Have you ever imagined yourself dancing and singing under the sun, just like in Mamma Mia!? Many people have. This movie came out in 2008 and won our hearts with its music and beautiful settings. It took place on a stunning Greek island. Let’s explore and find out more about the Greek islands where this famous musical was shot.
Exploring the Greek Filming Locations
In 2008, the first Mamma Mia! movie was filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos. They are part of the Northern Sporades island group1. These islands offered a beautiful place for the story of love and music to unfold.
Skopelos became known as “The Mamma Mia Island” because of its stunning looks and friendly towns1. It was turned into the fictional island of Kalokairi for the film in 200712. The island’s untouched beauty highlighted the movie’s charm. Most scenes were shot on its clean beaches and in its pretty towns1. For example, Glysteri Beach in the north was a key place for filming. It showed moments like Donna gathering her friends and Sophie starting her wedding journey from Villa Donna on a donkey1.
Another beautiful place on Skopelos was Kastani Beach. This spot stood out for scenes like Sophie and Sky’s performance of ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’ and when Tanya’s charm enchanted one of Sky’s friends in ‘Does Your Mother Know’1.
Then, there’s the stunning Chapel of Agios Ioannis. It’s on a rock by the sea and was the dreamy spot for Sophie’s and Sky’s wedding in the film1. This iconic location made everyone imagine having their own perfect Greek island wedding.
Amarandos Cove in Skopelos was another memorable spot. It’s where Sophie happily sang ‘Honey, Honey’ while running through the pine trees. Scenes with the song ‘Our Last Summer’ were also filmed there1. Lastly, the song ‘Money, Money, Money,’ with Donna singing, came alive in the beautiful Agnontas village1.
While Skopelos was a star, Skiathos, its neighbor, also played a big role in the movie1. The Old Port was featured in exciting scenes, including Sam and Harry chasing the ferry and Sophie singing ‘I Have a Dream’ with her friends1. Skiathos has a lively town and an airport, making it a vibrant contrast to the quieter Skopelos1.
Discovering the Croatian Island of Vis
In 2018, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” came out. It was filmed on the beautiful Croatian island of Vis3. This island is known for its deep history and untouched beauty. It was a perfect new place for the movie’s story to take place3.
Vis was chosen for the sequel, offering a unique beauty. It shows the essence of the Mediterranean even though it’s not in Greece3. This island has a special charm from its past as a military base until 1983, keeping it less visited3. Places like the stunning Stiniva Cove and the Blue Cave were amazing backdrops for the movie3.
To visit Vis, you can fly to Split in Croatia and then take a ferry. This journey adds to the adventure, just like in Mamma Mia! It lets fans follow the movie by exploring the same places as their favorite characters.
Now continue with the second and third sections.
Exploring the Greek Filming Locations
Skopelos is part of the Sporades islands and was the main place for “Mamma Mia!”4 Its clear waters, lovely beaches, and big mountains were perfect for outdoor scenes4. Kastani Beach is famous for its beautiful view and clear water45. It was in great scenes like Tanya singing “Does Your Mother Know” and Sky with Sophie in “Lay All Your Love on Me”5.
Kastri church sits on a rock above the sea. It was Sophie’s wedding spot in the movie45. You have to climb 202 steps to see the amazing view5.
Skiathos, also in the Sporades, was used in “Mamma Mia”4. The Old Port and its beaches added to the movie’s beautiful setting4.
Damouchari, near Skopelos, is a pretty village by the sea4. With its blue waters and olive groves, it was a natural beauty in the filming4.
Vis, an island in Croatia, was in the Mamma Mia movies too4. There are 21 Greek islands in the film, each with its own magic4.
The image above is a beautiful view of the Greek filming sites in Mamma Mia.
Discovering the Croatian Island of Vis
The beautiful Croatian island of Vis starred in the famous movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. It became a true cinematic paradise with its stunning views, like majestic cliffs and the Blue Cave on Biševo islet. Before the movie, it was not well-known, making it less crowded and well-preserved. Now, its charm has drawn people from all over the world.
6The island of Vis is full of fun for visitors. You can do water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and diving. Or, enjoy the island’s beauty on foot or by bike. Wine lovers will enjoy touring the vineyards and tasting local wines. Cricket fans can also join a game, showing the sport’s popularity on the island.
For a Mamma Mia! themed trip to Vis, it’s best to visit in May, June, September, or October. These times have nice weather and less visitors. This means seeing the island at its best, while saving money on places to stay and eat.
6Vis Island’s hidden gems were shown off in the movie. The Greek market was filmed in Vis town, with real Greek food brought in for authenticity. The big Abba song scene happened at Barjaci, with a beautiful view. The church of St. Jerome was featured, located on Prirovo peninsula near Vis town.
The real star was Jastožera in Komiža, the spot for the Greek taverna scenes. Srebrena Bay is where the memorable romantic moments were filmed. And, Stiniva Bay, a top European beach, was the backdrop for a boat ride. Vis Island shines in Mamma Mia! as a hidden Adriatic treasure.
