Food and cultural experiences
Butterfly Valley and Rhodes Wine Tasting
A shaded valley thick with moths, followed by a proper sit-down tasting of local wine and produce.
A west-coast excursion pairing Petaloudes — known locally as Butterfly Valley for the thousands of Jersey Tiger moths that gather there in season — with a stop at one of the island's established wineries for wine, olive oil and honey tasting.
The valley itself is a shaded, stream-fed gorge that draws large numbers of Jersey Tiger moths in the warmer months. You can walk further into the valley on wooded paths or stay near the entrance in a café-lined clearing — either way, expect a cooler, greener corner of the island than the coast.
From there the tour heads to a working winery on Rhodes' western side, where a tasting covers a handful of local wines alongside extra-virgin olive oil and thyme-scented honey, with the winemakers on hand to talk through what makes the island's produce distinctive.
It's a lower-key day than the big historical circuits — more about slowing down in the countryside than covering monuments — and works well paired mentally with a separate Old Town visit on another call.
Highlights
- A walk through Petaloudes (Butterfly Valley) to see its seasonal moth population
- Choice of a deeper valley walk or a relaxed café stop near the entrance
- Guided tasting at a Rhodes winery — wine, olive oil and honey
- A quieter, nature-focused alternative to the island's historical tours
What a good tour includes
- Guide for the valley and winery stops
- Transportation to Butterfly Valley and the winery
- Wine, olive oil and honey tasting at the winery
Getting there from the cruise port
Cruise ships calling at Rhodes typically berth at the Tourist Port, within a short walk of the Old Town's medieval walls for most berths, though some calls use the outer Commercial Port and a handful of tours meet a few minutes' walk from the pier rather than directly alongside it. Always confirm your exact meeting point and pickup location from your booking confirmation, since this is set per tour and can vary from ship to ship. The Old Town itself is comfortably walkable from most berths — allow 10–20 minutes — so a guide is optional if you only want the medieval quarter. Lindos, the beaches at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea, and the island's mountainous interior all require coach, taxi or private transport; there is no practical walking option. Whichever excursion you choose, plan your day backwards from the ship's stated all-aboard time rather than its published departure time, and build in a buffer for Rhodes' summer traffic on the coastal road to Lindos.
Tips for cruise passengers
- The supplier sets a minimum drinking age of 21 for the wine tasting
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes for the valley paths
- Moth numbers vary seasonally — ask your guide what to expect if this is your main reason for booking
Typically not included
- A full meal — the supplier lists general food/beverage as not included
- Deeper access into Butterfly Valley beyond the entrance area, which the supplier notes carries an additional charge of around 5 EUR, payable on the day
Check dates and availability
Live pricing and departure times are confirmed on our excursion partner's booking page. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings at no extra cost to you.
Operated by Shore Excursions Group · Product eurhbutterflywine. We do not operate this tour ourselves.
Related excursions
A Taste of Rhodes: Village Food and Coffee Culture
An intimate, minibus-sized look at rural Rhodes through its food, coffee and co-ops.
Private Rhodes Culinary Workshop and Tasting
Sightseeing in the morning, then cook and taste your own Greek lunch.
Rhodes Back-Country Jeep Safari
The mountainous, non-touristy side of Rhodes, reached by semi-private jeep.
Butterfly Valley and Rhodes Wine Tasting — FAQs
Will we actually see butterflies (moths)?▼
Petaloudes is known for large seasonal gatherings of Jersey Tiger moths rather than classic butterflies; numbers vary through the year, so ask the operator about current conditions.
Is the wine tasting included in the price?▼
Yes, per the supplier — the winery stop includes tastings of wine, olive oil and honey as part of the tour.
Does it cost extra to walk further into the valley?▼
The supplier notes an additional charge of about 5 EUR per person, payable on the day, if you want to explore further into Butterfly Valley beyond the entrance area.