Visit the Church in Mamma Mia (Skopelos, Greece)
The church in Mamma Mia is a real chapel, perched on rocks on the coast of the Greek island of Skopelos. It was used in two famous scenes in the movie, filmed on the island in 2007:
- “The Winner Takes it All” scene, with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan
- Sophie’s wedding, featuring much of the cast
The Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, known also as the Church of St. John, is free and open to the public to visit.
Skopelos is home to fewer than 5,000 people, and while it’s popular with summer tourists, the island does not have an airport.
So let’s go over your options when it comes to visiting the Mamma Mia church, and other filming locations on Skopelos. We’ll go over:
- Mamma Mia tours from Skiathos
- Mamma Mia tours from Skopelos
- Driving to the church
- Hiking to the church
Tours of the Church in Mamma Mia
The popularity of the movie, which came out in 2008, gave a jolt to the tourism industry on Skopelos. You’ll find boats offering tours of the church and other Mamma Mia filming locations from both the port in Skopelos and also the main port in the neighboring island of Skiathos.
Mamma Mia Tour from Skopelos
If you’re visiting Skopelos, you can hire a driver for a private tour of the Mamma Mia church and beaches. I’d recommend booking this company before your trip to reserve the date you’d like:
Book Here: Skopelos Private Tour
The tour will last several hours, and include stops at several beautiful sites used as backdrops for the movie:
- The Church of St. John
- Paralia Kastani (beach)
- Agnontas (beach and restaurants)
- Amarantos (beach)
Mamma Mia Tours from Skiathos
Around the port, you’ll see a variety of large and small boats, offering daily excursions to the church and other beaches used as filming locations for the movie.
I’d recommend booking a private day trip ahead of time for your group:
Book Here: Private Tour from Skiathos
The boat captain and tour guide will take you from Skiathos to:
- The Church of St. John
- Skopelos (town)
- Amarantos (beach)
- Agnontas (beach and restaurant)
- Paralia Kastani (beach)
These are private tours, so you can change the itinerary, and really make the most of your day on Skopelos!
How to Get to Skopelos, Greece
Again, there are no flights to Skopelos, so you’ll have to get there by taxi from a neighboring island. It’s easiest from Skiathos (which does have an airport).
If your itinerary is in place, I’d book your ferry tickets weeks before your trip to Greece, since many of the ships will sell out in the busy summer months.
Ferry Options to Skopelos
The rates vary quite a bit, depending on the kind of ferry you take and the distance you’re traveling.
The ferry options from Skiathos to Skopelos include the giant SeaJets ferry (for about $20) and also smaller water taxis.
SeaJets ferries will dock in several of the ports on Skopelos:
- Skopelos Town
- Glossa/Loutraki
- Agnontas
The large ferries will take as little as 30 minutes to get from Skiathos to Glossa on Skopelos. The trip to Skopelos Town is closer to a full hour.
You likely won’t save much money by taking one of the smaller water taxis. A recent trip of mine from Glossa (on Skopelos) to Skiathos ran $150 for 2 people. It’s only about a 45-minute crossing on the “sea cab.”
Hike to the Church in Mamma Mia
You can take an enjoyable 4-mile hike to the Mamma Mia church from Glossa or nearby Loutraki. The path will take you on old stone steps, empty 2-lane roadways, and dirt paths. It’s very easy to find.
Halfway through, the path will lead you onto a cliff over the coastline, and soon you’ll spot the church below. The road winds down to the coast, and leads right to the church.
After visiting, you might spot a taxi in the parking lot. If you’ve had enough hiking for the day, you can jump in the car and zip back to town.
Drive to the Church of St. John
Renting a car and driving yourself is the easier way to visit the Mamma Mia sites on your own schedule.
I always use Discover Cars in Europe, since their search includes local rental companies, in addition to the big international brands:
Click to Search Skopelos Rental Cars
There’s roadside parking at the church.
What You’ll Find at the Church on the Rocks
It’s free to visit the Church of St. John. After parking, you can head up the steps.
From the lot, there are 220 steps to the chapel at the top of the rocks.
It gets narrow toward the top, but there’s a railing to keep anyone from falling.
The chapel itself is quite small. Inside, you can light candles, make a donation, and sign the big guest book which is full of names from all over the world.
You might find someone selling locally-made crafts as a fundraiser.
There are a few rocks to sit on under shady trees at the chapel. Otherwise, that’s about it!
The main draw is the beautiful view from the top of the Aegean Sea, nearby islands, and the rugged coastline of Skopelos.
In the small parking lot, you’ll find a cafe, which serves food, ice cream, and drinks. I was pleasantly surprised with how good my souvlaki was here!
Other Mamma Mia Filming Locations on Skopelos
While the church on the rocks is the most famous site from the Mamma Mia movie, it’s worth a visit to several other filming locations on Skopelos:
Agnontas Beach
The small rocky beach and cove is home to a row of beachside cafes. Bring cash, since most don’t take credit cards. You can take a lengthy walk/hike here from Skopelos, rent a car, or rent an ATV.
Kastani Beach
This beach is featured in several scenes, including the “Does Your Mother Know” musical number. It is known for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings.
Glysteri Beach
Used for scenes involving boat arrivals and departures. It provides a picturesque setting with its crystal-clear waters and pebbly shore.
Amarantos Cape/Cove
Known for its striking rock formations and scenic views, Amarantos Cape is featured in some of the scenes set along the coastline. Part of the opening “Honey Honey” scene was filmed here.
The Port of Skopelos
The picturesque harbor and waterfront area appear in several scenes, showcasing the charm of the town.
Skiathos Town
In the opening “Honey Honey” scene, the actors race to catch a ferry from the dock in Skiathos.
Where to Stay on Skopelos
There are a few hotels in the main town of Skopelos, but my favorite place to stay on the island is in the port of Loutraki. I’d highly recommend spending the night at the Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel.
Click to See: Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel Rates
You can use this interactive map to plug your dates in, to check the hotel and rental options on some of the top booking platforms:
Wrap: Is the Agios Ioannis Kastri Worth a Visit?
I was initially unenthused about visiting the church from Mamma Mia, but have to admit: I’m glad we went! A hike up the steps to the chapel and a drink at the cafe while enjoying the scenic coastline was a memorable part of our trip.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- It’s easier to get to the church from the Glossa/Loutraki side of Skopelos.
- Book your tour or rental car as soon as you know when you’re going.
- It’s best to visit in the summer months, when all of the restaurants are open on Skopelos. It’s really a tourist island, so many of the businesses close or restrict their hours during the winter.
