Maria's apartment was very cute and clean. We were welcomed by her mother who have us the key and offered to help with anything we needed. Maria was always available by email and kept us very busy with suggestions on things to do in Heraklion. The beach is only a couple minutes walk and I'm sure in the summer it would be great. Getting to town is a little bit of a walk, 30ish minutes but it's a gorgeous walk. Hot showers and a cozy place to call a temporary home. Highly recommended.