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Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Oct 7, 2019 | Europe, Greece | 0 comments

Updated: Dec 11, 2019

Do you love the Mamma Mia movie? If so, this is the island where the movie was filmed. I believe this is Greece’s best kept secret. If you want an authentic Greek experience, this is the island for you.

Woman posing on rocks on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

(I dedicate this blog to my best friend Jennifer Moreno. Her love for Mamma Mia inspired this vacation, and thanks to her we were able to have a once in lifetime experience. Love you girl!)

Here is how to get there, what to do, and where to eat.
Mamma Mia Chapel on large rock on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Mamma Mia Movie poster from the chapel on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
How to get to Skopelos Island

There are several steps you must take to get to this island.

Step 1- We took an 11 hour flight to Istanbul, Turkey (hub) via Turkish Airways.

Couple taking a selfie on the airplane with British Airways. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Let me just start with saying I love this airline. There is a wide selection of movies and games to play during the flight. They even provide a free headset, remote control, blankets, and pillows.

Movie playing on the flight with British Airways. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
TV remote on the flight with British Airways. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Upon take off, you are also given a fly kit that includes: a toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers, socks, eye mask, ear plugs, and some chapstick.

You receive two meals on this flight and unlimited free alcoholic beverages. Did I say that wrong? No, you can drink as much as you want for free! The food is surprisingly good. Do not let these pictures fool you. It wasn’t bad at all.

Step 2 – Next, is a 1.5 hour connecting flight from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece via Turkish Airways.

Again this flight came with a tv and free headphones. I watched a video on the Greek Islands to get me motivated for the vacation.

TV display on British Airways. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

The short flight came with a delicious free lunch.

Platter of lunch food on British Airways. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Step 3– We stayed the night at Sofitel Hotel, which is a few steps from the Athens Airport. It’s a little on the pricy side at $200 a night, but worth it, if you have flight the next day.

View of the outside of Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Inside view of the lobby of Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Hotel room at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

We enjoyed dinner in the lobby before our flight the next day.

Lobby at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Restaurant at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

The Greek Margarita was delectable and strong.

Woman drinking a greek margarita at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

My husband enjoyed the beer with pizza.

Yellow donkey and red donkey beers on a table at the restaurant at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Plate of pizza at the restaurant at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Step 4– The next day, we took a 1 hour Sky Express flight to Skiathos Island, which is one most dangerous landing strips in the world. Talk about a small plane. Yikes.

You are only allowed one carry on and one check in. Any additional bags are $35 Euros. Yuck

Step 5– We enjoyed Skiathos Island while waiting for our Ferry. The island is beautiful.

Woman posing in front of blue door on Skiathos Island.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

We walked 30 minutes to the port from the airport. You can take a bus or taxi, but after being in a plane for two days we enjoyed the walk.

People walking on Skiathos Island to the Ferry. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

I enjoyed a fish pedicure for $10 Euro while waiting for the ferry. Yes, it works! Also, it was perfect for my swollen ankles and legs after those long flights.

Women getting a fish pedicure on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Two women getting a fish pedicure on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

We, also, enjoyed lunch at the port while waiting for the ferry. We ordered all the items a local would order. We asked the waiter.

Plates on food at Port on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

This liquor is popular with the locals and taste like black licorice.

Bottle of liquor at Port on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

You can even find some of the famous Mamma Mia spots while you wait.

Woman posing in famous waterfront spot from Mamma Mia movie on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Step 6– You must take a 1 hour ferry ride (Blue Star Ferries) from Skiathos to Skopelos. This is a plane on water. ***Beware “ferry strikes” are common. So common, it happened during this trip to my best friend and her husband. They were coming back a day later than us on a Tuesday and had to reschedule to leave the same day as us on Monday. I’ve heard horror stories about people not being able to reschedule once the news broke out, because the ferrys do not have enough room to accommodate everyone rescheduling. People have even missed flights. Scary!***

Greece Ferry on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Inside Greece Ferry on Skiathos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Skopelos Island

*For the most part everyone speaks English

*Menu’s are in Greek and English

*Currency is Euro

*Most places take credit cards

City view of Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Best time to go?

September- tourism is low and the weather is perfect.

Transportation

Rent a Jeep or Car at the port- If you are from the USA, then you are in luck because they drive on the right side of the road. Also, you will notice the European cars are small for a reason, because the roads can get crazy scary.

New Law

**You must have an International Drivers License in order to rent a vehicle. It is easy to obtain but you must file for it in advance.**

Jeep’s are Standard -$100 week

Rental white jeep on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Car’s are automatic- $200 week

Rental car on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Where to stay

Arktos Secluded Villa with private pool

2 bedroom & 2 bathroom- $125 a night

Bring your own coffee, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Woman sitting on the edge of the pool with a view of Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Click Here to Book

Mamma Mia Spots

#1 Chapel of St. Johns

This famous church is located at the top of a massive rock.

**Please note, it’s illegal to take rocks from this site.**

Woman posing on rocks on Skopelos Island. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Mamma Mia movie wedding scene. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

It’s not easy getting to the top

Man walking down the steep steps from the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

but 100% worth it.

Couple posing in front of the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Do not forget to bring your bracelet for the Mamma Mia tree.

Woman holding a bracelet for the Mamma Mia tree. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Inside of the church in the movie.

Inside of the church in the Mamma Mia movie. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

What the real church looks like inside. It’s really small!

Once inside the church you can write in the prayer journal and light a candle.

Man lighting candles in the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Find the secret spot behind the church.

Secret spot behind the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Secret spot behind the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Woman reacting Mamma Mia scene of woman running up steps at the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

**Make sure you do not forget to take some pictures of yourself in the famous Mamma Mia spots.**

Afterwards, enjoy a drink where you can view the church.

Chapel bar at the Mamma Mia chapel. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

or walk down to a special beach next to the church

Man waving from the large rocks in the water at the Mamma Mia beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

#2 Drink a Mythos

Drink an authentic Greek Beer. This was my husbands go to beer on the trip and Rosie’s favorite drink on Mamma Mia.

Bottle of Mythos beer in a restaurant. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Person drinking bottle of Mythos beer in Mamma Mia movie. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

#3 Kastani Beach

This is the famous Mamma Mia beach. You can see why this beach was selected for the movie, with its calm waves and perfect blue water. This is by far my favorite beach on the island.

Welcome sign at Kastani Beach bar. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
View of the Kastani Beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

You can even have lunch at the beach.

Restaurant at the Kastani Beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Woman sitting on the rocks on the shore of the Kastani Beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

#4 Agnontas Beach

Honestly, this was not one of my favorite beaches. The water was calm and blue. However, compared to the other beaches it was leaning towards the boring side.

View of Agnontas Beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Restaurant at Agnontas Beach. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

#5 Three Pines -Amarandos Cape

Some of the scenes in the “Mamma Mia” movie were shot at Amarandos.

View of Three Pines at Amarandos Cape. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

If you are looking for a fun time on the water and need a tour guide, then you can find several vendors at the port. The prices range based on the amount of people the boat holds and the locations they travel. They even have a Mamma Mia tour.

Nightime tour boats at Amarandos Cape. | Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Now on to my favorite spots on Skopelos Island:

*Parking is free at beaches

*Chairs with umbrellas- $7 Euros

Cave Exploring- Hovolo

If you are looking for some caves to explore this is the beach for you.

Cave exploring in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Cave exploring in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Limnonari Beach- Cliff Diving

This place has some awesome jump spots along with some amazing views.

Want to swim butt naked? Armenopeta

This beach is where you will find your inner child. Yes, I was big fat chicken and elected to keep my clothes on. However, my husband was a huge fan of this lifestyle. lol.

This beach is secluded and is extremely hard to get to. You have drive down an extremely scary long dirt road.

Nude beach in Armenopeta.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Relaxing-Glysteri Beach

If you just want some rest and relaxation, this beach is perfect. We went twice and each time it was empty.

View of Glysteri Beach in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
View of Glysteri Beach in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Restaurants

*Restaurants are extremely quiet

*I never saw kids at any of the restaurants.

Lunch Spot

Let’s talk food! My favorite spot for lunch is the… Glifoneri (in the port town)

Outdoor view of Glifoneri restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Here is why….. the view! You will see the bluest, most gorgeous view in the world while enjoying a Greek lunch. I promise you will be mind blown.

Indoor view at Glifoneri restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Indoor view at Glifoneri restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Dinner Spot

My favorite spot for dinner is …… Linarakia. The menu has a wide selection of meals and the food is delicious. Nothing like a romantic dinner by the water.

Indoor view at Linarakia restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

For dessert, their milk bread reminds me of a Texas Funnel Cake with vanilla pudding inside. Yum!

Plate of dessert at Linarakia restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

They give out free ice cream bars after dinner. You will notice a lot of restaurants giving out “free” items such as shots or misc. food during your meal.

Plate of dessert at Linarakia restaurant in Port Town in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Favorite Saganaki- Fried Cheese

Sign for Anna's restaurant in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Dress Nice

Woman taking a selfie at dinner at Anna's restaurant in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

For some delicious Saganaki that has honey on top. The honey on top just takes it to the next level.

Plate of fried cheese at Anna's restaurant in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

After your meal they serve some of my favorite Baklava and it’s free! If you love pistachios then this will take you to heaven and back.

Plate of baklava at Anna's restaurant in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
My favorite Gyros- Platanos

This place has the best Gyros and the pita bread will have you dreaming of it at night.

My favorite Galaktoboureko (Milk Cake)- International Café

OMG you will thank me later.

Plate of milk cake (Galaktoboureko) from  International Cafe restaurant in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
My favorite spot for fresh squeezed orange juice.

This orange juice tastes amazing, but comes with a large price tag of $5 Euros. What makes this place so amazing is it has the best view in the port.

Outside view of cafe that sells amazing orange juice in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Couple at an outdoor table sharing a fresh orange juice in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island
Beautiful view of the port in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

Make sure you try a Greek Coffee (do not drink the thick paste at the bottom)

Greek coffee at a cafe in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

and have a ton of Moussaka while on the island.

Plate of Moussaka at a cafe in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

If you have some extra time visit a house that was donated to the town of skopelos by a father and daughter who were doctors on the island.

Island museum sign in Greece.| Skopelos Island, Greece- Mamma Mia Island

If you love a touristy island, then this island isn’t for you. If you want to live, drink, and eat like a local, then you’ve found the right place. This island will make you feel more like a local and less like a tourist. This is why I believe that Skopelos Island is one of Greece’s best kept secrets among experienced travelers.

Looking for more travel ideas then follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glam_journey_/

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Hi, I’m Misty! Welcome to Glam Journey, where you’ll find travel-related content, itineraries and booking services for the adventurous mom who is living her version of a glamorous life.

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