The sequel was to be filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos, but this time the producers moved the location to the beautiful and remote Croatian island of Vis, in the heart of the Adriatic Sea
The mysterious and irresistible island of Vis – a paradise island with one of the world’s finest beaches, Stiniva. An island that has been partly isolated as a military island for almost half a century, something that has been a disadvantage has now become an asset. Vis is an island of untouched nature, a treat for lovers of Robinson tourism, and as such it has not been missed by Hollywood producers. Already, after the first sight at the island, the producers immediately estimated that Vis would perfectly play the role of the Greek island, on which the previous sequel to this global movie hit was filmed.
The filmmakers, present at the shootings, were satisfied with the cooperation with the local authorities and the local population, their amiability, professionalism and kindness, which was truly “up to the task”. And everyone was involved, there is no home or family on the island who did not participate in the film, which, in the summer of 2018, was the most viewed film of the season.
How to get to the island Vis?
More information about ferry lines, bus timetables, taxi services, places where you can rent a car, a scooter, or a bicycle can be found in our FAQs.
Looking for accommodation on the island of Vis?
While filming Mamma Mia 2 on the island of Vis, a film production crew was staying at some of our accommodations. Our team is made up of several renters from the Komiža area, and we stand out as renters that have earned a status of a Superhost on Airbnb, thanks to our hospitality and reviews of satisfied guests. We live on the island all year, love this island, and with you, dear guests, we want to share the experiences and joy of living in this small part of paradise. We have prepared several apartments and holiday homes for you. Take a look at our offer and choose your accommodation, fall in love with our Komiža and share with us your experiences:
Apartments Komiža – Live like a local – Unique Vis island homes.
When is the best time to visit Vis?
If you are coming to the island of Vis for the summer swimming season, love high air and sea temperatures, be sure to come in July and August. During the summer, temperatures on the island of Vis are generally between 30 and 35 degrees but can reach up to 40 degrees. Sea temperatures in June are generally around 23 degrees, and in July and August they reach up to 27 degrees.
To visit the locations of Mamma Mia 2 film shooting, the best time to visit and tour the island of Vis, is May and June, before the main season, or during September and October, in post season, when the temperatures are more comfortable and when the island is less crowded and much quieter.
September and October still offer warm sea for swimming (22 – 25 degrees), and comfortable air temperatures for enjoying the beach and hiking (25 – 30 degrees). On the island of Vis, accommodation and food prices are certainly more than acceptable, you do not have to be with a deep pocket to afford a vacation on our island, especially if you come out of season, in the recommended months.
How long to stay on the island of Vis?
The length of your stay is up to your choice, but we definitely recommend a minimum stay of 3 days. For better experience of the whole island, and all that it has to offer, we recommend a stay of 7 days or more, because the island of Vis is not only the Blue Cave, it is not only the location of the film Mamma Mia, it is not only the best beach in Europe – Stiniva. The island of Vis can offer you much more, which definitely can’t fit in just 3 days. You can also see some more of our offer on our website: What to See, Active Holidays, Vis Island Beaches, Geotrails.
About Mamma Mia
Everybody who watched the first part of the film, knows that the plot takes place at the small and beautiful Greek island Kalokairi – Donna, the main character, lives on the island, inviting all her friends to her daughter Sophie’s wedding. In the second part of the movie 10 years have passed, and everybody meets again at the opening ceremony of the hotel, in memory of Donna. In this sequel to the Hollywood hit, the plot takes a spectator on a walk through time, back and forth, intertwining events from the past and present. Young Sophie struggles with the challenges of her pregnancy, but finds encouragement in her mother Donna’s story.
All the inhabitants of Vis island, engaged in the filming of the sequel to this Hollywood hit, after the world premiere, had their own island premiere on July 24, 2018, in Komiža and Vis, where, along with the younger cast members, some of the producers were also present. Numerous lodgers and boat renters, as well as the various service providers to Hollywood production, had the opportunity, among the first in the world, to see the movie “Mamma Mia”!
Mamma Mia 2, shooting locations
If you are a fan of Mamma Mia movies or you are just visiting Vis, we offer you an overview of several major locations on the island where this movie was shot:
1. Ferry Port – Vis
Do you remember the scenes when almost everyone comming to the island had to talk to a guy at the border checkpoint?
All those scenes were filmed in the port of the town of Vis
2. Scenes on the beach – Barjoška bay
Most of the beach scenes (scenes when people start arriving at the island, as well as the ones when young Donna sets foot on it) are filmed at the Barjoška bay. In fact, this cove was a prime location for shooting the film.
Interesting fact: even new roads and paths were built in the bay for the purpose of filming.
3. Greek Market – Vis
The colorful Greek market appears quite often in the movie – Donna buying new clothes, Sam trying to find Donna, and a lot of other scenes are filmed at this location. In reality, this ‘Greek’ market is located in the town of Vis. The door of the pizzeria ”Dionis”, and the surrounding stairs leading to the marketplace were the main locations.
Interesting fact: All the fruits and dishes sold at the market the film crew imported directly from Greece, to guarantee authenticity.
4. 300 people dancing to Abba song – Barjaci Bay
The biggest performance of the famous Abba song has been filmed in Barjaci – north of Barjoška bay. In the former Yugoslavia, the Barjaci area was an artillery battery.
5. Church where local fisherman Alexio gets his bride – Vis
Young Donna and Bill are helping local fisherman Alexio to get to the church where the love of his life is to be married. Alexio and his sweetheart manage to escape.
The church of St. Jerome, seen in the background, is located on the Prirovo peninsula, as well as the Franciscan monastery, just a few minutes walk from the port in the town of Vis.
6. Greek Tavern – Komiža
Harry and Bill having dinner in a Greek tavern where they meet the fisherman Alexio. The tavern is very attractive because of the amazing view of the beach. This restaurant also exists in reality, but it is not a Greek tavern. It is a restaurant – ”Jastožera”, in the town of Komiža on the island Vis. The place is popular and well known among yachtsmen. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to book a table with the same view as in the scene from the movie. Alternatively, you can dine in the taverns ”Barba” or ”Bako”, restaurants right next to the ”Jastožera”, and have a great view from the outside.
7. Young Donna and Sam – a boat ride in front of Stiniva Bay
Sam remembers his first boat ride with Donna. The stunning scenery in the background belongs to the best beach in Europe in 2016, Stiniva Bay. The best view of this beach is from the hilltop road – get ready for hiking down/up the steep and rather hard path, or visit this beach by boat.
8. Young Donna and Sam walking in the moonlight – Srebrena Beach
The beach at Srebrena Bay served as the perfect, romantic spot to shoot the scenes of young Donna and Sam strolling in the moonlight.
You like exploring the locations of films made in Croatia? Come to Vis island and explore filming locations of ‘Mamma Mia 2’.