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Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia

Mamma MiaMamma Mia! Here I go again! To Greece that is and this time Skopelos, also known as the Green and Blue Island. I knew that Mamma Mia was filmed in Greece, however it was only after booking this holiday that I realised that the imaginary island of Kalokairi from the film was actually Skopelos. So, it was with some trepidation that we set off, would tourism since the film in 2008 have changed the island?

Mamma Mia

Kalokairi means summer in Greek, which seems fitting for an imaginary Greek island, but we set off in late May. Skopelos is one of the islands which comprise the Northern Sporades east of mainland Greece in the Aegean sea.

Skopelos does not have an airport so we flew via Volos on mainland Greece to Skiathos the nearest island, and then transferred to Skopelos by private boat, which took about an hour.

Mamma Mia

After picking up our car at the port in Skopelos Town, our villa keys and instructions to get to our accommodation we arrived at Villa Koumaria. Set high on a hillside and with magnificent views of the valley below and the sparkling Aegean Sea. My first impressions were that the island was very lush, not just with the ubiquitous olive groves, but pine trees, oaks, citrus and nut trees too. May is a good month to visit Greece as it is a little cooler than the high summer months and colourful with flowers.

Mamma Mia

You will need a car to get the most out of your holiday, even though the island is small the terrain is mountainous and many beaches are accessed from small winding roads or dusty tracks leading down to the rugged coast. Our favourite beaches were Limnonari, a white sand and shingle bay close to where we were staying. There is a small car park close to the beach, sunbeds are available and there is a lovely taverna set back from the beach, so when it got too hot we could move into the shade and enjoy the view with a jug of local chilled wine! We were also recommended a beach in the north of the island. Perivolou Beach is accessed by a winding road that culminates in a small car park, a short walk down steps cut into the cliff which opens into picturesque bays. There is nothing here at all so pack a picnic and take plenty to drink. The sea here was perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Mamma Mia

We spent our week here enjoying the sun and relaxing on the beaches, exploring the countryside and yes, I’m not going to deny it, trying to find the various film locations! A challenging walk up the steep steps to the chapel of Agios Ioannis and a hair raising drive to find Cape Amarandos!

Mamma Mia

We also spent a morning locating the Sendoukia Pirate Graves, having found a book on local walking trails in our villa. Legend has it that pirates were buried with 12 chests of gold and the graves are protected by their ghosts. Following the trail we climbed to the top of Mount Karia where the ancient tombs face out towards the sea with breath-taking views across to the islands of Alonissos and Evia.

Mamma Mia

The food in Skopelos is influenced by locally sourced ingredients including olive oil, honey, feta and prunes. We tried the local variation of spinach pie, different to spanakopita, cooked in a spiral and deep fried.We also tried deep fried feta with a crispy batter drizzled with local honey. A favourite lunch spot was in Skopelos town, wandering around the narrow streets we came across a small walled square with a view across the harbour and out to sea . Cafe Bar Thalassa was a wonderful place to sit and listen to classical music in the shade of an old fruit tree and drinking Ouzo! We also liked Aramis Taverna in Loutraki, a family run restaurant which was very friendly and the food lovely.

Greek Food

So far from being defined by its connection to the film Mamma Mia, Skopelos retains its unique charm and individuality. And although in the aftermath of the films success tourism to the island increased, with flocks of ABBA and Mamma Mia fans, the island has stayed true to itself and remains unspoiled by the attention the film created. And, like the film, you will enjoy that feel good factor.

We travelled with Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays and stayed at Villa Koumaria. All flights, transfers and car hire were included. Check our website for other Skopelos Properties or call us 01932 866565 for more information on holidays in Greece.

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