Lendas: Léntas Bay and ancient Levina

Léntas Bay includes a beach complex; Lendas is also home to the archaeological site of ancient Levina. This destination search therefore leads to two distinct themes: the bay’s connection to the beach and the history of a place whose archaeological traces date back to Minoan times.

The bay and activities in the surrounding area

Léntas Bay includes a beach complex. Trafoulas Beach is also nearby. It can be reached via the Trafoulas Gorge, which lies a few metres east of Loutra. These are two distinct beach locations: one is part of Léntas Bay, while the gorge is named as the access route to the other. Keeping this distinction in mind helps you plan for the respective location and its access route.

Paragliding is also an activity in the Lendas area, with designated take-off and landing sites. Check local conditions before taking part.

Levina: early traces and Roman significance

The remains at the archaeological site of Levina date back to Minoan times. The flourishing of ancient Levina in the Hellenistic and Roman periods is a separate development. In the Roman era, Levina was an important commercial centre and the seaport of Gortys, then the capital of the island. The chronology thus encompasses early archaeological remains and a later period of prosperity; Levina’s Roman significance is also reflected in its role in relation to Gortys.

Sanctuary and buildings

The sanctuary of Asclepius developed over more than six centuries into an important religious and therapeutic centre for the city. A thermal spring was located at the sanctuary and was attributed with healing properties for blood diseases. This attribution forms part of the sanctuary’s historical significance.

The temple stood at the southwestern end of the flat area; its walls are preserved to a height of up to 3.40 metres. The figure of up to 3.40 metres refers to the maximum preserved height, not the uniform height of all the walls. The complex also included a treasury: a covered crypt with a secured entrance, where valuable votive offerings were kept. This gives a specific context for the temple’s location, the surviving structure, and the treasury’s function.

A three-aisled early Christian basilica dating from the 5th century AD was discovered near the sanctuary. It was rebuilt in the 6th century. After the area was destroyed in the 7th century, the basilica was permanently abandoned. Its history thus comprises a distinct sequence of dating, rebuilding, and later abandonment.

Discover more destinations: Astrakoi, Pitsidia, Vorizia, Kroussonas, Arvi, Kato Loutraki, Kato Symi, Kalamaki.

For the overview of the wider destination: Heraklion.