If you really want to get off the beaten track during a visit to this diverse and extraordinary island head into the dramatic sprawling hills of the Messara Plain.
The road climbs high amongst these majestic hills and then descends to the sea between picturesque hill villages that survive, as they have for centuries, from the agriculture of this fertile region. As you leave the plain and the last village behind, Lentas, positioned almost in the centre of Cretes' south coast, suddenly appears below you. The village clusters around a pretty bay that's dominated by an enormous rock resembling a lion's head that juts into the sea on one side of the resort - (the name 'Lentas' is derived from the Greek word "leontas" (Λέοντας) for lion). Like many beachside villages Lentas began as a typical Cretan fishing village and, as travellers slowly began to discover the place, the locals saw the advantage to building a few rooms here and there.
The village offers most facilities you might need during your stay; a choice of tavernas, three or four directly on the beach, two or three bars, mini-markets and even an Internet café. There is a sand/shingle beach and the sea is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling.
On the other side of the 'Lions head' there is another long shingle beach, Dyskos, popular with naturists, which can be reached on foot in about ten minutes. If you're adventurous and prepared to explore even further off the beaten track, you can discover other attractive coves such as Vathy, Agiofarango , Trahoulas and Trypiti, situated both east and west of Lentas. If you prefer to explore the regions beaches the lazy way it's not hard to find an accommodating fisherman who will transport you by boat for a small charge.
Lentas could be the ideal location for those who simply like to get away from it all where the most difficult decisions of your stay will be where and what to eat each day! However, we also believe it makes a great base for those who really want to discover a little bit more of the 'real' Crete as well as the richness and diversity of its rugged landscape that abounds in all directions.