MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE goes Greek

Sleepy Skopelos

For peace and tranquillity, Skopelos is a winner. The second largest of the Northern Sporades, it's Greece's greenest island and one of the prettiest. Skopelos means 'rocky', so-called because of the landscape of deep valleys and high mountains. Like Skiathos, much of the island is covered in lush green forest and in MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE, it is the location for the film's fictional island of Kalokairi.

Skopelos Town in the north is a tranquil quaint place, its cobbled streets making for perfect summer strolling territory with its whitewashed stone houses, little churches and traditional tavernas. Visit the castle for excellent views over the town or lounge at the many waterfront harbour cafes - ample opportunity for boat and people-watching.

Beaches are mainly stone and shingle, but sun lovers will find some gems. Kastani Beach on the west coast is a beautiful beach and where the MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE crew filmed the fun 'Does Your Mother Know?' sequence. Other beaches which merit a stop are Velanio, Hovolo, Agnondas, Limnonari and Milia while south of Agnondas and en route to Stafylos is a dirt track weaving through pine forest and leading to secluded, picturesque coves.

The real draw of Skopelos is its interior, dotted with olive and plum groves and pine forest. The hillsides are scattered with numerous churches and monasteries. Apart from Zoodochos Pigi and the unusual church of Panagia Eleftherotria in Skopelos Town itself, the monasteries on Mount Poalouki above town are worth the sweat for the stunning views, especially from Evangelistria. Walkers should hike up to 16th-century Metamorphosis, surrounded by pine forest and with a pretty courtyard chapel.

Skopelos is great for biking with trails passing ancient abbeys, coastal views and unspoilt villages. One must-see is the remote village of Meteora whose wonderfully bizarre rocky outcrops tower high above the grassy plains and seat ancient monasteries.

In northern Skopelos, visit Glysteri, a mountainous peninsula which winds downwards to a crowd-free pebble beach. Olive trees dot the cliff and halfway down is the cliff edge, which features in a key scene in MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE. Day trippers also pass by, en route to the Tripiti sea caves. Also in the north is the quiet, pretty village of Glossa which looks out over the sea and is home to ancient ruins and Byzantine walls.

In terms of food, both islands serve tasty Greek favourites from fresh olives and feta cheese to delicious dolmades vine leaves and the slow-cooked kleftiko lamb. For local specialities, try Skopelos cheese pie, a moreish savoury treat that's great with a big Greek salad.

More island hopping

There are plenty more gems for you to hop between in the Greek island chain. One of the most romantic is Santorini whose whitewashed villages atop volcanic cliffs are a memorable sight. The villages of Oia, Fira and Imerovigli are particularly picturesque.

West-facing Fira is so photogenic, it's used on almost every Greek postcard shot. The village sits atop a 250-metre drop down to the sea. Santorini is best visited for its scenery, but Kamari beach will satisfy sun-seekers. It's a pebble rock beach with a lively cafe and restaurant-lined boardwalk.

Mykonos, part of the Cyclades island chain, is a hedonist's paradise. Dotted with once-quiet fishing villages, it's now young, hip and action-packed with ultra-cool bars and boutique hotels. Mykonos Town is a sea of whitewashed houses, a fantastic view as you arrive into the harbour.

Its bougainvillea-lined streets are wonderful for aimless wandering and shops, bars and restaurants are numerous. The famous beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Platis Yialos, Psarou and Ornos can get crowded so head to the north coast if you're after peace and quiet.

For R&R, head to Naxos, the largest and most mountainous of the Cyclades islands. A Venetian fort stands at the port and the boardwalk is great for kicking back with a beer. The island is most famous for its Portara (Great Door), a huge marble arch on a small islet to the side of the harbour. The Portara is the island's 'entrance' and the only remnant of a palace that was never built.

Beach lovers head to the white-sand shores of Agio Prokopios beach where shallow waters make it ideal for families. Closer to the port is the beach of Agio Georgios while Naxos' west coast is a watersports fan's heaven with views looking back over Naxos Town.

For a different feel, head to Rhodes, close to the Turkish coast where Turkish and Crusader architecture blends beautifully in its medieval capital Rhodos. Rhodes is also home to one of the Greek islands' most picturesque villages. Lindos, 52 kilometres south of Rhodos on the east coast, is set around numerous bays and coves and overlooked by an acropolis.

The unspoilt village is hotel-free with villagers renting out villas and managing atmospheric rooftop restaurants. The white sands of Lindos beach are irresistible with views looking back to the village - the beachside tavernas are the ultimate cocktail spot. Lindos' tiny medieval alleys are wonderful for walking and full of unusual shops and eateries.