Went to Rhodes last year, followed by Athens. Can't even have a shower around tea time in Rhodes as the water supply on the island cuts off at peak times. Athens is a dump overall, but some great archaeological sites and views there, and a nice shopping center in Marousi, near the Olympic Stadium.
The Greeks are really friendly people on the whole, but I'd definitely recommend Cyprus as a holiday destination over Greece. I went to Paphos about 18 months ago, it is more expensive than Greece but you're pretty much guaranteed really good weather, and it's a bit more modern than Greece - plus they drive on the left, albeit like mad men. The only thing Cyprus has a lack of is decent sand beaches.
Hope this helps.