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Mamma Mia was always certain to be a massive box office hit. The jukebox musical, with its sing-along hits from Abba and all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan, made over $700 million in cinemas and continues to be a fan-favourite almost a decade after its release.
Described by Empire as being “full of sunshine and toe tappers”, the film is both a tribute to the popular Swedish pop quartet, and a love letter to sandy beaches and crystal blue sea. Whether inspiring fans to indulge in cheap holidays to the Greek island of Skiathos, or tempting adventurers to discover its historical delights like the Agios Ioannis Chapel in Skopelos, director Phyllida Lloyd’s film endures as much for its music as it does for its picture-postcard depiction of the Mediterranean.
Five Must-See Mamma Mia Filming Locations
Agios Ioannis Chapel
Agios Ioannis Chapel – IMAGE: Facebook
Perched dramatically atop a rock on Skopelos’ rugged coastline, the tiny chapel of Agios Ioannis is the undisputed star of Mamma Mia’s filming locations. This is where Sophie and Sky’s wedding takes place, and where Donna pauses in the doorway before heading up to join the ceremony. It does require a climb to get to – up more than 200 narrow steps – but the reward is worth it. From the top, you’ll get to see a sweeping, unforgettable view of the Aegean.
Here, where Donna and Sam’s confrontation is staged alongside a rendition of “The Winner Takes It All”, you’ll notice the chapel is far too small to fit all the guests. The production moved to the studio at Pinewood to film the interiors. The Agios Ioannis Chapel is considered the most iconic of the Mamma Mia filming locations for good reason.
Glysteri Beach
Glysteri Beach – IMAGE: Facebook (Glysteri Beach Bar)
Staying on Skopelos, we find Glysteri Beach on its northern side. This was one of the film’s most frequently used outdoor locations. The olive groves above the beach appear in several scenes, including Donna driving Tanya and Rosie up to Villa Donna in a jeep and Sophie setting off for her wedding on a donkey.
You’ll recognise this also as the place where Sophie and her three potential fathers leap off rocks into the turquoise water after their sailing trip. For travellers, its close proximity to Skopelos Town makes it an ideal place to see when visiting the island.
Kastani Beach
Kastani Beach – IMAGE: Facebook (Thanos Voudoris)
Kastani Beach is one of the most recognisable sandy shorelines in Mamma Mia. It’s here that Sophie and Sky performed “Lay All Your Love on Me.” The secluded bay is framed by pine forests and beautiful turquoise Mediterranean water. You won’t find the beach bar or pier as these were built by the production team and removed after filming. But what you will find are rows of sunbeds, a café and water sports companies offering exciting trips on canoes, sea bikes and jet skis.
Amarandos Cove
Amarandos Cove – IMAGE: Jana Mitic (Unsplash)
Amarandos Cove, on Skopelos’ southern coastline, is a breathtaking mix of rocky peninsulas and tiny islets. Reached via a rough forest track, it’s one of the island’s most atmospheric filming locations, and helped stage the sailing montage set to the song, “Our Last Summer”. Also, remember when Sophie runs through the trees singing “Honey, Honey”? That’s the pine forest in Amarandos.
Old Port of Skiathos
Old Port of Skiathos – IMAGE: Nick Karvounis (Unsplash)
While Skopelos hosts most of the film’s outdoor scenes, Skiathos plays a key role in the story’s early moments. The Old Port is where Sam and Harry scramble to catch the ferry to Kalokairi before Bill invites them aboard his boat after they miss it. The port’s waterfront tavernas and hillside houses make it instantly recognisable from the film.
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