Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, “Mamma Mia!” (2008) is based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, also directed by Lloyd. The inspiration for both movie and musical came from the 1999 book “Mamma Mia,” written by Catherine Johnson. “Mamma Mia!” is a romantic comedy musical about what happens when the past resurfaces.
It tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a bride-to-be that desperately wants to be walked down the aisle by her father, whom she has never known. It turns out that multiple men might be her father, so she invites all of them to her wedding much to her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) surprise. In the movie, most of the story is set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. But fans of the movie don’t have to wish they could go there. It’s possible to walk where Seyfried, Street, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski and the rest of the star-studded cast strut their stuff. So, where was “Mamma Mia!” filmed?
Mamma Can Be Found Among the Greek Islands
Donna (Meryl Streep), is the owner of a local hotel. Sophie decides to read her mother’s private journals to find her father in time for her upcoming nuptials. Sophie contacts the three men she believes are paternity candidates and naturally antics ensue when Donna unexpectedly runs into old flames.
Besides the mesmerizing musical numbers, expect to be enchanted with “Mamma Mia!” by the breathtaking beauty of the beaches and landscapes of Greece. Many travelers think of the Mykonos Islands when the country Greece comes to mind, and they mistakenly believe the film was produced there. However, it will take a visit to the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in Greece, where Lloyd primarily filmed, along with some beaches of Damouchari, to bask in the relaxing scenery depicted throughout much of “Mamma Mia!”
Skopelos Island, Film Location for “Mamma Mia!”
Skopelos is located in the Western Aegean Sea and is one of several islands that make up the Sporades Island group. Skopelos and Skiathos are both part of the Sporades Islands, which inhabit the Pelion Peninsula. The Kastani Beach of Skopelos was the location of several song and dance performances, including, “I Have a Dream,” “Lay All Your Love on Me” and “Does Your Mother Know?” The tiny church featured at the end of “Mamma Mia!”, Agios Ioannis Kastri, is in the Northern section of Skopelos. It has 199 steps that lead to it, with a sandy beach beneath its cliff.
For tourists, getting to Skopelos will require a bit of planning. The easiest option is to get there by boat or hydrofoil. Athens might be the easiest transfer point, with both boat and hydrofoil taking about 75 minutes one way.
Things to Do in Skopelos: Visit Agios Ioannis Kastri with 199 steps that lead to the sandy beach under the cliff.
Where to Eat in Skopelos: Indulge in locally produced white wine at Faros Skopelos Restaurant or indulge in tasty yet modestly priced Mediterranean fare at Vasiliki Taverna.
Where to Stay in Skopelos: For a beach getaway, book your stay at Panormos beach Hotel Skopelos or for breathtaking sea views, opt for the Adrina Beach Hotel.
Three Men, a Baby, and Glysteri Beach
The scene where Sophie and her three dads jump into the crystal blue waters below was filmed at Glysteri Beach. The location of the fictional Donna Villa hotel, managed by Donna, is also said to be located there in the area of Nisi.
“Mamma Mia!” was shot in 2008, but there was a scene in the movie that supposedly takes place in 1980. Damouchari was the only island the producers found that still had the charm of the 1980s, with few skyrises, traffic, modern enhancements, or other “tourist traps.” It’s been said that all the inhabitants of Damouchari island were recruited to be extras in this scene. Damouchari is a small port on the Eastern coast of Pelion Peninsula, not far from Skopelos and Skiathos. It can be reached by boat from Agios Ionnis and Mylopotamos. It can also be reached by walking the road from Tsagarada or Mouressi.
Things to Do in Glysteri Beach: The beach itself is the biggest draw here but walking through the quaint town is like being in the movie.
Where to Eat in Glysteri Beach: This is a smaller location that really leans into its seaside roots, making it a seafood lover’s paradise. Consider dining at Glyfoneri Taverna for Mediterranean eats or stop by Skopelitikes Tiropites Mixalis for Greek pastries.
Where to Stay in Glysteri Beach: Glysteri Beach is on Skopelos so most tourists will opt for day trips here via taxi or bus.
Skiathos Island, an Entry Point to Skopelos
Skiathos is the only island of the Sporades group that has its own airport. It is, therefore, the most efficient way to reach both Skopelos. Athens is the nearest major airport and it is 20-30 minutes flight to Skiathos Airport from there. Skopelos is a 30-minute ferry ride from Skiathos port. Besides flying into Skiathos Airport from the mainland, there are 4 ports that offer ferry services to the Sporades islands at Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessalonik. Volos port has the fastest ferry, the Aegean Flying Dolphin, which can reach Skiathos in an hour and 25 minutes and Skopelos in an hour and 55 minutes.
Things to Do in Skiathos Island: After Mamma Mia sightseeing, enjoy the seasonal open air cinema which operates between May and September. Alternatively, this is a popular sailing town with plenty of excursions for those that want to go beyond the island.
Where to Eat in Skiathos Island: Travelers that believe dining should be an experience will love 1901, a restaurant that’s equal parts tasty food and immersive art displays. Meanwhile, for laid back vibes and an outdoor patio, stop by Giardino Segreto Skiathos.
Where to Stay in Glysteri Beach: For unobstructed sea views, book a stay at Villa Apollon Skiathos. But those that prefer a bit more seclusion may find nirvana at Skiathos Blu Hotel.
The Perfect “Mamma Mia” Itinerary
Though most of the locations where “Mamma Mia!” was filmed were once “lesser known,” they became popular thanks to the movie. The increased tourism led to an unprecedented need for hotel accommodation and increased prices at restaurants and bars on the tiny islands of the Aegean Sea. However, many local Greeks recognize the potential that film tourism has to boost the local economy.
When visiting the locations where “Mamma Mia!” was filmed, don’t be surprised to find ready-made tour packages that lead directly to where the scenes were filmed.
