The small traditional village of Laerma is situated in the inland, almost at the center of the island, some 58 kilometers southwestern to the town of Rhodes. It is built on a hill and preserves several of the old buildings, now restored. The village is almost hidden in the luxuriant green, as the whole area is full of forests. The place is continuously inhabited since the Pre-Hellenic period and the actual name of the village is thought to be a false pronunciation of the ancient name of the city of Ladarma. Today, the village counts some 500 permanent residents, occupied mainly in agriculture.

Accommodation facilities are available only at the neighboring tourist resorts, but you will enjoy gorgeous food in the traditional taverns of the village.

Not far away, at a distance of 4 kilometers at the Southwest, it is found the Holy Monastery of Taxiarchis Michael Tharris, a monastery established in the Byzantine times; the nice frescoes are older than the 17 th century. The monastery is situated within a fascinating environment of luxuriant green. According to the local tradition, the monastery was constructed by a couple of noblemen whose daughter recovered from a bad disease, thanks to the healing water and the healthy climate of the area. Grateful to Taxiarchis Michael, the happy parents sponsored the construction of the monastery at the place where their daughter was saved.

In the area you will also find the rare plant “Paeonia the white”, a protected species, growing only here and in the neighboring regions of Prophet Elijah, Archangelos and Arnitha. The plant is found always at high altitude.

The locals celebrate the feast of Aghios Georgios ( St . George ) and of Aghios Constantinos (St. Constantine) with local feasts (“panighyri”) attracting many people. The feasts take place on the 23 rd of April (or on Monday following Easter) and on the 21 st of May, respectively.

In case of health problems a local Medical Center and a pharmacy are available in Lardos.