Kelebekler Vadisi (can be translated as Valley of Butterflies) is really a heavenly place located a few km’s south of the Oludeniz. The access to the valley from land is not easy. Only experienced climbers can do that. It was the summer of 2004 by the time I was in Kelebekler Valley. Charter boats handled the transportation at that time. They were providing service from Oludeniz three or four times a day. The journey to Kelebekler Valley is not long though. It only takes about an hour. The valley in the 90s had more of a primitive nature and it was really an authentic place. In my last visit in 2004, I felt like the experience had become a bit more mainstream. The atmosphere was still unique though. You camp on the beach, you open your tent, relax on the beach and then there was this basic facility where there are showers, a food area and a bar.
What is truly overwhelming in this valley is the sunset and the sunrise. At sunset, the sun dives into the sea and this can be viewed directly from the beach. It is a really fantastic experience to watch it slowly dive into the sea.
In the early morning, the nature and colours are also amazing. There were no hotels or motels available in 2004 and I hope this is still the case right now.
What I always hope about that place is that I wanted it to be a secret place forever. Eventually, this dream is now gone but still I think it would be a whole different experience for an adventurous traveller.
Update: Over the years probably the landscape, nature and feel of the valley has changed. I am leaving this post here for a note to how it was in 90’s and 2000’s.
