Calling all Mamma Mia lovers! Can you still recall, 2010 when Mamma Mia hit our screens for the first time? Leaving us belting “Voulez-Vous” and wanting to run away to Greece?
Well, the chance to live out the Mamma Mia fantasy is a plane ticket away on the beautiful Greek Islands of Skiathos and Skopelos! Named Kalokairi in the movies, these gorgeous islands showcase beautiful scenery, food that will have you shouting Gimme Gimme Gimme! and sand that will be Slipping Through (your) Fingers. From the beach where Sophie and Sky sang Lay All Your Love On Me, to the pier where the three potential dads first met, you can visit various locations where filming took place. So, calling all dancing queens (and kings), get ready to take a chance on these beautiful islands, and have the summer of your dreams.
Getting there:
Skiathos is the only island in Sporades that has an airport. To visit all the locations, the best option is to get a flight to Skiathos, see the locations here, then travel by ferry to see the remaining filming locations on Skopelos.
The Old Port
Our first stop is on the island of Skiathos at the Old Port, where the three potential dads – Sam, Bill and Harry met for the first time. Sam and Harry missed the ferry they needed to catch for Sophie’s wedding, luckily Bill offered them a ride on his boat.
Agios Nikolaos Church Tower
When Sophie sings “I Have A Dream” whilst posting the letters, this scene features views of church tower Agios Nikolaos, which you can visit, and views over the old town rooftop.
Next up is the island of Skopelos, a short ferry ride away from Skiathos. Upon arriving, we took a taxi that took us to the main Mamma Mia locations. There are multiple ways of travelling around the island. Some like to make their own way round, and there are also specific Mamma Mia tours.
Kastani Beach
First up is Kastani beach. This is a gorgeous location, and the perfect place to relax.
In the movie, Sophie and Sky sing Lay All Your Love On Me on this beach, and you can see the very spot this song was filmed, including the rock Sophie leant up against.
Another song filmed here was Does Your Mother Know, performed by Tanya and Sky’s friend Pepper. The bar featured in this scene was built specifically for the movie, so you won’t be able to see it, however there is another bar you can visit , and sun loungers for you to relax.
Agios Ioannis Chapel
The Chapel where Sky and Sophie’s (turning into Donna and Sam’s) wedding takes place was truly amazing to see. The first glimpse of it from the taxi had my jaw dropping.
Located on top of a huge rock, the chapel is 199 steps away from the ground, and these are the steps Donna runs up whilst singing The Winner Takes It All to Sam.
After climbing up the steps, you’ll have an amazing view of the blue waters below, stretching out for miles. Once at the top, you can enter the chapel. The Agios Ioannis Chapel is not where the wedding was filmed, as it was too small. Instead, another version was built in Pinewood Studios and the wedding was filmed here.
There is also a coffee shop just before the rock for you to relax and enjoy the view.