Need some inspiration for Greece with teens!

[ToastyToes101]

I'd like to book a holiday to Greece for this summer, but absolutely no idea where to start!

I've looked at various sites, but the options for which island to go for seem endless.

I'd like to spend a few days in Athens doing history stuff, but then... I don't know! Does anyone have any suggestions for islands that are accessible from Athens (boat would be good) and have a good mix of history/stuff to see, watersports, shopping, walks? Nothing too busy and def not interested in a lively nightlife, but enough to keep us busy!

Nice beaches would be lovely, but we're unlikely to spend days on the beach, so not a huge priority. We'd also be happy to do a couple of islands if that means we can get a better mix.

We'll look at accommodation options once we've narrowed down which islands to go for!

Any ideas?!

Edited to add, teens are 17 and 14.

watching with interest

I am seeking a very similar holiday with teens of the same ages. I love the look of Kephalonia but wonder if Corfu might be slightly cooler in the height of summer. I’m going round and round the houses looking at accommodation so hope someone comes along with a good recommendation!

I love Greece - and go there most summers. So - here are a few thoughts.
Greece in summer is extremely warm - so Athens sightseeing in July/Aug on the way to the islands may sound like a good idea, but it really is not.
In general - summer on the islands in Greece is not a holiday for sightseeing/ shopping. If this is what you guys like - I'd rent a car and plot a trip along some costal towns in Italy & France, although still quite warm. Or - go to the Alps - the lakes and villages there are picturesque and it's a little cooler.

Now - back to Greece. Greek islands are about sea and beach, and nice food and relaxed happy people. So - while you don't really do much "sightseeing" normally - you can get boat trips, and you can do a lot of swimming and water sports. Island hopping also sounds like a good idea - but in reality the Cyclades would probably seem quite similar to you - as in they are all small(ish) islands, crowded with tourists in the high season. People spend time on the beach, eating and partying at night.

The bigger islands - Corfu and Crete - have a little bit more of an opportunity for day-trips. There are some monasteries in the mountains and older structures. Again - you'll need to be really careful with the weather and hydration.

If your teens like water sports - I'd find a hotel/tour provider that focuses on that and has packages including those - as it can get quite expensive to pay piecemeal.