To reach Lentas or ancient Levin, you will have to return to Messara
valley and then head south again. Lentas is a beautiful beach with
sand and fine pebbles and relatively deep waters. It is also important
from an archaeological point of view. It was one of Crete's ancient
cities, whose preHellenic name derives from the Phoenician Lavi,
i.e. Lion, or from the word Levynthos meaning chickpea.
The settlement existed already in the ProtoMinoan period, i.e.
from 2500 to 1900 BC, and had commercial dealings with Egypt. The
most important remains of the city today are those of the sanctuary
of Asdepius with the Treasury. The Trisavros is a square well just
outside the sanctuary, built with chiselled stones and covered
with a stone slab with a lock. Offerings to Asclepius were kept
inside it, but unfortunately, they were removed in Roman or Byzantine
years.
After you explore the antiquities, you can freshen up with a swim
in the cool waters of the Libyan Sea. The beach is divided in two
by a large rock. The left side is quite touristy, while the right
side is still quite isolated and attracts campers and without clothes ists.
You will find suggestions for food and accommodation throughout
the village, which is built alongside the beach.
