Our apartment stay was absolutely fantastic. Before our trip and during our stay, Rira was kind and easygoing, and was quick to respond to any messages. She gave directions to our cab driver and was there to greet us when we arrived. She had pastries, fruit, and bottled water waiting for us in the kitchen. Rira made sure we had everything we needed, and offered recommendations for dining, walks, and swimming spots.
The apartment was bright and clean, with all necessary amenities, a comfortable bed, and a stunning view from the front patio. (There is also a roof deck with more amazing views.) The place stays cool even on hot days, and a cool breeze blows through at night. The apartment is in a great location-- one short block downhill and you are on Elounda's main street, lined with small shops, groceries, and cafes, and one even shorter block down from there takes you to the seaside road, lined with restaurants. From the apartment, it is a 5 minute walk to Elounda's main square, public beach, and taxi stand. Walk 15 minutes in the other direction, and you can be at historic sites, seaside resorts (we attended a wedding at one, and walked there for all events), or fantastic beaches on the peninsula.
Even with such a central location, the apartment is quiet at all times-- no traffic or people noise, just the wind in the palm tree outside. As others have mentioned, there are indeed steep stairs leading up to the building, but they were no big deal for us, and the reason the place feels private and offers incredible views above the town. So many thanks to Rira for the opportunity to stay at her special place, and we dream of being back in Elounda again!