Where was Mamma Mia! filmed in Greece?

What’s better than a holiday destination that feels like stepping onto a movie set? In Greece, you can make that dream a reality by visiting the stunning locations featured in Mamma Mia! - the iconic musical that captures the beauty and allure of the Greek islands. 

Discover what islands in Greece Mamma Mia! was filmed on and find out how to visit these cinematic settings for yourself. Start planning your trip and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper for a seamless journey to these unforgettable destinations.

Escape to paradise at Kastani beach on Skopelos Island

Mamma Mia’s Greek filming locations: Skopelos and Skiathos

Although Mamma Mia! is set on the fictional island of Kalokairi, the movie was primarily filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in the Sporades archipelago. These breathtaking Mamma Mia! Greek islands served as the perfect backdrop, immersing audiences in Sophie’s story and inspiring travelers worldwide to visit.

Skopelos: the main star of Mamma Mia!

Located off the eastern shore of the mainland, Skopelos is known as the “Mamma Mia! Island” for its role as the backdrop to many of the movie’s most iconic scenes. From charming chapels to picturesque beaches, Skopelos offers a perfect mix of romance, natural beauty and iconic sights.

These are the must-see spots in Skopelos from Mamma Mia! that every fan should visit:

• Kastani beach: famous for its pristine white sands, crystal clear waters and lush surroundings, Kastani beach served as the setting for the songs “Lay All Your Love on Me," "Does Your Mother Know?" and "I Have a Dream." While the beach cafe here is not the one shown in the film, it offers plenty of sunbeds and water sports rentals for visitors. If you’re keen to visit, Kastani beach is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Skopelos Town.
• Agios Ioannis Chapel: perched atop a rocky hill, the picturesque Church of Agios Ioannis became famous as the wedding venue for Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and Sky (Dominic Cooper), as well as where Donna (Meryl Streep) and Sam (Pierce Brosnan) say ‘I do’. While it may take a bit of a climb to reach the chapel (around 200 steps), the magnificent sea views make it well worth the effort. Based in the region of Kastri, it’s only about 15 minutes from the town of Glossa.
• Glysteri beach: one of the closest beaches to Skopelos Town, it appears in scenes where Donna picks up her friends and where Sophie and her 3 fathers share a memorable day together. Easily accessible by road, Glysteri beach is popular for its scenic charm and convenience.
• Cape Amarandos: known for its stunning turquoise waters and lush landscape, Cape Amarandos provides a striking setting for the movie’s opening scene, where Sophie sings "Honey, Honey." It’s also featured in "Our Last Summer," when Sophie and her 3 dads sing aboard Bill’s (Stellan Skarsgård) yacht. Situated on the island’s southwest coast, Cape Amarandos can be accessed via a small, unmarked road near Agnontas. After exploring, nearby fish tavernas make a perfect spot for a fresh, local meal.

Tip: after visiting Agios Ioannis Chapel, we recommend walking down to the pretty beach for a refreshing dip in the clear turquoise waters. You can leave your things on the rocks or rent sunbeds serviced by the cafe, where you can order drinks and snacks.

The iconic Agios Ioannis Church on Skopelos island

Skiathos: Mamma Mia’s dynamic island vibe

While Skopelos provided much of the movie’s lush scenery, Skiathos brought its lively charm to Mamma Mia! Known for its bustling port and vibrant atmosphere, Skiathos is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the same lively vibe portrayed in the movie.

• Skiathos Old Port: the old port of Skiathos serves as the iconic setting where the movie’s 3 male leads meet for the first time as they attempt to catch a ferry to the island of Kalokairi. This historic port is one of the busiest areas in Skiathos, with a variety of cafes, traditional tavernas, water taxis, and ferries. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in the evening when the crowds are smaller, allowing you to fully enjoy the port's charming ambiance.

Tip: want more cinematic travel inspiration? Check out our guide to other top movies and TV series filmed in Greece.

The picturesque town of Skiathos, nestled on the Sporades Islands

Plan your Mamma Mia! Greek island adventure on Ferryhopper

For Mamma Mia! fans dreaming of their own Greek island adventure, a visit to Skopelos and Skiathos is a must. Start your journey with a ferry from the ports of Volos, Agios Konstantinos, Mantoudi or Thessaloniki - all offering routes to these iconic Mamma Mia! islands.

With so much natural beauty to discover, island hopping from Skiathos to Skopelos is highly recommended, offering a complete Mamma Mia! experience. Check our Map of ferries to discover all the available ferry routes, ticket prices and companies for your trip.

Useful info: there’s also a 3rd Mamma Mia! filming location in Greece - the charming seaside village of Damouchari in Pelion.