I agree holidayed many times on the mainland. Went to the Mani south of Kalamata for many years and have also been to the Pelion on the Aegean Coast. Last year I took the family to Parga on the Epirus Coast NW Greece. It was busy as they are both teachers and so we were there July/August, but had a great vibe. We stayed on the Valtos side ( fantastic beach) Boat trip to Paxos, Acheron Gorge walk, boat hire, other great beaches it was a good trip.