Have you watched the famous Mamma Mia musical? Well, parts of that movie were filmed in Croatia, on Vis Island, to be more exact. We love Vis. It’s one of the most secluded islands in Croatia, and that can only mean one thing – stunning and unspoiled nature, crystal clear sea, and an authentic way of life. These are 3 things, but you get the point. In this article, we’re going to discuss the Croatia Mamma Mia tour through which you can experience this beautiful island and visit some of the filming locations on it.
There are many Mamma Mia related tours in Vis, and many memorabilia can be bought there. The first movie of the series wasn’t filmed in Croatia, but the parts of the second one, titled Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again . The filming crew found a perfect backdrop on one of the most beautiful Croatian Islands. Croatia is not featured in a movie as such, and the story of the movie takes place on a Greek island named Kalokairi, but in this case, Vis Island is Kalokairi. Let’s hop on the Mamma Mia tour in Croatia and head toward Vis Island.
Where Was Mamma Mia Filmed in Croatia?
As we already mentioned, Mamma Mia was filmed mainly on Vis Island, one of the most remote and most beautiful islands in Croatia. Here’s a bit about it.
Vis Island
Vis is located off the Dalmatian Coast and it’s a remote place with unspoiled nature, traditional fishing villages, and clear blue sea. Perfect movie backdrop, don’t you agree? Vis Island also has a very interesting past as it was off limits for visitors for a long time. The reason behind this lies in the fact that Vis was a huge Yugoslav military base. Most of the Vis island is full of underground bunkers and tunnels that are abandoned and can be visited.
But Vis is much more than its military past. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and very relaxed atmosphere that engulfs you ass soon as you set a foot on the island.
Key locations Mamma Mia filming locations on Vis include:
Komiža – This picturesque fishing town and our favorite place on the island. Komiža is located on the western side of the island, and it was transformed into the main village seen in the movie.
Barjoška Beach – The site of the movie’s iconic pier and dancing scenes.
Stiniva Cove – This famous beach is seen just for a short period of time in the movie, but many mention it as a highlight of their visit to Vis. It’s also considered to be among the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Vis Town – Some shots and logistics for the movie were handled here since it’s the main port and the largest town on the Vis Island.
What to Expect on a Mamma Mia Tour
Vis is known as Mamma Mia Island, and you can expect different things depending on the kind of tour you book. In this article, we’re going to present you with some suggestions for the tours that visit Vis and start from Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest one in the Dalmatia region.
Most of the tours to Vis (Mamma Mia Island in Croatia) include a visit to a nearby famous places such as the Blue Cave on Biševo Island and some free time on Vis.
Croatia Mamma Mia Tour Suggestions
How to Get to Mamma Mia Island in Croatia
Guided day trips from Split to Vis are not the only way to reach this island. Here are a few other options:
From Split: Take a ferry or catamaran to Vis Island (around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the ferry type)
Day Tours: Many agencies in Split and Hvar offer day trips to Vis and the nearby Blue Cave
Private Tours: If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, a private tour to Vis is the best option with a customizable itinerary
Best Time to Visit
Mamma Mia island in Croatia is best visited in the warmer part of the year, and here’s what to expect at different periods:
Late Spring to Early Autumn (May to October) is the best period for visiting Vis to enjoy the beaches and sea and full tour availability.
July and August are peak months with the warmest air and sea temperatures, and the island is most crowded during this period.
Fun Facts for Fans Of The Movie
We’re ending this article with a few fun facts regarding the filming of the Mamma Mia movie on Vis Island:
The movie has a Greek setting, but the film crew chose Vis because of its unspoiled beauty and authenticity.
Locals were cast as extras and helped in the production of the movie.
The movie significantly boosted tourism on Vis Island, but it’s still quite peaceful compared to the mainland and some other islands such as Hvar and Brač.
Before You Venture on a Croatia Mamma Mia tour
If you are visiting Split or Hvar, you’re just a ferry ride away from Vis and we suggest you consider visiting this beautiful island. It’s much smaller compared to other islands in Croatia, so you won’t need much time exploring some of its best places. You can either join a Croatia Mamma Mia tour that leaves from Split or you can visit Vis on your own. Either way you choose, we believe you’ll have a great time.
Enjoy the Mamma Mia Island in Croatia!