Where was Mamma Mia filmed?

Perhaps, it’s that part of the movie where we know something interesting is about to happen at Sophie’s wedding. Set against a breathtaking ocean view, Sophie reads her mom’s diary with her two friends, Ali and Lisa.

They all feel giddy as they read the July 17th entry from the diary, describing the time Donna spent at the beach with Sam when they were dating. And that’s when you’ll hear the famous line, “Dot, dot, dot – that’s what they did in the olden days.”

The memorable spot where Sophie reads the diary and sings Honey Honey with her bridesmaids is Amarantos. It’s a rocky cape with pine trees, white rocks, and clear blue waters, creating a magical landscape. It’s also where Sophie and the three dads sing Our Last Summer.

Cape Amarantos has become a unique symbol of Skopelos. It’s situated on the island’s southwest coast, accessible through a dirt road near Agnontas. If you’re leaving the village of Agnontas, you’ll find a road on your right with a sign that says ‘Amarantos.’ The route can be uneven and rocky, so always drive with attention. Make sure you wear comfortable footwear as you’ll have to continue on foot through the forest.

In the initial scene of the three friends together, you’ll be convinced about their friendship and closeness. The adorable trio has finally reunited as Tanya and Rosie arrive on the fictional island of Kalokairi. Donna picks them up, and they make their way up to Villa Donna in a jeep. Their road trip is full of laughter and fun, and it’s when Tanya declares it’s time for Rosie “to find Mr. Right” now that her book is a best seller.

The entrance to Villa Donna you’ll see in this scene is on Glysteri beach. The villa is on the cliffs above the beach in the movie, but you wouldn’t find the exact Villa Donna there. However, you’ll likely discover many accommodations with a similar look and vibe throughout Greece.

Although Villa Donna doesn’t exist, Glysteri Beach does. It boasts an enchanting landscape with lush pine trees and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. It’s about 4.2 kilometers from Skopelos Port and will only take you around ten minutes by taxi or car to get there. To get to the beach, you’ll pass through a gorgeous olive grove you’ll also see in the movie scene.

Another notable Mamma Mia production location worth exploring is the Skiathos island in the northwest Aegean Sea. The film features various parts of the island, especially as a backdrop in musical scenes.

You might not notice it immediately once you see the Honey Honey scene, but eagle-eyed fans might recognize the Old Port of Skiathos in the musical number. Pay attention to the location where Harry and Sam arrive in Greece in identical cars and meet for the first time. As soon as they get to the port, the ferry to Kalokairi island leaves. This leads to the memorable quote from Harry to Sam, “Bugger – My sentiments exactly.”

Today, locals and tourists use the Old Port for water taxis, Mamma Mia tourist boats, and other marine tours. It is located in Skiathos Town, the heart of the island, where all activities and major events take place. So various modes of public transportation could take you there. To your right, you’ll notice a stretch of a harbor that leads to the Bourtzi. It’s the new harbor, home to the town’s yachts, fishing boats, and ferries.

Who would forget the sexy and hot yet silly and playful scene of the couple, Sophie and Sky, as they perform the musical number Lay All Your Love on Me at the beach? The choreography, the song, and their heartwarming lines convinced us how in love they are with each other. It also helped that the actors, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, have incredible chemistry emanating through the screen.

Before they start singing, the conversation between the couple will warm your heart. Sophie, who lost track of time wandering around the island, met with Sky, who was on his way to his stag party. Instead of calling it the last night of his freedom, as others may say, he reveals, “it’s the last night before the greatest adventure of my life.”

You’ll also fall in love with the spectacular setting, the picturesque Kastani beach located on the island’s western coast. Thanks to the movie’s popularity, this white-sand beach is now Skopelos island's most popular tourist spot.

Kastani beach is only about a 25-minute drive from Skopelos town. Although it’s easily accessible by car, drivers should be careful while arriving at the area due to the dirt road and rocks.

We can’t discuss Mamma Mia and not talk about the wedding scene. It’s probably not the wedding ceremony you would expect where Sophie and Sky would finally be pronounced as man and wife. Instead, it was Donna and Sam who got married, while Sophie and her fiancée decided to postpone the wedding and take a trip around the world together.

Such an interesting turn of events! Donna gets to say, “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” for both Harry’s proposal and wedding. She is finally marrying the love of her life, and the wedding party isn’t wasted.

What makes the scene extra special is the ceremony venue held at the chapel of Agios Ioannis. It’s an iconic Mamma Mia film scene location perched on a rock. You’ll have to climb over 200 narrow steps to get to the top.

But don’t worry, as the steps are solid and well constructed. Although they’re pretty steep, there are safe handrails to assist your climb. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing view of the beach and the rugged coastline.

As soon as you enter the chapel, you’ll realize that it’s too small to accommodate all the wedding guests in the movie. Although they use the exterior of the site as a wedding venue, they built a larger version in the Pinewood studios for the interior shoot.

The chapel is located in the region of Kastri, around seven kilometers east of Glossa. You won’t find any public transportation to the site, so you’ll have to walk about 2.3 kilometers from the main bus route. But you can always rent a car.

Filmed at the bottom of the rock along the path to Agios Ioannis chapel, The Winner Takes It All musical number is one of the touching scenes of the movie. Sam wants to discuss Sophie’s wedding and who will “give her away” on her big day. You’ll feel the characters’ intense emotions and Sam’s desperation, especially when he says, “This is about us.”

Donna responds by singing the emotional ballad to Sam. Her interpretation of the legendary ABBA song is impeccable, and the stunning coastal setting takes the scene to the next level. By the end of the musical number, you’ll see Donna running along the rocks to the path leading to the Agios Ioannis chapel while Sam is left at the bottom of the rock.

Even if you can’t ascend the rock and go up the chapel, it’s still worth a trip. Below the Agios Ioannis chapel is a small secluded beach with clear waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. You can also stay around the base and take pictures. You may have to hire a taxi or rent a car to get there since it’s not accessible through public transportation.