Hi,

Have a look at Skiathos. We stayed in the town and really enjoyed our 2 weeks. We're the same age as you and found it had plenty of nice restaurants and bars. Also there is one bus route, so you can visit a different beach/resort every day. The harbour area in the town is really pretty and even after 2 weeks we were not bored at all. We ate at a different restaurant every evening, and would definately go back. Many of the tour operators go there; my brother has just booked a good deal in June with Thomas Cook.
We've also enjoyed Lassi in Kefalonia, Kamari in Santorini and Kalamaki in Zante. This year we're going to Parga for our honeymoon in June. There really is so much choice, and not enough holiday allowance!
Let us know how you get on, Cejay

Laura,
as you say the choice is daunting and every island is different. We have stayed on about 15 islands and try not to repeat destinations. The exceptions are Skiathos for the beaches and Kefalonia for the scenery especially in the north. We will also be returning to Lesvos at some time. I would also suggest Naxos although this is not quite so easy to get to. For detailed information and some great photos http://www.imagesofgreece.co.uk is a site that gives an accurate account of quite a few choices.

I would say Skiathos as a good 'all round island' lots of lovely beaches, nice round the island boat trip and other smaller island to visit, ferry to Skopelos and night life in the town or lower key bars and tavernas if you stay in one of the resorts.

You can't go wrong.

I would have to say that Skiathos is lacking in the spectacular scenery of the other islands.

Are you considering DIY? Or is package your thing?

Try my website for some ideas. Although the destinations are all described in a way to inform yachting visitors, you may get some useful ideas.

DIY will take you to quieter places, often with a lot more character. Pylos, on the mainland - SW Peloponese - has good local walking, and is a delightful little town. Get there from Kalamata, or bus from Athens.
Naxos is a big, green island, best enjoyed if you hire a car for a period. The main town is busy with tourism, but has a lovely old hora. Syros has a busy, Greek, main town with few tourists, easily reached by ferries from Piraeus, and several smaller places scattered within scooter and walking distance. And the smaller Dodecanese to the north - ahhh, heaven! Patmos, Lipsi, even Fourni if you're really adventurous.

For packages, just read the brochures and avoid the places described as 'lively' and 'popular'. Those words mean wall to wall sunbeds and brollies, with thudding music all night.

If you like activity, consider the possibility of a sports inclusive package. These can be expensive, but Neilson is particularly good value, and very good for windsurfing. Think Vassiliki or Finikounda.

JimB
http://www.jimbaerselman.f2s.com/
Covers Greece quite well . . .

I would not recommend Skiathos, as all we found to do was visit beaches which are beauitful, but we are no longer beach people,and as you say the beach is not all that important to you,
Scenery definately Kefalonia, theres also plenty to see and do, so many places to visit, If you hire a car the world your oyster, the people are some of the most friendlist we ever come across,
I maybe bias as this is my favorite Greek Ireland,
pojo

I agree with pojo having tried both Skiathos and Kefalonia i would recommend kefalonia every time, breathtaking scenery and plenty to keep you busy for your holiday with it being just big enough to enjoy all its delights in a busy fortninght. Further information availabve at kefalonia

Check out Molyvos Lesvos, really authentic place , nice locals, great bars and restaurants, has very high level of repeat visitors, but is not so well known or commercialised