Inspired to Travel—Greece

The cast of 'Mamma Mia.' Photo: WikiMedia Commons.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to write about movies that inspired me to travel for TravelCuriousOften.com. While that list was published, I have so many more that I want to feature here on EuroTravelogue whether it’s movies, books, trips taken by colleagues or whatever the case may be, that inspired or inspires travel. At heart, I am a hopeless romantic when it comes to stories of true love and the visual beauty of the world and its people around us. And so it with this underlying thread of "romance" that I weave together all of my “inspired by” stories for you and begin this new series with an adventure to the Greek Islands and perhaps a sing-a-long song or two with Abba along the way. 

Agios Ioannis in Greece.  Photo: WikiMedia Commons. 

“Mamma Mia”

Not only will you fall in love the picturesque Grecian landscapes, you’ll be singing along to timeless Abba classics from beginning to end in “Mamma Mia.” Perfectly cast as Sophie, Amanda Seyfried sings the most beautiful renditions of Abba’s greatest hits, perhaps better than some of the originals. Her sweet melodic voice carries me away with every note she sings! Also, headlining and singing, although not with the same panache as Sophie, are Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan—among an all-star cast who bring to life the songs of Abba in their search for answers and romance. 

Skopelos or as it's known by its fictional name Kalokairi.  Photo: WikiMedia Commons

But the allure of “Mamma Mia” lies in its captivating Grecian landscapes and the deep blue Aegean Sea. Primarily filmed in four Greek locations, “Mamma Mia” is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and dramatic musicals ever produced.

We begin in Skopelos—or as it’s known by its fictional name Kalokairi, a mountainous island with craggy cliffs, deep valleys alive with lush forests.

Skiathos—shadow of Mount Athos, with its sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea, and where the Greek mainland shots were filmed.

Skiathos, Greece—where the Greek mainland shots were filmed.  Photo: WikiMedia Commons. 

Amarantos—a collection of tranquil island coves where the picnic scene with Sophie and her three dads as well as the opening sequence, “Honey Honey” were filmed, my two favorite scenes and songs from the movie.

Agios Ioannis—perhaps the most dramatic setting is at the end of the movie when and where we find our chapel of love, rebuilt by the “Mamma Mia” team and rising at 100 meters above the sea; and finally, the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea on which we set sail to a most spectacular film from beginning to end. 

The "Mamma Mia" chapel on  Agios Ioannis in Greece.  Photo: WikiMedia Commons. 

That’s a wrap on this week’s “inspired by” travel story. Now you tell me, what or whom inspires you to travel? Share your experiences here and if you would like to contribute a guest post about your favorite movie, book or person that inspired you to travel, let me know. Here’s to romantic journeys ahead!