Lily James’ guide to island life
The star of this summer’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, LILY JAMES shows us around the film’s beautiful backdrop: the Croatian island of Vis
Set on the fictional island of Kalokairi, 2008’s big-screen musical Mamma Mia! put Skopelos and Skiathos – the idyllic Greek islands where it was filmed – firmly on the tourist map. And, this year, the hotly anticipated sequel is set to do the same for the island of Vis, located off Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. So, who better than Lily James, who plays young Donna Sheridan (the film’s protagonist, also played by Meryl Streep), to explain what to see, where to eat and how to explore the Adriatic isle…
For movie-worthy scenes
“Vis is the perfect place to escape to. It’s a beautiful small island in Croatia, and I think the Adriatic Sea could be the most stunning there is. Go for a dip at Stiniva beach and cycle around the island – there are lots of hills, but it’s worth it, and it’s the best way to discover your very own hidden beaches.”
For a stylish bite
“Go to Villa Kaliopa in Vis’ Old Town. The fish is delicious, and the tables are set in a beautiful garden with palm trees and fairy lights, right by the sea. The setting is incredible, and the local cats are friendly – we adopted a few while we were there.” (00 385 21 711 755)
For incredible vistas
“The views are beautiful all over the island; the sea sparkles so brightly during the day, and the sunsets are magical. Head to Fort George, a 200-year-old hilltop castle, and look down over the shimmering Adriatic. We had our Mamma Mia! wrap party there – it’s a great place to let your hair down.”
For a chic adventure
“Take a boat trip around the island to all of the beautiful hidden beaches and the magical Blue Cave on the nearby island of Biševo. A boat takes you through a tiny hole in a rock and you find yourself in an amazing turquoise cave – I have never seen blue quite like it.”
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is out July 20 (US); July 27 (UK)
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