Wait, Croatia? Yes, you read that right. While the story is set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, the filmmakers decided Croatia had the perfect Mediterranean magic. They chose Vis, a real island off the Croatian coast, to be the main body double for Kalokairi. Isn’t that a fun little secret?
Think of Vis as the cool, less-crowded cousin of the Greek islands we all know from postcards. It has this rugged, untouched beauty that feels both wild and welcoming. The crew basically walked onto Vis and said, “Yep, this is it.”
The most iconic spot you’ll remember is the tiny port village of Komiza. That’s where you see young Donna dancing on the dock, and where the boat pulls in. It’s so picture-perfect, you half expect Meryl Streep to pop out from behind a fishing net.
Why Vis? The “Easter Egg” Factor
Why not just film in Greece? Well, the producers wanted a location that felt authentic but also offered some production perks. Vis had the classic blue-domed churches and whitewashed walls, but with fewer tourists and better tax incentives for the crew.
It’s a bit like finding out your favorite cake is from a bakery you’ve never heard of, not the famous one downtown. You still get the delicious result, but the secret ingredient makes it feel more special. The island of Vis basically became the film’s secret ingredient.
And here’s the kicker: the monastery where the big wedding party happens? That’s actually a real 16th-century monastery on Vis, called the Monastery of Our Lady of Garište. It sits right on the water, just as you see it in the movie. Talk about a dream venue!
Where was Mamma Mia 2 filmed? All the Locations on Kalokairi Island
