Where Was Mamma Mia 2 Filmed

So, you’ve watched Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and you’re wondering, “Where on earth did they film that gorgeous island paradise?” You’re not alone. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to drop everything and book a flight immediately. The answer is surprisingly simple: it’s mostly on the stunning Greek island of Vis, but with a very famous twist.

The Real Star: The Island of Vis, Croatia

Wait, Croatia? Yes, you read that right. While the story is set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, the filmmakers decided Croatia had the perfect Mediterranean magic. They chose Vis, a real island off the Croatian coast, to be the main body double for Kalokairi. Isn’t that a fun little secret?

Think of Vis as the cool, less-crowded cousin of the Greek islands we all know from postcards. It has this rugged, untouched beauty that feels both wild and welcoming. The crew basically walked onto Vis and said, “Yep, this is it.”

The most iconic spot you’ll remember is the tiny port village of Komiza. That’s where you see young Donna dancing on the dock, and where the boat pulls in. It’s so picture-perfect, you half expect Meryl Streep to pop out from behind a fishing net.

Why Vis? The “Easter Egg” Factor

Why not just film in Greece? Well, the producers wanted a location that felt authentic but also offered some production perks. Vis had the classic blue-domed churches and whitewashed walls, but with fewer tourists and better tax incentives for the crew.

It’s a bit like finding out your favorite cake is from a bakery you’ve never heard of, not the famous one downtown. You still get the delicious result, but the secret ingredient makes it feel more special. The island of Vis basically became the film’s secret ingredient.

And here’s the kicker: the monastery where the big wedding party happens? That’s actually a real 16th-century monastery on Vis, called the Monastery of Our Lady of Garište. It sits right on the water, just as you see it in the movie. Talk about a dream venue!

The Greek Connection: The Soundstage & the Sponge

Okay, so if the island was Croatia, was any of it actually shot in Greece? Yes, but in a sneaky way. Some of the interior scenes—like the taverna kitchen and the hotel rooms—were built on a soundstage in London. The magic of movies, right?

But the filmmakers also went to Greece for a very specific reason: the sponge diving scenes. You know the moment when Lily James’s character is swimming with a sponge? That was filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos.

Skopelos is actually where the first Mamma Mia! film was shot back in 2008. So, using it for the sequel feels like a sweet, nostalgic hug. It’s like the filmmakers were saying, “We’ll pack up our bags, but we’ll keep a little piece of Greece for the sentimental stuff.”

Water, Water Everywhere, But Not a Drop to Drink

Let’s talk about that incredible swimming pool scene, where young Donna and her friends leap into the water. You’d think it was the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, right? Wrong again, clever reader! It was a giant, purpose-built pool on a backlot in England. They literally created a fake Greek sea in the British countryside.

Doesn’t that blow your mind? They painted the bottom of the pool blue and placed fake rocks around it. It’s a perfect example of how a little bit of movie magic can make you believe you’re on a sun-drenched island, when really you’re just an hour from London. It’s like finding out your favorite vacation photo was taken in a greenhouse.

The contrast is hilarious: the actors were probably freezing in the English water, but on screen, it looks like the warmest, most inviting dip of your life. That’s dedication to the ABBA vibe.

So, Where Would You Go?

If you want to visit the real Kalokairi, you now have two options. First, head to the island of Vis in Croatia to see the port, the monastery, and the hills where Donna’s taverna sits. You can almost hear “Super Trouper” echoing off the cliffs.

Second, if you want the actual Mamma Mia! legacy, go to Skopelos in Greece to see where the first film’s church and beach scenes were shot. It’s like a pilgrimage for musical lovers.

But honestly, the coolest part is that none of it is one single place. Mamma Mia 2 is a beautiful patchwork quilt of locations—a little bit of Croatia, a little bit of Greece, and a whole lot of English studio magic. It makes you wonder: what other movie secrets are hiding in plain sight? Maybe we should all just start packing our bags and find out.