Mamma Mia Energy Only: The Ultimate Greek Islands Bachelorette Itinerary Is Right Here
Follow in the footsteps of Donna and the Dynamos with your girls on this must-do bachelorette trip through the Aegean.
Although destination weddings are not new, there is a new phenomenon where increasing numbers of brides are bringing their bridesmaids, rather than husbands, off shore for celebrations. Gone are the days of a couple of drinks at the residence prior to a big night on the town with a ‘Bride to be’ sash thrown over one’s shoulders. Increasing numbers of brides are making a meal of their ‘last nights of freedom’ and flying overseas for a destination bachelorette celebration, with the Greek islands a top hotspot due to a rather specificly named popular film, as well as some seminal viral tiktok videos.
@nikkiwestcott1 Missed our firsr night because of our flights but we’re here and we’re off to Scorpios bbyyyyyy🫶🏽
♬ original sound - Nikki Westcott
For those feeling a bit extra, the iconic islands off the Grecian mainland provide an abundant array of the most iconic activities and locations for your pre-wedding bachelorette celebration. From Paros to Mykonos to the steps of Skopelos, here are the best things you can do whilst recreating your own Meryl Streep moment with your nearest and dearest.
Getting around, the not so glamorous portion:
For those that have not ventured to the Greek islands before there are a few ways to get there and unfortunately it means internal transfers; flights or ferries. Some of the larger islands like Mykonos and Paros have their own airports meaning direct flights from Athens and some major European cities but the majority do not. Therefore, ferries are how the bulk of visitors make it to and around the islands. Ferry tickets can cost anywhere between €45 and €150 depending on destination, speed of vessel and availability. Ordering directly through ferry companies like Seajets will save you a few euros.
Paros - for those starting out
If you’re unsure where to start your bachelorette journey through the Greek islands then the island of Paros is a good place to kick off your experience. The island, said to carry the favour of the Greek sea god Poseidon who blessed the island with its picturesque coastline, provides a balance between celebration and relaxation with plenty of tune-pumping beach clubs and quiet beaches to escape and soak in the grecian sunshine. There are two major villages most tourists frequent and base themselves on the island, Naoussa and Parikia. For those searching for good food, iconic beaches like Kolymphithres and the sunbeat white / blue postcard shot for their instagram feed, Naoussa delivers in spades. The quaint fishing village transforms into a tourist hotspot during the summer with local artisans lining the beaches to sell their wares and restaurants serving delicious delicacies long into the night. Parikia, contrastingly, as the island’s capital serves a more urban vibe, with plenty of adorable shops and boutiques, beach side bars offering breathtaking views and locals and tourists dancing to the early hours. For those seeking to recreate the iconic bachelorette ‘Voulez-Vous’ scene (minus the scantily clad, masked lads climbing the rockface) Monastiri Beach Bar and Restaurant is your answer. This place is a real-life utopia on Paros Island that offers visitors a multi-sensory experience: a beautiful beach bar for relaxation seekers, a restaurant for gastronomy enthusiasts and some of the best music in Greece. Every day from 4pm, DJ’s will get you moving and grooving across the venue, with swinging napkins and good vibes continuing late into the night as the drinks keep flowing. In true Paros fashion, Monastiri offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline, providing the perfect starting point for any bachelorette event.
The island is also home to some of the most underrated and luxurious villas and accommodation across all of Greece. Villa Mira is one such location. With a small series of 1-3 bedroom villas sleeping up to 6 guests per villa, Villa Mira, set on one of the most picturesque hills of Paros giving you uninterrupted views of the coastline is the perfect home for you and your gal pals whilst you explore the best of the island. With all the creature comforts of home plus a private pool and intimate bar, Villa Mira offers an experience unto itself truly unique on the island.
Mykonos - for the thrill seekers and Party Allum:
Mykonos is by far the most well known of the Greek islands and with the largest reputation for thrill seekers and party goers. Whilst many are familiar with venues like Scorpios or Tropicana, there are some new gems on the island that provide an equally memorable experience and are friendlier on the wallet. SantAnna Beach Resort and Spa is one such venue. Located on the southern tip of the island, about 15 minute drive from Mykonos Old Town, SantAnna is a must visit for any group keen to soak up the sun and dance into the night. Unlike some of the other beach clubs on the island, SantAnna believes in a nice and easy approach to a good time, meaning a more relaxed dress code and vibes starting earlier in the day as opposed to late evening. With private access to a secluded beach, personally serviced cabanas line the shoreline allowing you to dip and then sip to your heart's content (the dubai chocolate espresso martini will stay with you for life). The team of attentive staff are there to answer your every whim, with an onsite masseuse spa, shisha service and a restaurant with a menu to DIE for (still drooling over the grilled octopus and the freshly prepared baba ganoush prepared and served tableside), SantAnna is quite literally heaven sent. If the ocean is not your vibe, the venue's saltwater lagoon pool and daybeds provide a more relaxed soaking experience accommodating groups of 2 to 250 and more, Sant Anna will start your bachelorette party in style. Need a bit more encouragement, the venue also offers you the chance to secure ‘private islands’ in their lagoon, each an oasis of unparalleled luxury including private showers, beds and more. With international DJs taking up residencies throughout the summer period (previously hosting everyone from 50 Cent to Travis Scott and Black Coffee), fresh seafood and the best gyros on the island, SantAnna is quite simply a day and night well spent in Mykonos.
If sightseeing is on the agenda, then a day spent around Old Town must also take residence on your itinerary. Local bus services will transfer you across the island for as little as 2 euro one way and come every 15-30 minutes which is handy (and ensures all of you have a safe ride home) delivering you straight into the heart of town. A short stroll will take you from the iconic windmills on the foreshore (which you can actually rent!) down to Little Venice for a delightful (albeit expensive) cocktail at Scarpa quite literally on the waterfront which makes for exceptional instagram content before heading down to old castle for a taste of local history and the freshest seafood.
Milos - the unsung hero
If you need a break from the chaos or want to experience something a little more intimate with your besties, Milos is the island for you. The azure waters are accentuated by the island's iconic white stone beaches, but not in the form you traditionally would expect of a ‘European beach’. There are no pebbles here, just sheets of pure white stone that create the most iconic photo moment you could possibly imagine (google Sarakiniko and you’ll understand). The island, which some locals argue is the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite (fitting inspiration for any bride to be) is littered with cute coffee shops, waterside tavernas offering refreshing cocktails and freshly caught seafood and adorable airbnb’s for you and your friends to escape and indulge.
The island is quite large (approximately 4 times the size of Mykonos) so the best way to experience the island is by boat. Private charters like those from Navy Blue are quite simply a must. Visiting otherwise inaccessible beaches such as the the white shores of Kleftiko, the pristine waters of Poliegos, and the iconic caves of Sykia accompanied by trusted local guides on your own private yacht with your best friends is an experience that will be etched into the shared consciousness of all. The team at Navy Blue also come prepared with Mediterranean inspired lunch/dinner options and local wines, beers and champagne to elevate your cruise around the island and even SUPs to take your exploration of this magical island that step further. If you do one thing on this island, do this.
Skopelos: The actual site of Mamma Mia;
For those who wish to remain as true to the film in their own recreation as possible, the isle of Skopelos is a must. Whilst the island itself has little in terms of nightlife or bachelorette party vibes, it does present an iconic social media moment on the infamous Kastani Beach allowing visitors to recreate Sophie and Sky’s “Lay All Your Love on Me” beach performance. Otherwise if you fancy yourself as more of a Donna/Meryl, you can trek your way up to Agios Ioannis Chapel on the top of the island's picturesque cliff face as your belt out “The Winner Takes It All” in a dramatic huff. Both experiences make for excellent social content and make Skopelos worthy of a four hour ferry ride.
There are more than 6000 islands in Greece, over two hundred of them are inhabited so the options really are unlimited for you and your gal pals to dance, drink and enjoy a trip away. For those interested in taking their trip a step further and tying the knot on one of these iconic islands there are plenty of options too (link). So whether you're sipping spritzes at SantAnna in Mykonos, dancing barefoot at Monastiri in Paros, or sailing through secret coves in Milos like a Greek sea goddess, one thing’s for sure: this is the kind of bachelorette trip that leaves glitter in your passport and Dancing Queen on repeat in your heart. The sun will set, the cocktails will run dry, and the group chat will slowly fade… but those memories? They’ll thank you for the time of your life. Mamma Mia, indeed, here we go again.\
The fine print, some words of advice;
Cash is king in Greece. Never leave the house without 50 euro handy, you’ll be surprised at the price reduction offering to pay cash vs. card.
The weather gods still rule Greece. What is not often discussed about travelling to Greece during the summer months (June-August) is that with the beating heat comes the strong northern and southern winds. Ferries and boat tours will often be postponed, delayed or cancelled. Give yourself an extra two-three days for your ‘island tour’ after the mainland as things will most likely go ary and flexibility to your travels is key. Do not stress however as this is not news to local hotels, concierge desks, ferry teams and everyone involved in the tourism industry. They are flexible and happy to assist.
Good quality footwear will save your feet. Leave the havianna’s at home and invest in some birkenstocks. Trust me. The island roads and walking paths are not like those on the mainland. Your ankles will thank you later.
