Mamma Mia is one of the most iconic films of our lifetimes – the two movies, built around a killer soundtrack provided by ABBA have been a huge global success. While the films depict a tiny Greek island, the second movie was actually filmed on the Croatian island of Vis.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, one of the many things to do on the idyllic Vis Island is to take a slight detour and spend a couple of days on this island and explore where various scenes from Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! were filmed.
So, without further ado, let’s take some time to learn more about each location, what was filmed there, and how you can visit it for the ultimate Mamma Mia-themed Croatian tour!
The Mamma Mia 2 Filming Locations On Vis Island
In 2017, the cast and crew of Mamma Mia 2 flew into Croatia and settled on the tiny island of Vis to film the sequel to the original Mamma Mia movie. The film depicted this beautiful island as the fictional Greek region of Kalokairi.
The movie was filmed all over the island, but largely outside of the major towns. However, this was an incredible opportunity for local actors, artists, crew, and even lodgers and boat service providers. In fact, once the film was released, there was even an island premiere on Vis with the cast members and producers.
The locations of Vis Island used in this film are some of the most gorgeous spots in this region, so let’s get started and take a look at each one!
The Vis Ferry Harbor
When you first land on Vis Island, you are greeted by the first Mamma Mia filming location on this Mamma Mia tour – the Vis Port or Ferry Harbor. The ferry to Vis docks right here, and even though it is the first place you see, it has also been used for filming purposes!
In fact, there are a couple of scenes that were filmed at this harbor, which you remember if you carefully look at the movie. All of the scenes filmed regarding catching the ferry (both in the past narrative and the present one) are filmed right here. From young Donna running to catch her ferry, which she ultimately misses, all the way to the present day in the movie where Harry and Bill miss the ferry and meet at this location.
The harbor is always open, but it is a small space. So, if you are planning to visit in the summertime, prepare to be greeted by huge crowds. Nearby, you will be able to find the central area of Vis Town, where you can enjoy some great eateries, events, and shops.
How To Get There
To get to the Vis ferry harbor, you will need to take a ferry from nearby Hvar. You can do this through the notable Jadrolinija ferry. However, there are often other options to get here, for example through a tour or a water taxi.
If you are already in Vis Town, you can easily walk to the harbor as it is accessible from almost all parts of the Old Town. Similarly, from Komiza, you can take a bus or car to get to Vis, which will be on the other side of town.
Barjoska Bay
Now referred to almost exclusively as the ‘Mamma Mia Beach’, Barjoska is a lovely small beach located near Komiza on Vis Island. This beach was used for many of the beach shots in the film, and there were even docks and roads built to accommodate filming!
While many of these structures have been dismantled since filming on Vis Island ended, there is still a beautiful beach to enjoy. You may remember it in the film as the iconic location where the largest song number, Dancing Queen was filmed. The scene involved a large number of extras and is easily one of the most memorable scenes of the film.
Aside from the iconic nature of this location, you can also enjoy the fact that the beach is surrounded by peaceful walkways, idyllic quiet, and crystal blue waters. There’s not much to look for in terms of Mamma Mia memorabilia at this spot. However, there is a small cement docker for boats that have ‘MM2’ carved into it.
How To Get There
To get to Barjoska Bay, your best bet is to approach the area by boat. You can choose to hire a boat yourself, take a water taxi, or even book a tour to take you there. One other option is available if you are okay with traveling on foot. You can take an hour and a half to walk from Komiza until you find this hidden bay.
Stiniva Cove
If you want to get your sightseeing and Mamma Mia Tour all in one, you can cross both of your checklists with this! We recommend enhancing your visit by taking a day to enjoy the wonderful Stiniva Cove. This beautiful beach offers spectacular views, surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and turquoise water. The sea is accessible through a narrow inlet, and the small beach can really feel like a hidden paradise.
Mamma Mia’s cast and crew filmed on this beach and captured its beauty through one pivotal scene. The scene showcases a look into the past where Donna and Sam take a boat ride. This is the point in the film where Donna proposes that he stay on the island with her, which is a huge shift in their dynamic. And when it is done with the backdrop of Stiniva, there is no wonder that this scene shines so brightly in the film.
The beach is relatively small, so you can easily explore it! As it is still largely being discovered, there are not any big eateries nearby. However, you can just sit by the water and enjoy the sound, sight, and smell of the water – or you can always go in for a swim!
How To Get There
The easiest way to get to Stiniva Cove is through a boat that takes you across the south of Vis Island. There is space for boats to anchor, close to the beach. From here, you will either need to get to the shore by swimming or through a small dingy.
If you want to get here by road, you will need to get to Pliško polje, and then follow the signs signaling you are close to Stiniva. From here, you will be able to get to Žužeca – but keep in mind, the journey will need to be made on foot.
Srebrena Beach
Srebrena Beach is another instantly recognizable beach that was shown in the movie. Not only that, but it is a lovely and accessible spot on Vis Island! This spot is perfect for visitors hoping to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view. Sandals are recommended, as this is a pebbly beach. One of the most notable things about this spot is that the rocks are smooth pebbles, and all colored completely white.
This beach was featured in the Mamma Mia movie in the form of a stroll that Donna and Sam take late at night, completely lit by the moon. The beach and its beautiful white pebbles are easy to recognize in the movie, which means it is a must-visit area when you are on Vis Island!
The beach is located near Rukavac, a small fishermen’s village. It is a relatively empty beach, so you are unlikely to find large restaurants or shops nearby. If you’re planning a trip here, make sure that you bring some snacks and drinks along to keep you hydrated and full throughout your visit to this beautiful bay!
How To Get There
To get to this beach, you will need to get to Rukavac. On Vis Island, you can do this either through a rental car or bus. From here, you will need to follow directions to the beach. Luckily, this is a relatively accessible area. A parking space is also available, so you can park your car about 15 minutes away from the spot, and walk to the area.
Dionis Pizzeria
The Dionis Pizzeria is right in front of a beautiful courtyard, which, with some persuasion, you will easily be able to connect to the movie. While the Pizzeria itself is not part of the movie’s lore, it’s an excellent place to get some food while you are out and about. Plus, you can even stay, if you are looking for a cozy bed and breakfast.
The courtyard was actually the iconic Greek market in Mamma Mia! You may remember it as the part of the movie where Donna gets into her overalls for the first time! The market does not exist there in real life, but the courtyard makes for an excellent space for fans. One fun fact is that all of the food and materials were shipped from Greece to make the market look authentic and believable.
The courtyard is in central Vis Town, pretty close to the Vis harbor. You can sit in the area and enjoy some eateries nearby. Alternatively, take a breath and relax as you continue on your tour of the best Mamma Mia spots in Vis Island!
How To Get There
The area depicted in the movie is very easy to access. Once you are on Vis Island, you just need to take a left from the harbor to reach this central location. You can get here on foot, or you can take a taxi or rented car to reach this courtyard.
Jastožera Restuarant
Konoba Jastožera is a fantastic eatery on Vis Island, built over a dock. You can see live lobsters from the dock, and enjoy some delicious seafood while you are at it! The restaurant has an open-air setup, so you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and there are many open windows through which you can admire the beauty of the Komiza region.
You will be able to recognize this spot from the Mamma Mia movie because of the table next to a beautiful brick archway, where Harry and Bill have food as they try to make a plan to get to the opening of the hotel.
You can even sit at this very table, by letting the restaurant management know beforehand that you would like the table known as the ‘Mamma Mia Waterside Table’. From here, you will be able to view the dock and water while enjoying some of their lovely food, it’s also the perfect location for some Instagram photos, so don’t forget your camera! The table can host two people, so make sure your party falls into that category.
How To Get There
If you just landed on Vis Island, this restaurant is on the other side, on Komiza. You can get there on a rented car or bus, and then ask to go to this restaurant which is in a central location in Komiza. You can also get to Komiza directly via ferry, but it can be much harder to get to that port. Most visitors enter Vis Island through the Vis Ferry Port.
The Franciscan Monastery
While the monastery in question is briefly shown in the movie, it is still a part of Mamma Mia history and a beautiful sight on Vis Island. You can get to the monastery through Vis Town, and it has an important historical importance to the island. The St. Jerome’s Chruch and Franciscan Monastery are located next to a beautiful pier by the sea.
The movie shows the monastery for a bit in the scene where Alexio sees his wife-to-be, Appolonia from Bill’s boat. He jumps into the water to see her, and she follows suit (in her wedding dress, I might add) – it is a wonderful scene that plays into the humor and romanticism of the movie, and the backdrop, showcasing the lovely church, helps depict a very gorgeous scenery.
The Church itself was constructed in the 16th century and has since been renovated to allow it to stand as it does today. It was constructed using marble from the nearby area, and the fascinating thing is that it was built on the foundations of a Roman theater. The church contains historical artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries and is a testament to the fascinating history of the Vis Island.
How To Get There
The St. Jerome’s Church and the Franciscan Monastery are pretty accessible if you are in Vis Town. You can easily walk to this location from the port, or you can take a taxi to get there in a few minutes. There are plenty of shops and eateries nearby, so it can be a fun stop on a day when you are out and exploring the Old Town of Vis.
Fascinating Facts About Mamma Mia Filming In Vis Island
Aside from the locations above, there are also other fun things to learn about the time the cast and crew spent while filming in Vis Island!
- A local boat was named after this filming event – the Mamma Mia 2 is a boat you can see when you visit the island, most probably on the Port of Vis.
- Most of the cast and crew stayed on the island, with some staying at Palaca Jaksa, while others chose locations such as the Villa Serena.
- Srebrena Beach was the location where actors were supposedly seen filming the most, as it does seem to be a more accessible location for visitors.
- Pierce Brosnan actually took advantage of filming on this picturesque island, and stayed for many weeks after to explore the adventure of Vis Island!
- More than 3,600 locals from Vis Island were involved in the film production, in capacities such as dancers, and crew. There were also local companies providing accommodation and transport during the time that the movie was being filmed.
Final Thoughts
Vis Island provided the perfect backdrop for Mamma Mia. There are so many iconic places and activities to explore while on the island that paying homage to this classic film is a must! Whether you are a fan of the movie or not, visiting these locations and getting a glimpse into their history will be an unforgettable experience. So book your tickets and get ready to explore Vis Island!
