Summary of Mamma Mia! Locations
The Existence of Villa Donna
The Villa Donna is the name of the hotel run by Meryl Streep’s character, Donna, in the movie version of Mamma Mia. In the story, she and Sam Callahan sketched it out on a napkin during their love affair twenty years before. However, does the Villa Donna really exist in Greece? The answer is both yes and no.
Unfortunately, the Villa Donna on Skopelos was a movie set, and that exact hotel does not exist. While some exterior sets were constructed on site in Skopelos, these were dismantled after filming was completed. Only a gateway is said to remain.
In the movie, Villa Donna was depicted as being located on the cliffs above Glysteri Beach. Despite this portrayal, viewers shouldn’t trust everything they see. The scenes featuring dancers amidst olive groves were actually filmed at Douchari in the Mouresi area of Greece, along the picturesque Pelion Coast outside of Volos.
Moreover, the essence of Villa Donna is reminiscent of many coastal hotels throughout Greece. While the exact Villa Donna cannot be found, numerous hotels boast a similar aesthetic and ambiance, offering stunning views and vibrant energy.
One option for visitors is the Pyrgos Villa, available through Thalpos Holidays, which is situated higher on the cliff where Villa Donna was perched. Therefore, devoted fans of the film may enjoy a stay there, where Meryl Streep rested between scenes during filming at the Villa Donna set.
Mamma Mia! Details
Filming locations for Mamma Mia continue to intrigue fans planning their trips to Greece. Detailed information on the film can be found at the Internet Movie Database Mamma Mia Page.
This article provides entertaining insights regarding locations on Skopelos, including areas where Meryl Streep enjoyed ouzo. Notably, the island’s fictional name, Kalokairi, translates to “Summer” in Greek, highlighting the film’s enchanting coastal spirit.
For those interested in more cinematic experiences, renting films such as Summer Lovers and High Season can provide a taste of other movies set in the captivating landscapes of Greece.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Locations
In contrast to the original film, the sequel,Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, was filmed in a different location. The cast and crew moved to Vis, an island off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Vis, which served as a military base until 1983, offers stunning natural beauty, including the dramatic cliffs surrounding Stiniva cove and a popular attraction, the Blue Cave on the nearby islet of Biševo.
Vis Town features a charming waterfront promenade and is the island’s first village. Additionally, the picturesque fishing village of Komiža adds to the island’s charm. Although there is only one simple hotel on the island, many movie stars were accommodated on yachts and in rental villas like Villa Serena, available through VisVillas.com. Much of the set was constructed for the film, so while Vis is undeniably beautiful, visiting may not offer the same experiences as showcased in the 2018 movie.
