How Skiathos became a film location for Mamma Mia! — and where to find the filming spots

The real-life locations behind the world’s most joyful island movie.

When Mamma Mia! hit the cinemas in 2008, viewers instantly fell in love with its turquoise waters, pine-covered hillsides and golden light. What many don’t realise is that the story doesn’t unfold on one island, but on two real islands in the Sporades: Skiathos and Skopelos.

Together, they became the fictional island of Kalokairi — a name that fits perfectly, because in Greek kalokairi (καλοκαίρι) means “summer.”

It’s the island of sunshine, music and carefree joy… exactly what you feel when you visit the Sporades in real life.

And the best part?

You can visit almost every filming location — many directly from Skiathos.

Why Skiathos Caught Hollywood’s Eye

When the production team scouted islands across Greece, Skiathos stood out immediately. They were searching for:

• intense greenery

• cinematic beaches

• a lively but authentic old town

• easy logistics for cast & crew

• dramatic coastlines and clear water

Skiathos offered all of that — wrapped in a compact, walkable, vibrant island atmosphere. It also has one of the most conveniently located airports in Greece, which made filming far easier.

Skiathos became the “gateway” island in the movie: the place of arrivals, transitions and everyday island life scenes.

FILMING LOCATIONS IN SKIATHOS

1. Skiathos Old Port – the iconic arrival scenes

This is where Sophie’s friends arrive, where the “three dads” step off their boats and where several transition shots were filmed.

It has barely changed since 2008 — colourful boats, wooden piers, old tavernas and bougainvillea everywhere.

Tip: Enjoy the view from Bourtzi with a freddo espresso.

2. The walkway between the New Port & Old Port

You’ll instantly recognise this small stretch once you rewatch the movie.

Boats dock here, characters walk along the waterfront, and it’s one of the easiest locations to visit.

3. Papadiamanti Street – town scenes

Named after Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, this little street has the exact kind of charm the film needed:

• white houses

• flowers and balconies

• cafés and boutiques

• an authentic old-town feel

It appears briefly in walking scenes, but fans notice it instantly.

FILMING LOCATIONS IN SKOPELOS

(Where most of the iconic moments were filmed.)

While Skiathos served as the lively introduction to Kalokairi, Skopelos became the heart of the movie.

Here’s where the legendary scenes were shot:

4. Agios Ioannis Chapel — the wedding chapel

The most famous location in the entire film.

Perched dramatically on a rock with 110 steps to the top, the chapel offers breathtaking views.

This is where Sophie’s wedding scene was filmed.

5. Kastani Beach — the beach bar & dance scenes

This is where “Lay All Your Love on Me” and “Does Your Mother Know” were filmed.

The beach bar built for the movie is gone, but the scenery is exactly the same and still very recognisable.

6. Glysteri Beach — coastal choreography scenes

Used for smaller musical moments and some of the fun ensemble shots.

Today, it’s a stylish beach bar and one of the nicest bays to visit.

7. Amarantos — the iconic leaning pine trees

Often mistaken for Skiathos, Amarantos is actually in Skopelos.

You’ll recognise the pine trees leaning dramatically over emerald water — they appear in many aerial and cutaway shots throughout the movie.

It’s one of the most photographed places in the entire film.

The best way to see all filming locations: by boat

To experience both Skiathos and Skopelos filming spots in one day, the best option is a Sporades boat trip.

From Skiathos, we can help you book:

• private boat trips with captain

• shared Mamma Mia! themed tours

• custom island-hopping routes

• stops at Agios Ioannis chapel, Kastani, Glysteri and Amarantos

• hidden bays for swimming and snorkelling

Just let us know during your stay — our holiday concierge is happy to arrange boat days, restaurant stops and insider tips.

Why the Film Still Shapes How People See the Sporades

Mamma Mia! captured the true essence of the islands:

• joy

• simplicity

• warmth

• nature

• sea

• summer light

Visitors often tell us that Skiathos feels exactly like the movie — colourful, welcoming and full of little moments that feel cinematic.

And when they arrive at their OHLIVE Villa, surrounded by pines and horizon views, it genuinely feels like stepping into their own version of Kalokairi — “Island Summer.”

FAQ

Where was Mamma Mia! filmed?

Mamma Mia! was filmed in the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos in the Sporades.

Where is the Mamma Mia wedding chapel?

The wedding chapel is Agios Ioannis, located in Skopelos.

Can you visit the filming locations?

Yes, most locations can be visited by boat from Skiathos.

Is Kalokairi a real island?

No. Kalokairi means “summer” in Greek — the movie combines locations from Skiathos and Skopelos.