Located in the south of Heraklion, 74km away, Lendas is a remote coastal village nestled on the slopes of the imposing Asterousia Mountains. This mildy developed tourist resort offers very relaxing holidays and can be accessed from Agii Deka, close to Mires, via the village of Miamou. The road cuts through the striking landscape and descends from an altitude of 1000m to Lendas (sea surface), providing stunning views of the Lendas sea.
The area is known for its secluded beaches, popular with nudists, as well as the beach in front of the village. This beach is sheltered by Cape Psamidomouri on the east and Cape Lion on the west, which is renowned for its connection to the ancient city of Levina. In addition to the basic services of umbrellas, showers, sunbeds and water sports, there are a number of taverns and accommodations nearby. The beach is also home to a large number of ducks which roam the shoreline and is a nesting ground for the threatened loggerhead seaturtle between May and September. Those seeking a bit of privacy can visit the more remote beaches of Dyskos and Loutra.
The cape west of the village is known as Lion, and is believed to be one of the lions that pulled the chariot of goddess Rhea in Greek mythology. Alternatively, the name is thought to come from the Phoenician word “Levina” which means white, describing the whitish rocks in the area. The area is also the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the deified doctor Asclepius and Hygeia Sotira, which was renowned as a center of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and psychiatry. This temple is now marked by the altar, two marble columns and the base of a statue of Asclepius. Remains of Roman baths have also been discovered in the area of the springs.
Legend has it that Cleopatra chose the area for its resemblance to her favourite animals and left them to guard the place when she returned to Egypt. The elephant rock, the crocodile-shaped cape Trafoulas and the lion-like Cape Lion are all said to have been formed by her beloved creatures.
