbs inland to a small waterfall, but the upper sections are genuinely scrambly and slippery, so most visitors simply swim, snorkel and eat at the laid-back beach cafe rather than attempt the full hike. The water is deep and clear, excellent for snorkeling around the rocks. A tiny off-grid camp with basic bungalows gives the cove a bohemian, back-to-nature feel that is a world away from the polished resorts nearby. Boats run to a fixed schedule, so check the last return time carefully before you settle in for the afternoon.
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