CYPRUS VS. GREECE VS. CROATIA VS. BALKINS ....?

hi my family and I are choosing where to go for a week or two for summer vacation. My sister and i thought that greece would be a great idea because it has culture and all and is different from anywhere we have ever been, but is also quite nice and warm and relaxing, which is something my parents really need. However my parents are a little skeptical of greece (they think it might be not so relaxing and packed with too many tourists), so my sister and i thought of cyprus. but is cyprus just a lame version of greece. also my parents suggested maybe the balkins or croatia or northern spain, but me and my sister are worried that these places will just be nice churches and european cities to walk around in, and those are the only types of places we have ever gone too. So frankly we are quite confused and if someone could help up us pick/find a place thats not to far or expensive, and is also quite differentt and very relaxing, please let us know!!!!!