Léntas Bay is home to a beach complex; the history of ancient Levina is another focus in Lendas. When choosing your destination, you can therefore weigh up your interest in the beach and archaeology. The development of Levina, the sanctuary of Asclepius and an Early Christian basilica are particularly significant.

Ancient Levina: Trade and Port

The remains at the archaeological site of Levina date back to Minoan times. However, ancient Levina flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the Roman era, it was an important trading centre and the seaport of Gortys, the island’s capital at the time. The Minoan remains and the later flourishing therefore represent different historical layers. The trading centre and seaport also describe two aspects of the same Roman role: Levina was economically important and also served as the port of the island’s capital at the time.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius

The Sanctuary of Asclepius in ancient Levina developed over more than six centuries into an important religious and therapeutic centre for the city. There was a thermal spring at the sanctuary; historical accounts attributed healing properties to it for blood disorders. Compared with Levina’s role in trade and shipping, the sanctuary adds a religious and therapeutic dimension to the city’s history.

Temple, Treasury and Basilica

The sanctuary’s temple stood at the southwestern end of the level area; its walls survive to a height of up to 3.40 metres. The treasury was a covered crypt with a secured entrance, where valuable votive offerings were kept. The temple and treasury show two sides of the sanctuary: its architecture and location on the one hand, and the safekeeping of valuable votive offerings on the other.

A three-aisled Early Christian basilica dating from the 5th century AD was found near the sanctuary. “Three-aisled” describes the division of a church interior into three aisles and helps illustrate its design. The basilica was rebuilt in the 6th century; after the area was destroyed in the 7th century, it was permanently abandoned. To understand the site’s history, it helps to distinguish the locations: the basilica was near the sanctuary and, as an Early Christian building, represents a separate archaeological focus.

More Activities in the Surrounding Area

Nearby, Trafoulas Beach can be reached via the Trafoulas Gorge. The gorge lies a few metres east of Loutra. There are organised take-off and landing sites for paragliders in the Lendas area; check local conditions before taking part. The two activities also differ in terms of planning: access to Trafoulas Beach is via the gorge, while organised sites and local conditions are important for paragliding.

Discover more destinations: Agios Myron, Skafidaras, Kastelli, Rodia, Voros, Dafnes, Gouves, Nea Alikarnassos.

For the broader travel overview: Heraklion.