In the northern part of the island, about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from town, Petaloúdes, or Butterfly Valley, contains the only natural forest of oriental sweetgum trees in Europe. Stroll the path along a pretty stream through the woods between mid-June and September and you’ll find hosts of Jersey tiger moths resting on the trees. The moths are well camouflaged against the bark, but when they take off, their wings flash a cherry-red color. The peaceful walk among the trees and past small waterfalls can make for an enchanting afternoon.
