The Mamma Mia Islands by Sailing Boat: How to Do It

In 2008 the film Mamma Mia captured the hearts of millions of viewers — and the Greek islands along with them. Filming took place largely on Skopelos, with scenes at Skiathos and the tiny chapel of Agios Ioannis. Since then people from around the world have been travelling to the Northern Sporades. The finest way to discover them? By sailing boat from Volos.

Why by sailing boat and not by ferry?

Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos lie in an arc 65 nautical miles from Volos. By ferry you can connect them, but you are dependent on timetables, you surrender your accommodation each time and you never reach the remote places. By sailing boat you link them effortlessly over seven days, sleep in a different location each night and reach the spots that gave the film its atmosphere: Lalaria on Skiathos, the quiet anchorage of Panormos, the uninhabited islets between Skopelos and Alonissos.

The route day by day

Day 1: Depart from Volos marina toward Skiathos. The crossing takes 4–5 hours in a good breeze. Moor in the lively harbour of Skiathos town, first Greek meal on a waterfront terrace. The harbour is atmospheric and lively — watch other sailing boats moor and enjoy a glass of local retsina.

Day 2: Explore Skiathos. Take the dinghy to Koukounaries — one of the finest beaches in Greece. Snorkel in the turquoise lagoon. Return for sunset at the harbour, dinner at one of the waterfront tavernas.

Day 3: Leave early for Lalaria. This beach is only accessible by boat and before 9am is still quiet. White pebbles, blue sea caves, dramatic rock walls. Back to the harbour for a late lunch, then explore the town of Skiathos on foot.

Day 4: Cross to Skopelos (18 nautical miles, 2–3 hours sailing). Anchor in Panormos bay for lunch — a deep, sheltered bay with turquoise water and a handful of pines. Continue to Skopelos town for the evening. The harbour here is quieter and more authentic than Skiathos.

Day 5: Climb to Agios Ioannis chapel — the famous wedding location from the film. 300 narrow stone steps, but the view over the bay makes it all worthwhile. In the evening, drive or walk up to Glossa: the authentic hilltop village that has barely changed. Dine in one of the small family tavernas there.

Day 6: Cross to Alonissos (12 nautical miles, 1.5 hours). The National Marine Park begins here. Spot dolphins in open water — bottlenose dolphins regularly swim alongside the bow. Moor in the small harbour at Alonissos or anchor in a quiet bay on the western coast.

Day 7: Final day at anchor. Snorkel above the underwater ruins of ancient Ikos — at 3–5 metres depth you can see stone walls and ceramic shards. Lunch at anchor, then the return voyage to Volos. An unhurried day to absorb the week.

Recognising the film locations

The chapel of Agios Ioannis on Skopelos is the absolute highlight for Mamma Mia fans — the wedding scene with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep was filmed here. The small harbour at Glossa is recognisable as the village from the film. The white streets of Skopelos town, the pine forests, the tiny churches — everything looks like it came straight from the screen.

Skopelos also appears in the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), filmed partially at the same locations.

Tips for Mamma Mia fans

Visit Agios Ioannis very early in the morning. The chapel is small and space in front of it is limited — with a crowd of tour visitors it feels different. Spend time in Skopelos town and walk the alleyways at the top of the hill. Eat in Glossa — the restaurants there are authentic and less expensive than in the port town below.