Totally agree with Marks last comment you do have to try these places for yourself then if you don't like them you just won't go back. But don't assume that's what the rest of Greece is like! All the islands and mainland resorts are very different and if you hate one you'll almost certainly fall in love with another!
The Greek people are so friendly that you're sure to have a great time wherever you choose to go.

And Marcus I do speak a little Greek as love the place so much I decided to have lessons, I love Feta cheese as does my 7 year old son and even though I don't eat much in the way of salad, meat or vegetables (fussy eater!) I get by and if there's nothing I like then most tavernas are happy to cook an omelette!
And since we've taken our son since he was 12 months old, wherever we've been we've always been able to get cows milk, maybe one or two days out of date but it is Greece!!

We would recommend Direct Greece...

http://www.directgreece.co.uk/

First travelled with them to Corfu in 2000 then Lefkas 2003. Booked an apartment/pool in Vassilikos on Zakythnos for this year.
The various locations available and diverse accomodation would suit many travellers criteria. The reps are excellent! Tend to be permanent local habitants of each island who know all there is to know!

Hi Gary

Direct Greece are our favourite Tour operator, We have travelled with them for the last 4 years and really can't fault them. They have some fab properties in wonderful locations and they are not at all expensive. They can tell you everything you need to know about certain properties or areas because all of their staff have been to their resorts and have seen or stayed in the properties.

They are the best company we have ever used and we will definitely be travelling with them again.

Diane

ps Don't get them mixed up with Direct Holidays! They are a sister company but totally seperate, Direct holidays don't go to any of the accommodation that Direct Greece go to!

Have to agree with Marcuschap, there is something for everyone on each greek island.

We went to Pefkos in Rhodes last year, two families, and we had a brilliant time, it was pretty quiet for August we could always get a sundbed and a table at a resturant. We hired a car and explored the island, plenty to suit everyone, waterparks, ruins, cobbled windy narrow streets, mountain goats , touristy places and very greek places!!!
We are venturing to faliraki this year, it may be a nightmare, who knows, but a holiday is what you make it after all.

Trust your instincts, read up on the resorts, hotels etc, there are loads of websites which give information on accomodation, islands etc and just remember what one persons hates, another will love.

Have a great holiday.

Way to go Marcus!!!!!!! I've offened wondered if people were sent to "Real Grece" would they enjoy it. Like you said, it's all down to demand. I've seen Falriaki change A LOT! It's been through UPs and DOWNs, but I always tell people don't knock it until you've tried it.

Maybe, we should send some of these chatters to "Real Greece" and see how they handle it. All of the Greek Islands have their tourist resorts, but they also have their villages where the locals live all year.

They have their Greek schools, shops, cafes, places that don't offer English Breakfasts or have Sky satellite tv. No English Football Games!!! I've seen the Brits in Faliraki when the football is on the telly. Can you just picture the bar owners playing bouzouki and telling the tourists " no footy on the telly" but please come in and help me milk my goat!!!!

Greek Islands have everything: "untouched and unspoiled Greece" as well as the tourist resorts that changed over the years to cater to the tourists and their demands!!!

Aw, c'mon people! In the "real" Greece, if the footies on, you know better than to expect to get fed!! I was out in Greece (on one of the "unspoilt" islands) for the summer of 96 - and EVERYTHING came to a halt when the footie was on...or the "Basket".....

I would also reccomend Lesvos, me and my family have visited the resort of Petra several times and have enjoyed it more and more each time. There is a nice beach and the locals are very welcoming. Hope this helps.

i`d say each to there own we didnt consider greece at all until last year , we went to zante and loved it we went to alykanas and enjoyed so much we are returning this year , a holiday is what you make it , but as for it being too commercialised and british , alykanas is perfect greek hospitality and food and a lovely peaceful laid back resort , with lovely beaches , lovely restaurants , and with weather to match we had a perfect holiday

Rhodes is the most relaxing and peaceful place I know We passed through Falaraki last year and it was a ghost town the louts are being put off by the police taking a firm hand against the loonies that enjoy causing trouble- good I say I feel ashamed to be English when you see awful behaviour from the louts so I am pleased the police are not tollerent against them.
We have stayed in a few places in Rhodes- Haraki being our favourite place and guaranteed sunshine. It is peaceful and beautiful and is a Greek resort as opposed to a Brits resort. So no bad behaviour perfect.
If you have children then they should be prepared to be spoilt as the Greeks love our children and go out of there way to make them happy.
A place for everyone-except for louts wonderful

Having 'done'...Thassos, Skiathos, Evia, Pefkos (Rhodes!), Naxos, Corfu, ..... have been back to Kefalonia 3 times!! We found it best to stay near Argostoli (although I believe Lassi has now become more built up!) Ideal place for families...so much to do and see. Caves, red sands, quaint fishing villages in the north, underground lakes...hiring a car is a must! We went when our children were about the same ages as yours (1st post! )....and they had a wonderful time! Our elder son went back a couple of years ago with his girlfriend too! Hope this helps!

Hi

We (husband, and 2 girls 10 + 13) loved Halkidiki when we went a couple of years ago, we stayed at Sani, the place is lovely. We also love Crete, Elounda and Rethymnon are both really nice. Won't bore you with any details, if you want more info just ask.

J

Can rhighly recommend either Zakynthos or Kefalonia. They both have gorgeous beaches and plenty to see and do. Not a lot in the way of ruins, but trips are available from either island to the mainland to visit Olympia, where the first Olympic games were held. Your son would probably love it!

we've been to a few islands over the years corfu,Zante, crete,Rhodes,Kos and enjoyed them all YES i would agree that "some" resorts are geared for the Brits ie laganas (zante) kardemena(kos)Faliraki(rhodes) but no where near as bad as the " spanish costas"

if i had to choose which one to go back to it would be a stuggle but my kids would probabley choose Rhodes and i would choose kos or zante or crete or rhodes or maybe corfu, so im going to samos this year

Where ever you decide, what i would say is, get a car get out and about and you will find some lovley places and some lovely people

hope that helps