Where Was “Mamma Mia” Filmed?

There’s so much to love about 2008’s “Mammia Mia,” including the fabulous cast (comprising major stars like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Amanda Seyfried) and the perfect soundtrack. Another feature that makes “Mamma Mia” such a great watch is the setting of the film, which is so significant to the plot it’s practically a character of its own. The movie’s gorgeous scenery highlighted by impeccable cinematography may have you wondering, “Where was ‘Mamma Mia’ filmed?”

“Mamma Mia” is a musical comedy with romantic flair that uses the music of beloved Swedish pop band ABBA to highlight the plot’s most important twists and turns. It’s no wonder The Hollywood Reporter film critic Ray Bennett describes it as “a delightful piece of filmmaking with a marvelous cast topped by Meryl Streep in one of her smartest and most entertaining performances ever.”

Find out where “Mamma Mia” was filmed and examples of filming locations similar to those used in the flick. Choose from thousands of creative spaces and filming locations you can rent by the hour through Peerspace that are similar to those found in “Mamma Mia,” in case you’re a filmmaker or videographer yourself seeking locations for your own creative project.

Where was “Mamma Mia” filmed?

“Mamma Mia” is set on a fictional Greek island called Kalokairi, where Meryl Streep’s character Donna runs a hotel. The scenery is completely stunning, and it’s no surprise that it was actually filmed on a Greek island — specifically, the island of Skopelos in the Sporades (an archipelago in the Aegean Sea).

Additional filming also took place on Skiathos, which is also in the Northern Sporades. The scene where the three potential dads meet for the first time was filmed at Skiathos’ Old Port, according to Trip Savvy.

Skopelos: the “Mamma Mia Island”

Since the movie was filmed on location in 2007, Skopelos has been known worldwide as the “Mamma Mia island,” writes blogger World of Lina. Even if you visit now, “If you’re lucky you can find photos of cast members dining out in some bars and restaurants or even meet locals who got to chat with the actors back then!” This is why the island plays host to a Mamma Mia Island Tour, for true fans of the movie who want to see all the film’s most memorable locations in person.

Skopelos beaches where key scenes were filmed

World of Lina writes “Mamma Mia” used beaches all over the island of Skopelos for various scenes:

• Glysteri Beach: This beach on the north side of the island is where they filmed the scenes where Donna meets her friends Tanya and Rosie as they arrive, as well as where Sophie and the three potential dads jump off the rocks into the ocean.
• Kastani Beach: Considered to be one of Skopelos’ most beautiful beaches, Kastani Beach is the location for the memorable scene where Sky and Sophie sing “Lay All Your Love on Me.” The fun and hilarious scene in which Tanya sings “Does Your Mother Know” was also filmed here.
• Agios Ioannis Chapel: Sophie and Sky get married at this small and beautiful chapel, which is only accessible via more than 200 steps and has an amazing view of the ocean.

Filming locations you can rent inspired by “Mamma Mia”

If you’re asking “Where was ‘Mamma Mia’ filmed?” because you’re a filmmaker and hoping to replicate the movie’s gorgeous scenery, here are a couple examples of filming locations that could do the trick. These production spaces are available to rent by the hour through Peerspace, which has the largest selection of short-term rentals on the internet and makes finding the right space for your needs incredibly simple and straightforward.

1. Waterfront beach house in Alabama

You might not expect to find a location akin to the scenery in “Mamma Mia” in Alabama, but one glance at the listing photos for this beach house in the Dunes Community of Fort Morgan, Alabama, will have you convinced. The home is a massive, 4,500-square-foot mansion with its own elevator. It has incredible views of the Emerald Gulf from the balcony.

2. Charming beach house in Los Angeles

Compared to our last example, this beach house is situated in a less unexpected location: sunny Los Angeles, California — specifically the seaside community of Playa Del Rey. As the host describes it, it’s a luxurious space with ultra-easy beach access. You’ll find an ocean-front balcony with a grill and firepit and an ocean-front patio with outdoor seating.

As for the indoors, there’s a gourmet kitchen, a high-ceilinged living room with plenty of natural light, a full bath, and more. To quote one reviewer who held a video shoot here, “Patrick’s space was AWESOME! You literally cannot get more beachside than this. Extremely beautiful, quiet, perfectly LA beach with an amazing sunset. Would 100% book again.”

Another filmmaker wrote, “This spot was perfect for shooting on the beach. We used it as a basecamp and it was everything we needed. Host was great and super helpful. Will for sure book for the next one!”

Now that you know the answer to the question “Where was ‘Mamma Mia’ filmed?,” we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re ready to visit those islands and enjoy the beautiful sand and sun for yourself!

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