When you planing to visit Crete you better chose to stop in Rethymno as this city is like a HUB to all other beatifull places that must be visited. The flat is nice for its price with the view to the sea. It is 5 min walk to the sea but no one use that beach. The main Rethymno beach is 2km away, arround 45 min with easy walk to. There is a Lidl shop also close around 1km. In case if you got out of drinks cigaretes or ice cream down the street you can find 24h kiosk. Important to know that on Crete parking is free. If you rent a car you will not have any extra expences. The most visited beach is Balos which hase a bad road to get to with 2 miles of big stones where your can easy get a flat tire. Better park your car in Kissamos and go by ferry with 25 Euro/person 11am-5pm only.