Excellent stay at George and Pinelopi's Studio with balcony and rooftop beach view! The apartment is located right on Fodele Beach which is a hidden gem on the island of Crete! Fodele Beach is very easy to reach from Herkalion airport or Herkalion port by taxi. Fodele Beach is also a great starting point for a day trip to the west of the island visiting Rethimno, Aghios Nikolaos and Chania or for a day trip east to Heraklion to see Knossos palace and the Archaeological Museum.
However, the spot is also perfect to just relax and not explore other locations - I visited with my mom in peak season and Fodele Beach had no crowds, free sunbeds for lounging, and plenty of water sports available (ie. jet skiing, tubing, etc for an additional cost organized from the Fodele Beach all inclusive resort). There are restaurants and a tourist shop on Fodele Beach.
No stay on Crete should miss the The Dolphin Bar and Restaurant on Fodele Beach. It provides delicious food at reasonable prices (we ate there every night never repeating ordering a dish and was particularly impressed with the authentic mousakka!), great conversations with the locals, and the owner Nikos is very gracious - would highly recommend!
George and Penelope were also very courteous hosts. Our flight arrived very late at 11pm and George advised on how best to get to the location as well as meeting us at the apartment and orienting us to the area when we finally got there around midnight. The next day his wife Pinelpoi was on her way into Fodele town and was very kind to give us a ride there and back to visit a mini mart to purchase food and other essentials for our 5 night stay. She also recommended and facilitated a car rental for us with Georgia at Stop Car rental which was perfect for our last day to explore Heraklion and Chania. Georgia came to us to sign the car rental paper work, go over logistics, and left the car right outside the apartment. We were able to drop it off at Heraklion port when departing (for an additional fee). I hope to come back and stay here again - highest recommendation!