Many choose to vacation in the South Aegean as they know that it is the perfect place to well and truly get away from it all and to just relax. Of course, there are islands among those in the area that are most famous for partying and attracting celebrities and the rich and famous but certain islands really appeal to those looking to do very little of anything at all and to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Paros, for example, is an ideal destination for travellers who want to soak up the majestic beauty of this part of the world and to recuperate. As such, the attractions that are often most appealing on this lovely island in Greece are not flashy or overly involved. Instead, the attractions on offer for those who holiday in Paros tend to be natural gems where wandering, breathing in the sweet breezes, and admiring your surroundings are some of the major activities. There are endless stunning beaches to be explored, there are incredible ruins to walk among, and there are monasteries and churches and museums to potter about in, there are scenic spots to join yoga classes and go horseback riding, and there are some truly spectacular natural gems to admire. Among these natural gems, there is one that is a perfectly charming little spot to see some amazing creatures, grab a coffee, and sit back and relax: the Valley of the Butterflies.
Also known as Petaloudes (from a Greek translation of the Valley of the Butterflies) or the Paros Butterflies Nature Reserve, this lovely gem is located 7km west of Parikia, not far from the Monastery of Christos sto Dasos (or Agios Arsenios). One of the main attractions on Paros for over 40 years now, this preserved part of the island is an idyllic place of lush vegetation and springs. However, this natural beauty is at its peak during the summer months of June to September (during which time it is open to the public) when it is crowned by the addition of the swarms of butterflies that come to spend the last phase of their life in this stunning oasis.
The butterflies in question are Panaxia Quadripunctaria, also known as the Jersey Tiger Moth, and throughout the summer they can be spotted all over the reserve, resting on the leaves of trees dotted all over the park, in their natural habitat. Those who are truly lucky, however, will spot them when they are in motion, exposing the vibrant red underside of their wings, in sharp contrast with the black of the rest of their bodies.
Opened in the 1970s, the park was established to allow visitors to witness the magic of these butterflies, that have been coming to the area for over a century, and to see nature in action. The butterflies are, however, the true owners of the area and the operators ask that anyone who comes to see these incredible creatures respect that and that they do not bother the animals or force them to fly.
A small enough park, there are paths and steps winding through the space and it is a pleasant and shady place to go for a nice little walk while enjoying the lovely surroundings and the peace and quiet. In addition to the park, there is also a playground, souvenir shop, and cafe in the reserve. Open from around 9am to 8pm (it will start to close earlier as summer wanes and the sun begins to set sooner from around the 20th of August), there is a small entrance fee required to enter the reserve itself. However, this is well worth it for this charming and peaceful day out.
The perfect place to pass a few hours surrounded by nature and taking it easy, this wonderful nature reserve is a true must-see for those who have found a villa in Paros and are spending time on the island but is also one of many reasons to come explore the island for the day if you are on vacation in the South Aegean, generally.
