Where Is Mamma Mia 2 Filmed

Picture this: you’re humming “Dancing Queen” with a glass of rosé in hand, the Greek sun warming your skin. That’s the magic Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again bottled so effortlessly. But where exactly did this sun-drenched sequel come to life? Let’s trade your screen for a map and hit the real locations behind the film’s dreamy backdrop.

The Island That Stole the Show

Just like the first film, the sequel was shot almost entirely on the real Greek island of Skopelos, part of the Sporades archipelago. You might think it’s a fictional “Kalokairi,” but the white-washed churches and turquoise coves are all authentic. The production team scouted dozens of islands before settling on Skopelos for its untamed beauty and quiet charm.

Fans of the original will notice familiar spots, like the iconic Agios Ioannis Chapel perched on its rocky pillar. This is where Sophie’s wedding took place in the first film, and in the sequel, it’s where we see young Donna’s adventures begin. Fun fact: the chapel is so small that only the priest and two actors could fit inside for the actual ceremony shots.

But the real star? The Kastani Beach, a secluded cove with powder-soft sand and crystalline water. This was the main set for the taverna scenes and the famous “Waterloo” dance number. If you visit today, you can still rent a lounge chair and pretend you’re waiting for Sam or Bill to arrive by boat.

Villa Donna: A Dream Home Built for Cinema

That gorgeous, vine-covered farmhouse where Donna lives? It was not a real building but a purpose-built set constructed on a hill overlooking the sea. The production team built Villa Donna from scratch on a private plot near the village of Glossa, using local stone and reclaimed wood to give it that timeless, weathered feel. After filming wrapped, the villa was dismantled completely—a bittersweet goodbye for the crew.

The gardens around the villa were also hand-planted with olive trees, lavender, and flowering bougainvillea, creating that lush, Mediterranean paradise you see on screen. Travel tip: you can hike to the site near Glossa, but there’s no official landmark. Bring a picnic and soak in the same sea views that made Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried swoon.

Another hidden gem: the small harbor town of Skopelos Town (Chora) was used for the market scenes and the lively Greek dance number. The narrow alleys with blue-doored houses are exactly as you’d imagine—Instagram gold, but without the crowds of Mykonos.

Paris, London, and a Dash of Croatia

But the story doesn’t stay in Greece. The young Donna’s journey begins in Paris, where she studies at the Sorbonne. Those scenes were filmed on location at the Place de la Sorbonne and along the Seine, with the production securing permits to close off streets for the musical “When I Kissed the Teacher.” For a split second, you can spot the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in the background.

Then there’s London, where the young Dynamos perform in a smoky 1979 club. That club was actually the 100 Club on Oxford Street, a real live music venue that’s been hosting punk and jazz since the 1940s. The filming there was so authentic that the crew had to re-dress the entire place with vintage posters and ashtrays.

For the grand finale—the storm sequence at sea—the production moved to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The dramatic cliffs and deep waters near Dubrovnik stood in for the Greek islands during the rough weather scenes. Croatia offered lower filming costs and better tax incentives, but also gave the film that slightly darker, more dramatic visual texture.

Practical Tips for Your Own Pilgrimage

If you’re planning a Mamma Mia-themed trip, book ferry tickets to Skopelos well in advance during summer months. The island gets crowded from June to August, but spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer golden light and fewer tourists. Skip the guided tours—rent a scooter or a small car to find hidden spots like the secluded Milies Beach, which looks straight out of the film.

Pack for maximum comfort: sturdy sandals for climbing to Agios Ioannis (steep steps!), a wide-brimmed hat for the sun, and a waterproof phone case for those inevitable sea-swim selfies. Also, learn a few Greek phrases like “Kalimera” (good morning) and “Efharisto” (thank you)—the locals deeply appreciate the effort.

And don’t forget to eat like a Dynamo. Order a Greek salad with local feta at a taverna in Glossa, sip ouzo at sunset, and ask for “loukoumades” (honey donuts) for dessert. The food in the film was real—the crew often ate the same dishes during breaks.

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends

The white doves released during Sophie’s wedding were trained homing pigeons that flew back to their owner after each take. The “Fernando” duet between Lily James and Hugh Skinner was filmed in a single continuous shot, with the actors actually singing live. And the iconic “Mamma Mia” choreography on the dock? The cast practiced for three weeks on a rain-soaked set in London before flying to Greece.

A Reflection for Your Own Life

Maybe you can’t drop everything and fly to Skopelos tomorrow. But the film’s message—that home isn’t a place, but a feeling of joy and belonging—applies right where you are. Play “Super Trouper” while folding laundry, pour a glass of wine and dance barefoot in your kitchen. The Greek sun will always shine a little brighter if you let it. So go ahead: laugh, sing, and remember that the best scenes are the ones you create yourself.