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Movie Set Travel: Mamma Mia!

Where: Greece
July 18, 2008 at 8:50 AM | by | Comments (2)

Even if you're not a die-hard ABBA fan, you'll still appreciate this week's pick, musical-turned-film "Mamma Mia!" How you could've possibly missed the endless posters, trailers and interviews is beyond us, but after seeing Amanda Seyfried gazing skyward in front of glistening blue ocean over and over (and over) on the side of city buses, we were strong-armed into the theater.

Sophie (Amanda) is marrying her dream man at her mother Donna's (Meryl Streep) hotel in Greece when she realizes she wants to invite her father to walk her down the aisle--and it turns out he could be one of three men. Snafu's and various synchronized dance sequences ensue, of course. It's cute, lively and something that's definitely for the upbeat Broadway lover.

To celebrate that stunning blue ocean--and because it really was shot there--this week we offer you some cool things to check out in some of our favorite cities in Greece:

Where To Stay: Hotel Katikies, Oia, Santorini This charming spot is all about the view. Literally perched on a cliff above the ocean, there are two infinity pools to indulge in, and rooms feature cool touches like mini wine cellars and local antique furnishings. Most suites have views overlooking the caldera too, with curved windows framing it all.

Where To Sunbathe: Kastani Beach, Skopelos The film's bar scene was shot here, and it's just like it is on the big screen: pristine. Trek through a small patch of pine trees to stake your claim on the perfect white sand. Apparently the locals were angry that they shut it down entirely while filming, so be discreet.

Where To Eat: Sphinx Restaurant, Fira, Santorini Built into a restored mansion on the side of a cliff, Sphinx is a step up in Fira. Two brothers both own, cook and manage the spot and offer up tons of locally caught fish as well as treats like salmon carpaccio, pork filets stuffed with local cheeses and homemade desserts. A 150-bottle Greek and European wine list keeps things even more interesting.

Related Stories:
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

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And you have some more time on Santorini

Check out the village of Akrotiri.  The island's buses go there, and if you get tired of the hustle and bustle of Fira or Oia (yes, I just said they hustled and bustled), then Akrotiri is for you.  There is a great black sand beach there, and a major archaeological site for a laid back afternoon.  For a cheaper alternative to the terrific above-mentioned hotel, the wife and I stayed here: http://www.hotelakrotiri.gr/
rdmcgeorge on July 18, 2008 at 9:23 AM #Permalink

This movie is ridiculous

but Greece looks GORGEOUS in it. I don't know how the CNN review can say it looks like Ft. Lauderdale, unless there's another Ft. Lauderdale I don't know about.

And unlike Gotham, you can actually go here!

egw on July 18, 2008 at 10:28 AM #Permalink

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