Some tips sound smart… until you try them. Others can limit your confidence, experiences, or even your safety. Let’s learn from real stories, not clichés. Think back for a moment: What’s the worst travel advice you’ve ever received? What did you learn by doing the opposite? Share your experience and help fellow Wanderwise travelers go with confidence

Greece may be famous for Santorini sunsets and Acropolis views, but the real magic often hides beyond the crowds. If you’re craving quiet cobblestone lanes, emerald waters, and authentic local flavor, these hidden gems deserve a spot on your list. This was the case for me as I realized how much diversity in the landscape there was. Everything from rocky coasts lines to lush green forested, mountain villages, lakes and rivers. There are endless places to explore. Here are few I would put at the top of your list: 1) Meteora – This is a place I mentioned in the movie post and I can vouch that it is a must see. It seriously feels other-worldly with monasteries perched at the top of giant rocks far from the valley below. The views are breathtaking and the energy is humbling. You can visit one of the monasteries to learn more about the history of why they were built this way and a hike in the early morning is recommended to catch the mist rolling through the valley. 2) Zagori & the Vikos Gorge – Nestled in northern Greece, this mountain region feels untouched by time. Stone bridges, alpine trails, and villages with slate rooftops make it a dream for hikers and photographers. (On the list for my next visit) 3) Monemvasia – A medieval castle town hidden behind a rock bridge in the Peloponnese. Inside the old walls, you’ll find narrow streets, Byzantine churches, and stunning sea views. It feels like stepping into history. This and Monemvasia I absolutely loved, so much history and just so fun to visit a village that is completely made of stone. 4) Milos – Known for its moonlike beaches and crystal waters, Milos offers dramatic, uncrowded coastal beauty. Sarakiniko Beach is pure magic at sunrise. 5) Kardamyli – A small coastal village in the Mani region that combines mountain charm with seaside calm. Expect cobblestone alleys, olive groves, and warm local hospitality. Kardamyli stole my heart, if I were to have my choice of places to live in Greece, Kardemyli would be my top pick. It’s a picturesque stone village by the sea with the hills that slope down from above lined with olive orchards and cypress trees. I would equate it to Tuscany by the sea.

Greece isn’t just a traveler’s dream, it's also a filmmaker’s playground. Its golden light, dramatic coastlines, and ancient ruins have starred in some of cinema’s most iconic moments. Who can forget the scenes in Mamma Mia! (2008) – Filmed on Skopelos and Skiathos, the setting practically sings as the backdrop to this feel-good classic. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) – I loved the book and enjoyed the movie as well. The postcard-perfect blue domes of Santorini have never looked more inviting. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001) – Set on Kefalonia, this wartime love story brings the island’s lush beauty to life. Zorba the Greek (1964) – Filmed on Crete, this Oscar-winning film celebrates Greek joy and spirit. You can still stand on the beach where Zorba danced! Before Midnight (2013) – Shot in Messinia and the Peloponnese, this quietly romantic film features one of my favorite actors, Ethan Hawke and captures the soul of slow Greek evenings. My Life in Ruins (2009) – This one is really funny and I would say kind of a parody with some of the same cast as “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” the leading character is Nia Vardalos. She plays a Greek tour guide and it is filmed through Athens, Delphi, and Olympia, showing some of Greece’s greatest landmarks. For those of you who are James Bond fans, For Your Eyes Only (1981) among a few other Bond movies, this one being one of the most memorable Bond films, was shot in Meteora and Corfu.The finale where Bond climbs a sheer cliff to a monastery is real! It is filmed at the Monasteries of Meteora perched high above the valley. These rock-top sanctuaries are just as spectacular in person, offering a mix of history, faith, and breathtaking views. From ancient temples to sunlit islands, Greece shines in every frame proving that some places are made to be on camera. Have you ever visited a place just because you saw it in a movie? Drop your “cinematic wanderlust” moment below!

Let me know if you can make it 😊

One of the things that makes Greece unforgettable isn’t just the scenery or the food it’s the people. Greeks have a word, (φιλοξενία) filoxenía, which means literally hospitality but also "friend to a stranger" It’s more than hospitality, it’s part of their way of life. You'll feel it everywhere you go especially in the small villages, it could be in the way a taverna owner slides you a free dessert “on the house,” or how a family-run vacation rental or inn leaves a basket of fresh fruit at your door. Here's what to expect when finding a place to stay: Boutique Hotels: Often housed in beautifully restored stone buildings or neoclassical mansions. Expect personalized service and local touches in the decor. Guesthouses & apartments: These are gems. What they lack in size, they make up for in warmth often including homemade breakfast and travel tips you won’t find online. Airbnbs & Villas: Great options if you’re staying longer or traveling with a group. Many offer ocean views, olive groves, or traditional architecture. Pro Tip: Always ask locals where they would eat or explore. You’ll likely find yourself at a table under the stars, sipping local wine with new friends. Have you experienced “filoxenía” when traveling? Share your story below, I’d love to hear it! Ps. I like the Greece Explained channel on Youtube for information about Athens and this video about where to stay in Athens.