The important thing about renting a car in Crete is to choose a locally owned company. There are several with really good reputations. Anna Cars, the best cars are two recommended companies. Personally we always rent from
AutoRentals-Crete https://autorentals-crete.gr/. They have a great reputation.
Its a good idea to check with a couple of different rental companies and get quotes. I believe due to a shortage of rental vehicles prices have gone up this year.
Since you are heading out from Heraklion you may want to consider heading south to visit the Minoen palace site at Phastos. Nearby be sure to find the historical site of Gortyz/Gorten. Gortyz has a small gated site however as you leave the parking lot walk along the side of the road and you will start to see Roman Columns lying in the olive groves. Keep going through the groves and you will discover a whole buried Roman city. Its an archaeological site with a temple, the Forum, an amphitheatre streets and some structures. You will be virtually alone with about a dozen people max. It is an awesome site. You can continue south to visit Matala although its a bit early for beach time.
Gortyz https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157666456665788
Matala https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157687857502721
