Me and my girls enjoyed our stay in rethymno! There are supermarkets and beach bars near the apartment, so you didn't really need a car for that. If you want to go to the centre in rethymno or want to see something else (monastry etc.), I would definitely say you need a car 'cause it's not that close although you are very central. All in all George's family welcomed us very warm and friendly, they left us brochures or papers for beach bars, clubs, sightseeing and other things. The apartment was very clean and had everything we needed! George's parents give us many advices when we asked them for something - so very lovely people!!