I have rented out Aikaterini’s place for a whole month in November in the off season. It was a superb experience I can only recommend it. The downtown area is very peaceful, most of the tourists are gone, but the weather is still warm and sunny around 19-23 degrees Celsius. We visited several beaches, villages and swam in the see on most days.
Aikaterini is a great host. She is attentive, helpful. Her house is grate: spacious, interior design is amazing, es and very homey. I would hope to come back next November to prolong the sunny and warm weather in Rethimno and energise myself before returning to the cold and dark northern Europe.
Fresh produce is available in the almost daily markets, wide selection of fish at the corner shops and great restaurants are just 2 minutes walking distance. The only reason one would need a car is to visit remote hiking places and beaches, but the bus service is excellent between cities.
I can only recommend Aikaterini’s place for a great experience.