The small, peaceful village of Laerma is located in the central part of the Greek island of Rhodes, about 58 km southwest of the capital city. Laerma is famous for the nearby Byzantine Moni Thari Monastery, dedicated to the archangel Michael.
The traditional inland village of Laerma is situated in a hilly terrain covered with dense pine forests. The backland is relatively sparsely populated in this part of Rhodes, from what in turn benefits the local nature, which is rich in fauna and flora. The area between Laerma and the villages of Istrios and Profilia is protected under the European environmental programme Natura 2000.
In 2008, the area around Laerma was affected by a large forest fire and the village was already prepared for evacuation. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control before then, but even today there are still signs of damage to the surrounding forests.
The area has been inhabited since the pre-Hellenistic period and it is believed that the current name of the village Laerma was derived from the ancient name of the town Ladarma. The village of Laerma consists of traditional small houses, narrow streets and several excellent taverns. Another interesting building in the middle of the village is a beautiful example of Italian period architecture, which is now used as a school.
Most tourists who visit Laerma head for the nearby Moni Thari Monastery. The Moni Thari Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Archangel Michael (Taxiarchis Michail), is located about 4 km south of the village and the way to it is a truly beautiful walk through the lush, green countryside. The Moni Thari Monastery is one of the largest monasteries on Rhodes and even so very important today, as it is still inhabited by monks and actively used as a museum and student dormitory.
The most important festival of the village is the festival on 21st and 22nd of May, held in honour of the Archangel Michael.
Close resorts: Aghios Isidoros
Most favourite resorts of Rhodes: Afandou, Archangelos, Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kalithea, Kiotari, Kolymbia, Koskinou (Reni Koskinou), Lardos, Lindos, Rhodes (city)
Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Rhodes.
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