Ever since I saw the first Mamma Mia! movie in 2008, I had a dream. A dream about visiting the gorgeous film locations of the movie myself. Exactly 10 years later, when the release of the second Mamma Mia! film was just around the corner, I finally made this dream a reality and travelled to the two Greek Islands of Skiathos and Skopelos.
So here are my best tips for visiting the island of Skopelos – the main filming location for Mamma Mia! , part 1 …
How to get to Skopelos
Although Skopelos is the bigger one of the two "Mamma Mia! islands", only Skiathos has an airport. Thus, you can fly direct to Skiathosand then take the short ferry ride from Skiathos to Skopelos (about 1 1/2 hours). As far as I know, as of 2020, there is even a 30-minute ferry connection between these two islands.
You can also take a ferry from mainland Greece. I flew into Thessaloniki, took a train to the harbour town of Volos, stayed in a hotel directly opposite the port for one night, and then took the ferry from there.
Skopelos is not an all-year-round destination as it can get pretty cold during the autumn and winter season. Because of this, all tour companies as well as most restaurants will be closed off season.
The summer season starts in May and lasts roughly until mid-October. Most visitors flock the island in July and August, so if you would like to escape the crowds, go in May or June or September to October.
Due to its airport, Skiathos is far busier with tourists than the quieter island of Skopelos. I personally liked Skopelos a lot better because of this.
There were gorgeous flower decorations everywhere, a nice pool and a beautiful view over Skopelos Town and the port.
Things to Do on Skopelos
1. Join the Mamma Mia! Film Locations Tour
On a film-inspired trip to Skopelos, this tour simply cannot be missed!
Although scenes for the film were shot both on Skiathos and Skopelos, more film locations can be found on Skopelos.
These include the "Mamma Mia! wedding chapel" and the beautiful beach that served as the backdrop for the actors performing the songs "Does Your Mother Know?" and "Lay All Your Love On Me".
Me at the same film location spot on Kastani Beach
2. Chill at the (Mamma Mia!) beach
A chilled-out beach day is one of the main summer activities here on Skopelos.
Next to the port in Skopelos Town, you will find the bus stop and a timetable for the public beach bus. This bus will take you to several beaches on the island, including Kastani Beach – the main filming location for the beach scenes in Mamma Mia!
At 3,80 € one way, the public bus is not particularly cheap. But therefore you will get there conveniently and don't have to worry about renting a car or motorbike.
3. Take a stroll through Skopelos Town
Do this if you only have limited time to spend on the island, for example if you're passing through on a cruise ship. The typically Greek, white-washed village of Skopelos Town is located opposite the ferry port, so you won't have to go far.
For things to do on a day visit in Skopelos Town, check out this post by Travel Blogger Brooke from World Of Wanderlust.
4. Step back in time
The Vakratsa House Museum is the former home of one of the richest families on Skopelos.
For 3 Euros entry, you can step back into a bygone area as everything in the wealthy household has been left exactly the way it was about a hundred years ago. There are also several dresses on show, for example a colourful, traditional engagement dress.
Where to eat and drink on Skopelos
The Molos Restaurant is located in Skopelos Town opposite the port and offers some great choices for vegetarians like me (stuffed mushrooms, grilled vegetables etc) as well as traditional Greek live music.
Café Bar Thalassa offers a great view, although the Greek yoghurt with fruits, which cost me 7 Euros (!), was the most expensive item on my whole trip through Greece.
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I really enjoy reading your travel experiences!
My family and I, my husband, two children (12 and 15 yo) are going to Skopelos in July. My daughter is a Mamma mia's fan. Which part of the Island would you suggest to stay for four nights?
I would recommend you to stay either in Skopelos Town or in the hills above. I stayed at the "Thea Home Hotel", which was located above Skopelos Town in the hills. The owner offers a free pick-up service at any time from Skopelos Town, which was great when I arrived by ferry with my luggage. When you don't have luggage, you can walk up and down the hill to the property, which takes around 25–30 minutes. I did that a couple of times. The way up is pretty steep, but feasible (just see it as a "workout"). Downhill is nice. 🙂 The hotel also offers bicycle rentals free of charge. As I wrote in my blog post, I felt like I had stepped right into Donna's B&B in "Mamma Mia!" when I arrived at the "Thea Home Hotel". Due to the location, they also have a beautiful view and the Greek breakfast was great, too! They even have a pool, which overlooks Skopelos Town and the bay. Thus, I can really recommend this place. Otherwise, staying somewhere in Downtown Skopelos Town is good too because you will have all the amenities close-by (ferry port, busses to beaches such as "Kastani Beach", restaurants, bus stop of the "Mamma Mia! tour" etc.! 😉
Hi! I am Sonja, the founder and editor of FilmFanTravel.com. Having worked part-time in a cinema since my school days, the cinema (or in 2020/2021 rather Netflix & co) is my second home. If you don't find me there, I am probably travelling the world in order to trace my favourite film locations and film settings. On FilmFanTravel.com, I combine these two passions by sharing my best tips about film-inspired travel. Join the journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @filmfantravel!
C. Jonas
18th May 2019 at 7:08 pmHey Sonja,
I really enjoy reading your travel experiences!
My family and I, my husband, two children (12 and 15 yo) are going to Skopelos in July. My daughter is a Mamma mia's fan. Which part of the Island would you suggest to stay for four nights?
Thanks a lot!
Camila
Sonja
26th May 2019 at 8:38 pmHey Camila!
I would recommend you to stay either in Skopelos Town or in the hills above. I stayed at the "Thea Home Hotel", which was located above Skopelos Town in the hills. The owner offers a free pick-up service at any time from Skopelos Town, which was great when I arrived by ferry with my luggage. When you don't have luggage, you can walk up and down the hill to the property, which takes around 25–30 minutes. I did that a couple of times. The way up is pretty steep, but feasible (just see it as a "workout"). Downhill is nice. 🙂 The hotel also offers bicycle rentals free of charge. As I wrote in my blog post, I felt like I had stepped right into Donna's B&B in "Mamma Mia!" when I arrived at the "Thea Home Hotel". Due to the location, they also have a beautiful view and the Greek breakfast was great, too! They even have a pool, which overlooks Skopelos Town and the bay. Thus, I can really recommend this place. Otherwise, staying somewhere in Downtown Skopelos Town is good too because you will have all the amenities close-by (ferry port, busses to beaches such as "Kastani Beach", restaurants, bus stop of the "Mamma Mia! tour" etc.! 😉