Mamma Mia 2 Filming Locations
Visit the real filming locations of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on Vis Island. Accessible by private boat from Hvar.
When the producers of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again needed the perfect stand-in for a fictional Greek island paradise, they chose somewhere even more breathtaking than Greece itself: Vis Island, Croatia. Just a short private boat ride from Hvar, Vis offered everything the film needed - unspoiled coastline, charming fishing villages, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters that rival anything in the Aegean.
Released in 2018, the sequel to the beloved 2008 musical brought stars like Lily James, Cher, and Meryl Streep to the Dalmatian coast. The result was a cinematic love letter to one of Croatia's most authentic islands. Today, visiting these filming locations by private boat from Hvar is one of the most popular excursions in the region, and for good reason - the scenery is every bit as stunning in person as it appears on screen.
At Mini Yachts Hvar, we offer private boat tours to Vis Island that cover all the major Mamma Mia filming locations. Our local captains grew up on these waters and can take you to the exact bays and harbors where the magic was made. Here is your complete guide to every filming location and how to visit them.
Why Vis Island Was Chosen for Mamma Mia 2
Vis Island holds a unique place in Croatian history. As a Yugoslav military base, it was completely closed to foreign visitors until 1989. This decades-long isolation preserved the island in a way that few places in the Mediterranean can match. While other islands developed hotels and resorts, Vis remained frozen in time - its stone villages, fishing harbors, and hidden coves untouched by modern tourism.
For the filmmakers, this authenticity was priceless. The production team scouted locations across Greece and Croatia before settling on Vis. The island's combination of dramatic coastal cliffs, intimate fishing harbors, and extraordinarily clear water made it the perfect canvas for the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. Director Ol Parker described Vis as having "a rawness and beauty that felt like stepping back in time."
The production spent several weeks on Vis during the summer of 2017, transforming sections of Komiža harbor into the Greek island setting. Local fishermen and residents served as extras, and much of the island's authentic character made it directly into the final film. The fishing boats, stone houses, and narrow streets you see on screen are the real thing.
The Key Filming Locations
1. Barjoška Bay - The Kalokairi Beach
Barjoška bay is perhaps the most recognizable filming location from the movie. This secluded cove on the southern coast of Vis served as the main beach of "Kalokairi" - the fictional Greek island where much of the story takes place. If you remember the scenes of young Donna (Lily James) arriving on the island and falling in love with the place, those sun-drenched beach moments were filmed right here.
The bay is relatively small, tucked between rocky headlands covered in Mediterranean scrub. The water is a vivid turquoise - no color grading needed for the film. A small pebble beach sits at the head of the cove, backed by wild vegetation. During filming, the production team added temporary structures and props, but the natural beauty of the bay was the real star.
How to visit by boat: Barjoška bay is best accessed by private boat from Hvar. It is approximately 40 minutes by speedboat from Hvar Town. Our captains at Mini Yachts Hvar can anchor in the bay, allowing you to swim to shore and explore the beach. The approach from the sea is spectacular, giving you the same dramatic first impression that Donna had in the film. There are no facilities here, so bring water and snacks.
2. Komiža Harbor - The Village Waterfront
The charming fishing town of Komiža doubled as the main village in the film. Its centuries-old stone waterfront, colorful fishing boats, and narrow winding streets provided the perfect backdrop for the village scenes. The town's Riva (waterfront promenade) is instantly recognizable to fans of the movie, particularly the scenes where characters walk along the harbor and visit the local taverna.
Komiža has been a fishing community for over a thousand years, and its architectural heritage reflects centuries of Venetian, Austrian, and Croatian influence. The 16th-century Komiža Tower (Komuna) sits at the harbor's edge, and the town's waterfront restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood in Dalmatia. During filming, the production dressed several buildings with Greek signage and bunting, but the essential character of the town needed no embellishment.
How to visit by boat: Komiža harbor has a well-protected marina where our boats can dock directly. A private boat tour from Hvar to Komiža takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on sea conditions. Once docked, you can explore the town on foot - the waterfront is compact and walkable. We recommend allowing at least 1.5 to 2 hours to wander the streets, visit the filming spots, and enjoy lunch at one of the excellent waterfront restaurants. Try fresh grilled fish or the local specialty, komiška pogača (anchovy bread).
3. Stiniva Beach Approach - The Dramatic Cliffs
Stiniva beach, voted Europe's best beach in 2016, features in several aerial and establishing shots in the film. The beach's unique geography - a hidden cove accessed through a narrow gap between towering cliff walls - creates one of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere in the Mediterranean. While the beach itself is accessible on foot via a steep path, the most cinematic views come from the sea approach, exactly as seen in the movie.
The two massive rock formations that guard the entrance to Stiniva create a natural gateway that is barely 5 meters wide at sea level. Beyond this narrow opening, the beach fans out into a secluded cove with remarkably clear, shallow water. The cliffs rise over 50 meters on either side, creating an amphitheater-like effect that is breathtaking in person.
How to visit by boat: Our speedboats can approach Stiniva from the sea, giving you that iconic view through the cliff gap. Depending on sea conditions, you may be able to swim through the gap to reach the beach. On calm days, the approach is magical - you motor slowly toward what appears to be a solid cliff face, only to see the narrow entrance reveal itself at the last moment. This is one of the highlights of any Vis Island boat tour and a must-see whether you are a Mamma Mia fan or not.
4. Other Filming Spots on Vis
Beyond the three main locations, the production used numerous other spots across Vis Island. The open sea between Vis and Hvar features in sailing sequences, and several coastal cliffs along the south side of Vis appear in wide establishing shots. The island's interior vineyards and olive groves also appear briefly, showcasing the agricultural landscape that has sustained the island for millennia.
Vis Town, on the island's eastern side, also contributed several locations. The town's Austro-Hungarian architecture provides a different visual character from Komiža, and the waterfront promenade was used for background shots. The town's ancient Roman thermal baths and the British-era cricket pitch (yes, cricket is played on Vis, a legacy of the British military presence during World War II) add to the island's eclectic character.
The Best Way to Visit: Private Boat Tour from Hvar
A private boat tour from Hvar to Vis Island is by far the best way to experience the Mamma Mia filming locations. Unlike group tours that follow rigid schedules, a private tour with Mini Yachts Hvar lets you spend as much time as you want at each location, swim in Barjoška bay, explore Komiža at your own pace, and approach Stiniva from the sea.
Our recommended itinerary for a Mamma Mia-themed full-day tour covers all the filming locations plus the famous Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island, which is just a 15-minute boat ride from Komiža. This combination makes for an unforgettable day on the water, combining Hollywood glamour with Croatia's most spectacular natural wonder.
Sample Mamma Mia Tour Itinerary
9:00 AM - Depart Hvar Harbor
Head southwest across the channel toward Vis Island
9:45 AM - Stiniva Beach Approach
See the dramatic cliff entrance from the sea, swim if conditions allow
10:30 AM - Barjoška Bay
Swim and snorkel in the actual Kalokairi beach from the film
12:00 PM - Komiža Harbor
Walk the village waterfront, lunch at a local restaurant
2:00 PM - Blue Cave, Biševo
Visit Croatia's most famous sea cave (15 min from Komiža)
4:00 PM - Return to Hvar
Scenic return with optional swimming stops along the way
7-8 hrs
Full Day Tour
Private
Your Own Boat & Captain
5.0
Average Guest Rating
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best time to visit: The filming locations are best visited between May and October, with June and September offering the ideal combination of warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are busiest, but a private boat tour means you avoid the group tour rush and can visit locations at off-peak times.
What to bring: Sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, comfortable shoes for walking in Komiža, and a camera. The light on Vis Island is exceptionally photogenic, especially in the morning and late afternoon. If you plan to swim at Barjoška bay, water shoes are helpful as the shore is pebbly.
Combining with other destinations: A Vis Island tour can easily be combined with visits to the Blue Cave, the Pakleni Islands, or even a stop at one of the best beaches near Hvar on the way back. Our captains are flexible and can tailor the route to your interests.
Booking your tour: We recommend booking at least a few days in advance during peak season (July-August), as our boats fill up quickly. You can browse our full fleet of boats to choose the perfect vessel for your group, or simply tell us how many people are coming and we will recommend the best option. All our tours include a knowledgeable local captain, fuel, and safety equipment. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Mamma Mia 2 filmed in Croatia?
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was primarily filmed on Vis Island, Croatia. Key locations include Barjoška bay (the fictional Kalokairi beach), Komiža harbor (the village waterfront scenes), and the approach to Stiniva beach. The island of Vis was chosen for its unspoiled beauty, as it was a closed military base until 1989 and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Can you visit Mamma Mia filming locations by boat from Hvar?
Yes! Vis Island is just 30-45 minutes by private speedboat from Hvar. A private boat tour from Hvar is actually the best way to visit the filming locations, as you can access Barjoška bay and the Stiniva approach directly from the sea, exactly as they appear in the film. Mini Yachts Hvar offers customized tours to all major filming spots.
Is the Mamma Mia church on Vis Island?
The hilltop chapel scenes were filmed using a combination of real Vis Island locations and set constructions. The village church scenes feature the authentic architecture of Komiža town. While some interior scenes were filmed in studios, the stunning coastal backdrops and village squares are all genuinely on Vis Island.
How long does a Mamma Mia filming locations boat tour take?
A comprehensive Mamma Mia filming locations tour from Hvar typically takes a full day (7-8 hours). This allows time to visit Barjoška bay for swimming, explore Komiža harbor on foot, see Stiniva beach from the sea, and enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. You can also combine it with the Blue Cave visit on the same trip.