This excursion combines two famous attractions, Filerimos hill, where you will visit the monastery of our Lady and the remains of the Ancient Acropolis of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes Island, and the Valley of the Butterflies one of the most beautiful landscape in Rhodes Island. Explore the unique nature of this valley and walk amongst the butterflies.
At the beginning of our tour we will visit Filerimos, located near the village of Trianta, which stands on the same site as the Doric city of Ialyssos in ancient times. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and its architecture is much different than the usual monasteries in Greece. In the region around the monastery, there are the ruins of a baptistery in the shape of a cross, the remains of Ancient Ialyssos, and an underground church of St. George that dates from the 14th century AD. From Filerimos Monastery also starts the path to Golgothas. On top of this path, up on a hill with amazing views that allow you to take some beautiful photos. Also, there is a huge cross, while on the one side of the path, there are engravings that represent the Passions of Christ.
After leaving the Filerimos hill, the second stop is at Valley of the Butterflies where the guests can explore the beautiful valley where thousands of butterflies fill the air there (from the middle of June till the end of September). The other months they can explore the beautiful landscape of the valley.
Is an excellent place for families with children who wish to enjoy the beauties of nature and examine the life cycle of butterflies as part of their summer holiday.
You will love the peaceful walk through the shaded, green valley with its Small River and beautiful waterfalls. You are permanently surrounded by butterflies camouflaging themselves against the tree trunks as you walk up towards the monastery at the top or rest for a while on one of the wooden benches along the way.
Complete your tour with a visit to the Museum of Natural History: In the Valley of the Butterflies, there is a museum housed in a nicely restored Italian house from the 1930s. Here you will find extensive information about the flora and fauna in the reserve. The most interesting part of the museum is the hatchery, where several butterflies reproduce in a protected area in stable climate conditions and an ideal environment.