The Greek island of Skopelos is having a moment. The island has been named a leading destination for travel experiences inspired by the hit film Mamma Mia, according to a recent list published by Virgin Media, securing the top spot and earning recognition as the quintessential Greek island behind the fictional Kalokairi. According to Virgin Media, if Mamma Mia has a home, it is Skopelos, a picturesque island in the Northern Sporades where the majority of the film's outdoor scenes were shot, with pine forests, bright white chapels, turquoise water, and beaches the publication described as so pretty they feel AI-generated.
The Virgin Media recognition is the latest in a series of international accolades. Earlier this year, the German-language travel platform HolidayCheck.de named Skopelos the most beautiful European destination linked to Mamma Mia, placing it ahead of locations in Croatia and iconic spots in London. Skopelos has also been named one of the top global destinations for slow travel in 2026, celebrated for maintaining its unspoiled charm alongside its cinematic associations.
What drew the cameras there
The Virgin Media feature highlights the island's pine forests reaching down to the sea, its blue-green waters and its scattered hillside chapels, all of which contributed to the atmosphere of the 2008 film. The beaches of Kastani and Glyisteri, used as backdrops for some of the film's most recognisable musical sequences, are also highlighted. The island's most visited landmark is the chapel of Agios Ioannis at Kastri, where the wedding scenes were shot. Perched dramatically on a narrow rocky outcrop above the Aegean Sea, the chapel draws visitors who climb approximately 200 stone steps carved into the rock, reaching the top to find panoramic views that have made it one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
Turning fame into a lasting destination
The island's authorities are working to ensure the Mamma Mia connection translates into something more durable than seasonal film tourism. "Skopelos is not only the place where Kalokairi came to life on screen, but a destination with rich natural beauty, authentic hospitality, culture, gastronomy, outdoor activities and unique beaches that create experiences beyond the high season," said Giorgos Papadavid, the municipal councillor for tourism on Skopelos. "We aim to continuously strengthen the island's international profile and offer visitors the chance to star in their own experiences on the island of Mamma Mia."
The attention on Skopelos arrives against a backdrop of strong momentum for Greek tourism broadly. Greece recorded nearly 38 million international visitors in 2025 and €22.4 billion in tourism revenue, with arrivals growing 5.6% over a record 2024 and revenue growing nearly twice as fast as arrivals, a signal that the country's tourism is undergoing a structural shift toward higher-spending visitors.
Source: Virgin Media, HolidayCheck, Travel and Tour World
