Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies)
Πεταλούδες
A shady, spring-fed private estate valley where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather in summer, a rare patch of greenery on the island.
Petaloudes lies about 6 km south of Parikia. It is a private estate fed by spring water, with dense shade, a rare coolness in the dry Cyclades. From June to August, large numbers of Jersey tiger moths (commonly called butterflies) rest on tree trunks and rock walls, showing their orange-red hindwings when startled. A walk along the paths takes about 30–45 minutes, and admission costs a few euros. Please keep quiet and do not clap or disturb the moths. Nearby is the 18th-century Monastery of the Virgin (Christou tou Dasous), which you can visit on the way.
Opening hours
May–Sep, about 9:00 am–7:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Frankish Castle of Parikia
- Panagia Ekatontapiliani
- Archaeological Museum of Paros
- Parikia Old Town
- Ancient Cemetery of Parikia
- Aliki
- Antiparos Town & Kastro
- Farangas Beach