Vis
Where was Mamma Mia 2 filmed? Vis, the Croatian island that played Greece
The film is set on a Greek island, but it was shot in Croatia. Vis was a military zone closed to foreigners for decades, and today it is one of the quietest islands in the Adriatic. Here are the filming locations, the beaches and the hotels on the island.
The ferry from Split has been sailing for over two hours when Vis appears on the horizon, low and green, with stone houses around a deep bay. This is where the crew of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again came ashore in September 2017, ten years after the first film. The island was to play the Greek Kalokairi, and did it so convincingly that many still believe the film was shot in Greece.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Short answer: where was Mamma Mia 2 filmed?
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again was mainly filmed on the island of Vis in Croatia, including the harbour in Vis Town, the fishing village of Komiža and Barjoška bay. The first film was shot on Skopelos in Greece.
Where to stay on Vis
By the harbour: Hotel San Giorgio, with a restaurant and bar in Vis Town. See rooms at Hotel San Giorgio
Overlooking the bay: Hotel Issa, a short walk from the quay. See rooms at Hotel Issa
The filming locations
The harbour in Vis Town
The moment you step ashore, you are on the set. Several scenes were filmed along the waterfront, with stone houses and palms as a backdrop. In the streets above stands an old Franciscan monastery, also used in the film.
Komiža
On the other side of the island lies the fishing village of Komiža, with colourful boats, narrow lanes and a small fort by the harbour. Several of the scenes from the Greek village in the film were shot here.
Barjoška bay
On the far western tip of the island, Barjoška is a remote bay that was one of the most important locations. The sets are long gone, but the landscape is just as it was on screen.
Stiniva
Stiniva is a small pebble beach enclosed by towering cliffs, with only a narrow opening to the sea. It appears in the film and is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Come early, as the cove is small.
The harbour in Vis Town.
The island that was closed
For much of the last century Vis was a military base, and the island was closed to foreign visitors until the late 1980s. It is one reason Vis has escaped mass tourism. There are no large resorts here, and much of life still moves at the pace of the fishermen.
The Blue Cave and boat trips
From Komiža, boats run to the small island of Biševo and its Blue Cave, a sea cave where sunlight turns the water a glowing blue around the middle of the day. Combine it with swims in the coves around Vis.
Food and wine on Vis
Vis has its own cuisine, shaped by fishermen. Try pogača, a flatbread filled with salted fish and onion, which both Vis Town and Komiža make in their own way. With it, drink vugava, a dry, aromatic white wine from a grape grown almost only on the island. Some of the best tavernas sit in small coves, and a few can only be reached by boat.
Getting to Vis
Fly to Split and take the ferry or catamaran to Vis Town. The ferry crossing takes around two to two and a half hours. Book ahead in high season.
When to go
June and September bring warm water and calm days. July and August are busiest, especially in Komiža and at Stiniva.
Frequently asked questions about Vis and Mamma Mia 2
Was Mamma Mia 2 filmed in Greece?
No, the sequel was mainly filmed on Vis in Croatia. The first film was shot on Skopelos in Greece.
Can you see the film sets?
No, the sets were removed after filming. The locations, such as the harbour in Vis Town, Komiža and Barjoška bay, can all be visited.
How do you get to Vis?
By ferry or catamaran from Split. The crossing takes around two hours.
Where should you stay on Vis?
Vis Town is handy for the ferry and restaurants. Komiža is smaller and more atmospheric.