Our Big Greek Mamma Mia Experience

We do love an auld musical or two at our house so when I suggested to Ella, we should go to Greece this summer she asked could we do the islands where they made Mamma Mia - okay so let's do this. As there are no direct flights to Skiathos from Ireland we flew to Gatwick and onwards to Skiathos - other options include via Manchester or even via Athens and then get the ferry over.

Even the arrival into Skiathos Airport is breathtaking as you come in over the stunning Aegean Sea you will be blown away. Skiathos Town is actually only 2kms from the airport so a super-fast transfer to our hotel. It was everything I wished our Greek escape would be and more, known for its beautiful beaches backed by beautiful pine forests. We stayed just outside Skiathos Town which we could easily reach within a 10-to-15-minute walk. The beautiful whitewashed Skiathos Town is on the south-east coast of the island. It’s a see-and-be-seen kind of place. Everyone from Kate Moss to Goldie Hawn have visited over the years but in no means is it pretentious. Two huge yacht harbours front the town where you can enjoy a fabulous cocktail whilst the sunsets. It was so relaxing here and I would highly recommend to both couples and families looking for that real Greek experience. And then of course the reason we went there - a couple of scenes from Mamma Mia were filmed here, with the best known location being the Old Port of Skiathos, where the three fathers gather to wait for the ferry to the island of Kalokairi (which is a fictitious island name by the way).

Our long awaited day trip to nearby Skopelos where they filmed more of the movie was amazing. We actually booked a very 'cheesy' Mamma Mia boat trip and it was just FABULOUS. We sang our way through all the songs throughout the day, stopping off at stunning beaches, diving into the clearest waters I have ever seen and then of course visiting the lovely church which stands on top of a rock and provides amazing views to the coasts of Skopelos and to Alonissos. It was the BEST day - one we will remember forever.

Skiathos and Skopelos has truly inspired me to see more of Greece (and I hope my photos will inspire you also - although they don't do it justice). We have already begun to plan next year’s trip - and we are hoping to take in Paros, Naxos and Santorini!