Petaloudes
The "Valley of the Butterflies" lives up to its name in all but one important regard. Its star attraction aren't actually butterflies. In summer the callimorpha quadripunctaria, a species of day-flying moth known as the Jersey tiger, cluster by the thousands around the low bushes of the pungent storax plant, which grows all over the area. In recent years numbers of the moths have diminished, partly owing to busloads of tourists clapping their hands to see the creatures fly up in dense clouds—an antic that causes the creatures to deplete their scant energy reserves and is strongly discouraged. Access to the valley involves an easy walk up an idyllic yet crowded trail through a pretty wood, past a stream and ponds.
