A Guide to Skopelos and Skiathos, the Mama Mia! Islands of Greece

It is no secret that Greece is a popular film location and the set for some of the best movies in Hollywood. From James Bond’s classic For Your Eyes Only with scenes in Meteora to the adventure film Lara Croft, Tomb Raider-the Cradle of Life starring Angelina Jolie in Santorini, there are literally dozens of blockbuster hits that have backdrops along vibrant Greek shorelines and stunning Greek cliffs.

But perhaps the most iconic movie filmed in Greece is Mamma Mia! Every time I watch it, I get inspired about Greek summer, and maybe that was the intent of screenwriter Catherine Johnson since the fictional island of “Kalokairi” means “summer” in Greek.

Built around ABBA songs and with a cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Bronson, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried, and more, this kitschy romantic musical comedy showcases the beauty of the lesser-known islands of Skopelos and Skiathos. Let’s take a closer look at these hidden gems.

Skopelos and Skiathos are part of the four-island Northern Sporades cluster in the western Aegean Sea. Because of their proximity to the northern mainland areas of Volos and Pelion, these islands don’t get the same tourist traffic as their Cyclades counterparts like Mykonos and Santorini. But don’t be fooled; these harder-to-reach islands have a lot to offer, with Skiathos being the cosmopolitan center of the group and Skopelos offering luscious green landscapes.

Mid-size Skopelos is shaped like a saxophone, covering 37 square miles (approximately 96 square kilometers) with a year-round population of under 5,000. Designated the “Green and Blue Island,” it is known for its relaxed vibe, abundant forests, green vegetation, and tranquil beaches. Kastani beach on the southwest was one of the main filming locations for Mama Mia! The wedding scene was filmed 6 miles (10 kilometers) away at Agios Ioannis Church on the northeast coast.

Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades, with a size of 19 square miles (50 square kilometers). Despite the island’s smaller size, its population is similar to neighboring Skopelos, and this bustling island is known for its vibrant nightlife and well-organized tourist offerings. The island’s Old Port was part of the Mama Mia! set, as were the Clock Tower and Agios Nikolaos Church.

While the islands are very different in what they offer visitors, the good news is that you don’t have to choose. The ferry ride between these islands is typically less than an hour, and there are multiple crossings per day, making Skiathos and Skopelos a perfect island hopping package. If a Mama Mia! tour is your main goal, be prepared to spend more time on Skopelos as it is where the majority of the movie was filmed.

Getting There

Charming Skiathos Town with white-washed buildings and serene harbor.|©iStock/mbbirdy

Skiathos: Skiathos has an international airport (JSI) with regular flights from Athens and other major European cities. The flight from Greece’s capital is less than one hour.

You can also reach Skiathos by ferry but not from the port in Athens. Instead, take a train, bus, or car to the northern cities of Volos, Thessaloniki, Kymi, or Mantoudi. Be sure to check the ferry schedule carefully as the summer months offer different options than in the off-season.

Skopelos: Skopelos makes up for the fact it does not have an airport by offering three ports: Skopelos, Agnontas, and Glossa. You can reach Skopelos directly from the same mainland ports that service Skiathos or you can island hop from Skiathos or other nearby destinations.

Getting Around

Skiathos: Because it is so geared towards tourism, the public transportation in Skiathos is more frequent and accessible than in many other islands. Three different bus lines leave from Skiathos Town taking visitors to the tourist destinations of Koukounaries, Xanemos, the Evangelistria Monastery, and beyond. Buses can be surprisingly fun and add an element of adventure to your holiday. Even if you aren’t a “bus person,” consider it for this trip.

Water taxis are another enjoyable way to get around and are available on both islands. Traditional taxis are always an option, but keep in mind that Greek islands have limited taxis, so plan in advance.

Skopelos: Because of its size and the fact it is less inhabited than Skiathos, a car is the best to fully experience Skopelos, and you’ll find plenty of car rental options at all the port villages. Be advised the roads to some of the best sites are rough so consider a four-wheel drive vehicle if you want to go exploring. If you prefer not to drive, public transportation is another option with the central station in Skopelos Town. There are three bus lines that take you to most of the popular locations. Over the last few summers, there have been issues with crowded buses and irregular schedules so if you visit in the high season, try to come with a flexible attitude.

What to See and Do in Skiathos

Aerial view of stunning Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos Island.|©iStock/SHansche

As part of your Mama Mia! tour, head to the Old Port of Skiathos and reenact the scene at the beginning of the movie where Sam and Harry miss the ferry to Kalokairi. Then head to Skiathos Bourtzi, a scenic hill on a tiny peninsula that divides the Skiathos port. You will find the traces of a wall reminding visitors that a Venetian castle once stood there.

Next, stroll over to the pedestrian-friendly Old Town for shopping and eating. Get lost in the winding alleys and white-washed buildings, and when you are ready for some culture, head to the center of the town, where you’ll find the Three Holy Hierarchs Church, an elegant and imposing cathedral that is over 15 years old. Finish your visit to Skiathos Town with a stop at Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower, landmarks that also make appearances in Mama Mia!

For history buffs, make sure to visit the Monastery of Evangelistria, about 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) north of Skiathos Town. While the distance is short, the walk is long, so if you plan to go on foot, allow yourself an hour for the journey and bring water. The monastery is historically significant as it offered shelter to fighters during the Greek War of Independence. Once there, stop for cake and coffee at the monastery cafe, and be sure to ask for the story about the original Greek flag, which was woven, blessed, and hung for the first time there.

If beautiful beaches are your goal, you’ll have lots of options. Koukounaries Beach and Mandraki Beach are two favorites. Surrounded by a natural reserve, the well-organized Koukounaries beach offers amenities like sunbeds, refreshments, water sports, and more. Koukounaries means “stone pines,” and the natural forest that surrounds the coast gives the area a tranquil feeling despite the fact it is a popular tourist stop. Bring your drone and prepare to be stunned by the gorgeous aerial view.

Mandraki Beach, a tranquil beach with clear waters and scenic views, is located on the west coast about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from Skopelos Town. This is a long, sandy beach allowing you to take a nice stroll, and the shallow waters make it a great family-friendly option. Some consider this the most beautiful beach on the island–go and decide for yourself!

What to See and Do in Skopelos

Agios Ioannis Kastri chapel perched atop a rocky hill in Skopelos.|©iStock/Constantinos-Iliopoulos

Mama Mia!’s fictional island of Kalokairi is mainly the island of Skopelos, and given that over 50% of the island is covered in lush pine forests, you quickly understand why this was a good location choice.

If you want to start like the movie does, head to Cape Amarandos, 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of Skopelos Town. This was the location for one of the opening scenes where Sophie runs through the pines reading her mother’s diary and singing “Honey, Honey.” The turquoise waters offer a beautiful contrast to the pine forests, and here you will find the iconic site of three trees.

Next, head to Kastani Beach, located 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Cape Amarandos, to enjoy the white sand beach stretching between the sparkling sea and vibrant green vegetation. Lay on the beach and remember the scenes featuring the songs “Lay All Your Love on Me” and “Does Your Mother Know?” Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you’ll have an enjoyable afternoon.

The Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri is another must-see on your Mama Mia! Skopelos tour. The location of Sky and Sophie’s wedding is stunning– this chapel is perched on a dramatic rock above the sea and offers sweeping views of the Skopelos coastline and the neighboring island of Alonissos. Getting to the church isn’t easy, as you must climb over 200 steps to reach the entrance, but the view is so impressive you won’t mind the effort getting there.

Glysteri Beach and its surrounding olive groves also make appearances in the movie, but even if you don’t remember the olive grove scenes or rock jumping moments, this well-organized, popular beach is a great way to take advantage of Greek summer. This organized beach features sunbeds, music, snacks, and a lively party vibe. This is a popular beach hopping option, located just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Skopelos Town.

Where to Stay

Villa Donna, the hotel from Mama Mia!, was perched on the cliffs above Glysteri Beach, but the hotel was a movie set that doesn’t exist in real life. That’s ok-no one wants to stay in a goat house, and there are plenty of wonderful accommodation options on both Skopelos and Skiathos.

Skiathos:

The Thalassa Hotel is a gorgeous hotel located right on the beach, just a 10-minute walk into town. The rooms are modern, minimal, and comfortable, and the hotel features a beach bar, restaurant, and beautiful views. For a convenient port option, try Somia Skiathos, an easy walk from the Skiathos marina. For a unique 5-star experience, try the La Piscine Art Hotel, a stylish adults-only luxury hotel in Skiathos Town.

Skopelos:

For a self-catering option, try the 10-room guest house Limnonari Rooms near Cape Amarandos. You’ll have easy beach access and the option to cook in the shared kitchen or head to the taverna connected to the guest house. If you want a unique experience, try Villa Watermill. Less than a mile from the Skopelos Port, this accommodation is good for families or small groups as the property includes two houses, one of which is a restored traditional watermill, the only remaining watermill on the island. If luxury is your vibe, head to Skopelos Village Hotel, a 5-star hotel near Skopelos Port. Even if you don’t stay there, be sure to ask about their Mama Mia! themed nights.

Where to Eat

Skiathos:

Book in advance at Basilikos Restaurant in Skiathos Town because this popular classic taverna fills up. For innovative dining, head to the award-winning Crazy Cow Restaurant. Located in the La Piscine Art Hotel, this restaurant specializes in classic dishes with unique twists, like grilled octopus with peanut butter cream with miso, and a wine list with over 200 options. For an upscale meal by the sea, try Achinos Seaside Restaurant in Megali Ammos. This elegant restaurant offers refined dishes, including a good range of vegetarian and vegan options.

Skopelos:

The Muses on the beachfront in Skopelos Town is worth a visit. This stylish restaurant is right along the water and serves high-quality fish, meat, and vegetable dishes with an eye for presentation. Molos Taverna in Skopolos Town is another good choice offering classic taverna fare. You can peruse their menu for inspiration. For a magical scene around sunset, head to Korali Restaurant in Agnontas, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Skopelos Town.

Other Favorites

Located in the neighborhood of Plakes in Skiathos Town, the wine and cocktail bar Salkimi hangs off a cliff, making it a perfect stop for an afternoon or sunset refreshment. Wine lovers will be surprised at how high-quality it can be, and if wine tasting is your thing, be sure to visit the Parissis Winery. This family-run winery will charm you while offering sweeping views of the port of Skiathos and its neighboring islands. If you’ve heard about Skiathos's party vibe but don’t know how to get started, head to the Blind Dog in Skiathos Town, a friendly venue that offers live music and a good vibe every night!

If you want an easy and fun way to see the Mama Mia! locations, take the Dolphin of Skopelos bus. The tour departs at 9:00 am and returns around 15:00, offering a great overview of all the main filming sites. Paraiso Beach Bar is worth a stop for a sunset drink. For adventures in the sea, Skopelos Boat Hire offers guided tours, self-hire boats, and beach-based water sports.

Final Thoughts

Experience Mamma Mia's Greek summer vibe on Skopelos and Skiathos.|©iStock/SHansche

The cast of Mama Mia! was international, and the ABBA music hails from Sweden, but the vibe of the movie is one hundred percent Greek summer. From dancing on table tops to spontaneous declarations of love, the movie captures the charm and the emotionality of Greece and offers you a tiny window into the beautiful islands of Skopelos and Skiathos.

Once you arrive on these islands, it is hard not to get swept into the joy of being alive in a beautiful setting surrounded by amazing food, welcoming locals, and lots of opportunities for adventures. But don’t believe me, come see for yourself.