Let’s discover the Mamma Mia filming locations in Vis, Croatia!
My Heartfelt Connection to Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
In Summer 2018, the masterpiece sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was released in theaters. I went on opening night and something within me changed.
“Life is short, the world is wide, I want to make some memories.”
The first time I heard Lily James recite that line as Young Donna, I felt a spark of inspiration ignite within my soul. I have always been really called to traveling, but there was something about Mamma Mia 2 that made me want to see the world on a deeper level – particularly from the space of pure joy and enchantment. Just like the feeling they portray in the movie!
Ever since that day in the movie theater, I wanted to go to exactly the location where this movie was filmed. I didn’t know where it was or how to get there, but something in me knew that this would be the place for me.
Where in the World was Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Filmed?
I soon found out that the movie’s portrayal of the Greek island “Kalokairi” was actually not filmed in Greece. Instead, it was filmed in Croatia on The Island of Vis! Suddenly Croatia shot up to the very top tier of my bucket list.
I am so grateful to say that almost 4 years later, my dream of seeing the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again filming locations in person has come true. Much like in the movie, I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with this island, my partner, and my life on a deeper level than before.
Vis has stunning colors, a great island community, and the way our entire trip there felt divinely orchestrated – it made me feel like I, too, was living in a movie. It was magic.
How Do You Find the Mamma Mia Filming Locations?
Figuring out the logistics of finding the different Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again filming locations was a bit tricky at first – as there are only a few articles out there that straight-up tell you how to do this.
While being a Mamma Mia fan is not completely unheard of, going here to see the Mamma Mia filming locations on Vis is relatively niche. They don’t have group tours for it or anything (which… hello why the heck not!?) so we had to find our own way.
For your sake – I am going to break everything down in this post so you can optimize your time and successfully see all of the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again filming locations. I want to craft this to include every piece of guidance I wish we had before we went!
Frequently Asked Vis Travel Questions:
While this article is going to be solely focused on Mamma Mia filming locations, there are so many travel logistics that go into visiting Vis as well. CLICK HERE to read my guide titled “Everything I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Vis, Croatia.” Seriously, you’re going to want to bookmark both of these posts.
And after traveling here myself, here are my recommendations for the most FAQ:
- How Do You Get to Vis? Take a Ferry from Split, Croatia. Book affordable tickets on GetByFerry
- Recommended Transportation: Rent a Car (Americans, specify that you need an Automatic Car – you will most likely need to rent from Vis Town!)
- If I’m staying overnight, what area should I stay in? Komiža
- How long do I need in Vis? I would recommend a minimum of 3 days so you can fully enjoy the island, see all of the filming locations, and relax!
If you are thinking, “oh god, I don’t have a lot of time to spare in Croatia to go to an island but I really want to see those Mamma Mia filming locations – NEVER FEAR!
I made a One-Day Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Vis Itinerary just for you! If you only have one day to dedicate to Vis, you’ll definitely want to snag this. Enter your email address below and a PDF of the itinerary will be sent to you, completely free!
Dress Like Donna
Just a quick side note before we get started – if you’re anything like me, you were OBSESSED with Lily James’ wardrobe in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. I remember seeing her wear this blue shirt and orange skirt combo and wanted to replicate it for myself. (a “donna-bound,” if you will)
If you’re interested in repeating this look, I’ll provide some links below for the different items:
I bought this exact outfit from Amazon UK, so this is for my UK Shoppers:
- The Exact Orange Skirt I’m Wearing
- The Exact Blue Shirt I’m Wearing
And then for my Amazon US Shoppers, here are similar items:
- Similar Orange Skirt (Option 1)
- Similar Orange Skirt (Option 2)
- Similar Orange Skirt (Option 3)
- Similar Navy V-Neck (Option 1)
- Similar Navy V-Neck (Option 2)
Highly recommend dressing the part – it made it feel even more special!
Alright, Let’s Talk Locations!
Vis is truly a Mamma Mia paradise! They spent a little over three weeks filming all around the island, so there are locations practically everywhere!
Just to give you a visual, I am going to include the map we used during our entire trip and link back to the “Holidays in Komiža” website. If you need more Vis travel information, that website is one of the most helpful sites we found!
Screenshot this map and save it to your photos so you can reference it on the island:
Now that you can see the general layout of the whole island, let’s go through each filming location so you can learn about each one!
Vis Town
Ferry Port of Vis
Address: Ul. Ravnica Matice hrvatske 15, 21480, Vis
Description: The Ferry Port of Vis is going to be your easiest Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again filming location to find because this is exactly where the Ferry drops you off when you get transported to the island! You will pass by it no matter what route you take.
Notable Mamma Mia Scenes: The Ferry Port is utilized multiple times in the movie! Most notably when Young Donna, Bill, and Harry try to get to Kalokairi and they miss the boat because the dock worker holds them up by saying “prefers their hair shorter” in their ID photos.
Tip: If you would like to get pictures on the dock without huge crowds, go walk around Vis Town and revisit the dock when there isn’t a Ferry load/unload. It is a much more ideal time to take photos!
BONUS: The Sailboat Named “Mamma Mia II”
Although this is not a filming location, it is a nod to our favorite film! When you are exciting the Ferry, make a right and you will see a bunch of boats docked in the water nearby. You should spot a white sailboat with blue writing on the side, and it is called the “Mamma Mia II.” Too cute!
Trg Karolina – Mamma Mia Greek Market
Address: Trg Karolina, 21480, Vis, Croatia
How to Get There: Leave the Ferry Dock and go to your left! Only a few minute walk! (reference map above)
Description: This courtyard was transformed into a Greek market for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. You will instantly recognize it as the area right outside of the restaurant where Donna sings “Andante Andante” and “Mamma Mia.” Although there is not a market during everyday life, it is a beautiful open courtyard with seats and a few businesses to check out.
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: When Sam sees a blue dress at a market that he thinks would look good on Donna, but she pops out in overalls and says “you don’t know me at all, do you?”
Tip: Walk up on the staircase to get an overhead view photograph of the market area!
And yes, a costume change into overalls was 100% necessary! 😂 Although I purchased these in the UK, here are some similar Amazon US links if you’re looking for your own pair! Option 1 | Option 2
St. Jerome’s Church
Address: Šetalište Apolonija Zanelle 2, 21480, Vis
How to Get There: Walk through Vis Town, only minutes away from the Ferry Dock
Description: St. Jerome’s Church is very beautiful and you will most definitely recognize the pier where the cast jumped off from in the movie!
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: When humble fisherman Alexio sees his beautiful bride, Appolonia, he jumps from the boat to swim to shore and meet her. Appolonia gets so excited that she jumps into the water herself, fully in her wedding dress. Realizing neither of them can swim, both Bill and the wedding congregation jump in the water to save them as well.
Tip: Wander through the cemetery outside of the church if you have time – it is beautifully kept, exceptionally peaceful, and has views of the beautiful blue water.
Komiža:
Konoba Jastožera
Address: Ul. Ivana Gundulića 6, 21485, Komiža
How to Get There: This restaurant is located right near the center of Komiža, so take a bus or rent a car from Vis Town to get to the Komiža side of the island!
Description: Konoba Jastožera is a fantastic restaurant that I would recommend even if there was no connection to Mamma Mia filming locations! It is built over a lobster dock (yes, you can even see live lobsters!) and serves locally caught seafood. It is an open-air restaurant and there are views of beautiful Komiža out of the many windows.
Particularly from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again you will recognize the beautiful 2-person table placed along the water right underneath the brick archway.
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: When Harry and Bill reunite, they miss the last ferry to get out to the “Hotel Bella Donna” opening party. They go to a nearby restaurant and Harry ties himself to a chair while they try to figure out what to do. Bill reunites with Alexio and invites all of the fishermen to the party if they can take them to the island on their boats! As they all rush to the party, Harry falls into the water, still tied to the chair, out of the beautiful archway you will see in this restaurant.
Tip: If you’re a party of 1 or 2 and want to eat at the specific Mamma Mia archway table – just let them know you’d like to sit at the “Mamma Mia Waterside Table” in the contact form on the website! It truly is the best seat in the house.
Food Recommendation: If you’re hungry, get the Truffle Pasta under the vegetarian section of the menu. It is very heavy but some of the best truffle pasta I’ve ever had.
West Side of Island:
Barjoska Beach
Location: 21485, Komiža
How to Get There: We took a boat tour to get here (contact and boat tour details are in my Vis Travel Guide if you’re interested!), however, I believe it is about a one-hour hike from the center of Komiža if you would like to travel by foot.
I am unsure of how to get there by car, you would need to ask a local! You can send a contact form to Zrinka on the holidays-in-komiza.com website.
Description: Bay Barjoska is affectionally now referred to as “Mamma Mia Beach” because so much filming took place here. We parked our boat at the dock and got off to walk around for a while. The dock had a wooden extension built for filming (so you may notice it looks a bit different in person). However, you’ll definitely recognize this area! We spent time dancing to “Why Did It Have To Be Me” on the dock and running down the sidewalk singing “Dancing Queen.” We even walked on the paths where Sophie drove Rosie and Tanya upon their arrival on the island.
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: Bay Barjoska is where 300 people unload from their fleet of boats and perform the iconic “Dancing Queen” number!
Tip 1: Walk around here as much as you can. Go up to the top of the hill and look out into the water. It is so peaceful and there were moments when we experienced complete silence.
Tip 2: There is only a small remnant of the filming location left behind, and it’s a “MM2” carved into a cement boat docker!
South Side of Island:
Stiniva Bay:
(Can be referred to as Stiniva Bay, Beach, or Cove!)
Location: Stiniva, 21480, Marinje Zemlje
How to Get There: We took a private boat tour to get here (boat tour details are in my Vis Guide) however there are group boat tours that stop here, too! You can also hike here on foot by the goat path from Žuzeca hamlet.
NOTE: If you are visiting Croatia, you have more than likely heard that visiting the Blue Cave is a must. My tip would be to choose an itinerary that includes Stiniva Cove. That way, you can travel here by boat, and group tours are typically pretty affordable!
Here is the tour we did that took us to the Stiniva Bay location: From Split & Trogir: 5 Islands Day Trip with Blue Cave Entry (however it was a very quick stop, I didn’t feel like it was enough time)
Description: Stiniva Bay is voted one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. There are very few beaches in the world that have as spectacular of a view as this one does! The beach feels completely encapsulated by the most gorgeous cliffs – you truly will feel like you’re in paradise! Just sit on the shore and enjoy the views – this one is special.
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: When Donna and Sam go out in their rowboat, Donna proposes that Sam should stay on the island with her. It may be crazy but they should do something “miraculous.”
Tip 1: Beaches in Croatia are very rocky – make sure you bring sandals or water shoes with you!
Tip 2: You can take a Dingy into shore! The boat drop-off is a bit far, so you can hop in a floating dingy and pull the rope inland!
Tip 3: Be on the lookout for beautiful sea glass along the shore!
Srebrna Beach
Location: 21480, Rukavac, Vis
How to Get There: Rental Car! You will park and walk approximately 15 minutes to the beach.
Description: Last but not least, we made it to Srebrna Beach. We did a beach day here on our last day and had a fabulous time. It was easy to get to by car and is very recognizable from the movie. It is a very rocky beach (as most beaches are in Croatia) but the rocks were very white and smooth. The water was beautifully clear and wonderful to swim in, and there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy their time.
Notable Mamma Mia Scene: This is where Young Donna and Sam had their romantic moonlit walks on the beach!
Tip 1: Bring sandals or water shoes for the rocks, and also some snacks! You’ll be pretty far out there and we did not see any restaurants nearby.
Tip 2: If you decide to go exploring nearby through the woods that lead to other cliffs and areas of the beach, just be careful that spiders start spinning their webs right before dusk directly across the pathways!
Mamma Mia Filming Locations… Final Resouces!
Before we go, I wanted to provide these final resources for you one last time that will be extremely helpful for you during your planning process:
My Vis Travel Logistics Guide
Check out my travel logistics blog post all about Vis! We learned a lot during the planning process and I compiled all of that first-hand experience for you! It is the perfect complement to this post and will help you successfully plan your stay on this dreamy island.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Vis, Croatia
Holidays in Komiža
This website was exceptionally helpful during our planning process. It is written by local hospitality professionals and would serve as a great resource while piecing together your stay.
Check Out the Holidays in Komiža Website
My One-Day Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Vis Itinerary
Again, if you only have one singular day to visit Vis, there is still a way to see a handful of Mamma Mia filming locations. Put your email in the box below and a PDF of this one-day itinerary will be sent to you completely for free!
Book a Tour on GetYourGuide
Although everything is included in this post for you, maybe you want to relax and let a guide take you around! There are very limited Mamma Mia-specific tours, but I found this one on GetYourGuide! I use GetYourGuide for all of our travel experience bookings and feel confident recommending their experiences. Feel free to check this out as another option!
Thank You For The Music!
Oops I mean… thank you for being here today! 😉
To all of the Mamma Mia! fans out there, going to Vis is truly like a pilgrimage! Your heart will be so full and I cannot recommend adding this destination to your bucket list enough!
Even if you’ve never seen the films, first off, thank you for reading this post! Secondly, Vis is absolutely something special. I guarantee there is something about island life here that everyone can enjoy, even if it’s just sipping a pina colada and watching the boats sail by.
So here’s to doing what makes our souls shine. 🥂☀️ I’m so happy you’re here.
I will see you all next time. 🙂
WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT JESS’ CREATIONS:
Like a cup of coffee, I pour my heart into The Road Jess Traveled so we can all go on these adventures together! ☕️❤️ If you have been loving the posts, photos, or any of my online creations – you now have the opportunity to “buy me a coffee” and show your appreciation.
Click the button below to donate and support the blog!
Thank you times a million. ❤️
SIGN UP FOR EMAILS:
