I still remember watching Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again for the first time and wondering, where is this gorgeous island? If you've been asking the same thing, you're in the right spot.
In this blog, I'll show you where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed, the real beaches, the small town streets, and the hidden bays used in the movie.
I've gathered details from actual visitors and local guides to keep this honest and useful. You'll also get simple travel tips to plan your own trip without stress.
Where Was Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Filmed?
Most of the movie was shot on a small Croatian island, not in Greece like many people think.
The first film used Skopelos in Greece, but the sequel moved to Croatia for better weather and quieter beaches.
A few studio shots were done in the UK at Shepperton Studios. The main filming spot was Vis Island, with the town of Vis and the fishing village of Komiža used the most.
Vis felt close to old Greek islands without the crowds, with stone houses, clear water, and small harbors that looked untouched.
Vis Island Croatia: The Real-Life Kalokairi
Vis is a quiet Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, known for its calm beaches and old fishing towns.
Where Is Vis Island Located?
Vis sits in the Adriatic Sea, about 50 km off the Croatian coast. It is the farthest inhabited island from the mainland in this part of Croatia.
Best Time to Visit Vis Island
The best months are May, June, and September. The weather stays warm, the sea is clear, and there are fewer tourists. July and August get busy and hot.
What Makes Vis Island So Beautiful
Vis has clear blue water, hidden bays, and old stone villages. The food is fresh, mostly seafood and local wine. Roads are narrow, and most places feel untouched by big tourism.
Mamma Mia 2 Filming Locations in Vis Town
Vis Town hosted some of the most loved scenes, from the ferry arrival to the church wedding.
Vis Ferry Port Arrival Scenes
Sophie and her friends arrive by ferry in this real port. You can take the same ferry from Split today. The view from the boat looks just like the film.
Trg Karolina Greek Market Scenes
The lively market scenes were shot at Trg Karolina, a small square in Vis Town. The crew added Greek signs and stalls, but the stone buildings are real and still there.
St. Jerome's Church Wedding Scene
The wedding scene was filmed at St. Jerome's Church on the Prirovo Peninsula. The old stone walls and seaside view made it perfect for that emotional moment.
Prirovo Peninsula Dock Location
The dock near Prirovo was used for boat arrival shots. It is a short walk from Vis Town and has a calm, quiet feel.
Famous Beach Locations From Mamma Mia 2
Some of the most famous scenes were shot on small, hidden beaches around the island.
Barjoška Bay and the "Dancing Queen" Scene
The fun "Dancing Queen" boat scene was filmed at Barjoška Bay. The water here is so clear that boats look like they float on air.
Stiniva Bay Boat Scene With Donna and Sam
Stiniva is a small bay between two tall cliffs. Donna and Sam's boat scene was shot in this area. It is one of the most photographed beaches in Croatia.
Srebrna Beach Moonlight Walk Scene
Srebrna means silver, and the beach gets its name from the smooth white pebbles. The moonlight walk scene was filmed here. It looks even better in real life.
Filming Locations in Komiža, Vis Island
Komiža is a small fishing town that gave the film its old island charm.
Konoba Jastožera Greek Tavern Scene
The Greek tavern scenes were filmed at Konoba Jastožera, an old lobster house in Komiža. It is still open, and you can eat there today.
Komiža Harbor and Waterfront
The harbor was used for many background shots. Small fishing boats, stone houses, and old churches give it a strong island feel.
Streets and Coastal Areas Seen in the Movie
Several short scenes were shot in Komiža's narrow streets. The walking and singing parts near the sea were filmed close to the harbor area.
Was the Hotel Bella Donna Real?
The hotel looks real on screen, but it is not a place you can actually book.
Where the Hotel Bella Donna Scenes Were Filmed
Outside shots were done near the Vis coast. The crew built parts of the hotel set on location to match the cliffs and sea.
CGI and Studio Filming Explained
The full hotel was made using a mix of real sets and CGI. Some indoor scenes were filmed at Shepperton Studios in the UK.
Can You Visit the Hotel Bella Donna Location?
You cannot stay at Hotel Bella Donna because it does not exist as a real hotel. But you can visit the cliffs and bays where the outside scenes were filmed.
How to Visit the Mamma Mia 2 Filming Locations
Getting to Vis is simple if you plan your route from Split.
How to Get to Vis Island From Split
You can take a ferry from Split to Vis Town. The ride takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There is also a faster catamaran for foot passengers.
Ferry, Boat, and Car Rental Options
Jadrolinija runs the main ferry. Once on the island, you can rent a car, scooter, or bike. Small boat tours also take you to the hidden bays.
Best Ways to Visit the Island
A scooter or small car works best. Public buses are limited. Boat tours from Komiža are great for reaching beaches like Stiniva and Barjoška.
How Many Days You Need on Vis Island
Two to three days is enough to see the main filming spots. If you want to relax and swim, four days feels just right.
Tips for Visiting Mamma Mia 2 Filming Locations
A few simple tips can make your trip smoother and more fun.
- Visit during May, June, or September for nice weather and fewer people
- Wear water shoes because most beaches are rocky, not sandy
- Stay in Komiža for easier access to the western beaches
- Start your day early to avoid crowds at popular spots
- Save offline maps before you go, since signal can be weak in some areas
Conclusion
If you've ever dreamed of walking into a Mamma Mia scene, Vis Island makes it real.
I went there expecting just pretty views, but I left with great food, sunset memories, and quiet beach mornings I still think about.
The Mamma Mia 2 filming locations are easy to reach and even better in person. Pack light, wear comfy shoes, and take your time.
Have you visited Vis or are you planning to visit soon? Drop a comment, share this post with a fellow Mamma Mia fan, or check out my other Croatia travel guides next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalokairi a Real Island?
No, Kalokairi is a made-up island. The real filming spot is Vis Island in Croatia, not Greece.
Can You Visit All the Filming Locations?
Yes, most outdoor spots are open to the public. Only the Hotel Bella Donna is not a real place you can visit.
What Is the Most Famous Mamma Mia 2 Beach?
Barjoška Bay is the most famous, thanks to the "Dancing Queen" boat scene. Stiniva Bay comes a close second.
Is Vis Island Worth Visiting?
Yes, even without the movie, Vis is worth the trip. It has clean beaches, good food, and a calm island feel.
Do I Need a Guide to See the Locations?
No, you can find most spots on your own with a map. But a local boat tour helps you reach hidden bays faster.
