Mamma Mia filming locations on Skiathos

What was actually filmed on Skiathos

The Old Port. The scene where Sam and Harry sprint along the dock trying to catch the ferry to Kalokairi — and miss it — was shot at Skiathos Old Port. It is unchanged and instantly recognisable, still lined with fishing boats and tour caiques.

The opening rooftops. Sophie sings 'I Have a Dream' while posting the three wedding invitations, against a backdrop of Skiathos Town's old rooftops. The belfry of the church of Agios Nikolaos and the clock tower are visible behind her. The viewpoint is up in the old town above the Old Port — the same climb that leads to the stepped lanes and the hillside restaurants.

What was filmed on Skopelos, not here

The wedding chapel — Agios Ioannis Kastri, near Glossa on Skopelos. It sits on top of a rock above the sea and takes roughly 200 steps to reach. This is the single most photographed location in the film and it is not on Skiathos.

Kastani beach — the main beach scenes. Also Skopelos.

Glysteri — Skopelos again.

The 'Dancing Queen' jetty — Damouchari, a village on the Pelion peninsula on the Greek mainland.

How to do it properly from Skiathos

Skopelos is a short ferry or hydrofoil hop from Skiathos Old Port — which means you depart from a filming location to reach the others. It works comfortably as a day trip, and most 'Mamma Mia tours' sold on Skiathos are exactly that.

Do the Skiathos scenes on foot before you sail: the Old Port dock takes five minutes, and the rooftop viewpoint is a short climb up into the old town. Both are free, neither needs a guide.

Frequently asked questions

Was Mamma Mia filmed on Skiathos?

Partly. Skiathos provided the Old Port scenes and the rooftop backdrop to the opening number, but the majority of the film's outdoor locations are on Skopelos, not Skiathos. The mainland Pelion village of Damouchari provided the 'Dancing Queen' jetty. The fictional island of Kalokairi is a composite of all three.

Which Mamma Mia scenes were filmed on Skiathos?

Two. The Old Port is where Sam and Harry race along the dock to catch — and miss — the ferry to Kalokairi. And the opening scene, in which Sophie sings 'I Have a Dream' while posting the wedding invitations, was shot against the backdrop of Skiathos Town's old rooftops with the belfry of the church of Agios Nikolaos visible behind.

Where is the Mamma Mia wedding chapel?

On Skopelos, not Skiathos. It is the chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri near Glossa, perched on a rock above the sea and reached by a climb of around 200 steps. Kastani beach and Glysteri, also on Skopelos, provided the other main beach scenes.

Can you visit the Mamma Mia locations from Skiathos?

Yes. Skopelos is a short ferry or hydrofoil from Skiathos Old Port — the same port that appears in the film — and it is comfortably a day trip. Most Mamma Mia excursions sold on Skiathos are in fact trips to Skopelos.

Where should I eat at the Mamma Mia Old Port location?

The Old Port is one of the densest restaurant strips on the island. Scala holds the highest Google rating anywhere in this guide at 4.9, Ricchi e Poveri does contemporary tapas overlooking the water, and Lo & La has been serving Italian on the Old Port steps since 2005.