The magical Mamma Mia! islands are a fantastic holiday destination for all ages. Everyone will be enraptured by the sparkling blue bays and spectacular views and warmed by the weather and sunny local hospitality.
Travelling with children always requires careful planning though, or you risk an unsettled trip where it’s impossible for you to switch off. Discover how to organise your visit to ensure the whole family has an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Generating excitement
Part of the fun starts long before you board the plane. Help your children understand the significance of where you’re going by introducing them to the films and the wider music of Abba. They’ll love the colours and songs, and it gives you a chance to refresh your memory too.
When you’re watching the films together, point out landmarks to look out for during the trip. This might include the breathtaking hilltop church in the climactic wedding scene or the pier where the three fathers meet for the first time. Older children might enjoy spotting the differences between the locations and the finished scenes. Looking at a simple map of the islands provides useful perspective and builds excitement for travelling between Skiathos and Skopelos by ferry. Why not mark the holiday start date on the calendar, and encourage the kids to tick off each day in the run up?
Choosing accommodation
Choosing accommodation carefully will make busy family days much easier. Location is most important, especially if you’re travelling with younger children who tire easily or want to linger at the beach for as long as possible each day. Consider availability of child-friendly restaurants and facilities as well.
All-inclusive resorts are a good option if you want lots of things for the kids to do and the convenience of interconnected rooms, baby-sitting services and food and drinks on tap. You could also explore villas in the Greek islands which are well-priced and tend to be close to the beach, giving you more privacy without positioning you off the beaten track. You can choose between getting a chef or opting for a self-catered stay to suit your preferences.
Discovering beaches
The beaches across the Northern Sporades are all equally stunning. Finding the right options for your trip relies on you focusing on the needs of your family. Kastani Beach attracts film fans because it’s one of the key filming locations of Mamma Mia!, and it offers calm water that children can enjoy safely with supervision. Stafilos Beach is more escapist, while Koukounaries on Skiathos has soft sand that works well for toddlers building castles close to the shore.
Arriving earlier in the morning often means easier parking, cooler temperatures and quieter stretches of sand where children can play comfortably. Bringing lightweight beach shoes is advisable, to avoid sore feet and tantrums when navigating pebble beaches. Pack a small cool bag with water, fruit and snacks before leaving your accommodation, and don’t forget the sun cream!
Planning activities
Although the film locations deserve a place on your itinerary, mixing them with everyday island experiences creates more memorable family days. A boat trip around the coastline lets you reach hidden coves for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding that older kids and teenagers will love. Wandering through Skopelos Town is a treat for the senses, with colourful alleyways, fragrant bakeries and flower stalls and plazas buzzing with noise and energy.
Balance energetic outings with slower afternoons so younger travellers do not become overtired. For example, you could visit Agios Ioannis Chapel during the morning before the sun is strong, then enjoy lunch in the shade and spend the rest of the day on a beach. That rhythm keeps everyone engaged without constantly moving from place to place. Leave at least one afternoon free for spontaneous discoveries.
Managing food
Classic dishes of Greek cuisine suit mixed ages. Simple combinations centred around fresh ingredients are attractive to look at and appetising to the palette. Expect menus including grilled meat, fresh fish, pasta, salads and simple side dishes alongside traditional specialities like moussaka. Even cautious eaters can usually find familiar options, while adventurous family members will have plenty of opportunities to try local recipes.
Eating a slightly later lunch after swimming often helps children arrive at dinner without becoming hungry too early. Local bakeries also sell pastries and bread that work well for quick breakfasts or picnic lunches between activities. If your child enjoys helping with food choices, visiting a local market together creates an easy conversation about seasonal fruit, regional ingredients and Greek cooking traditions that continues long after you return home. Ask your server which local dish families order most often before choosing your meal.