Visiting Popeye Village in Malta

If you’re planning a trip to Malta, you’ve probably heard of Popeye Village. During my stay, I stopped to admire the panoramic view over the village and Anchor Bay, and I also went inside to explore it. We’ve received quite a few questions about whether Popeye Village is worth visiting, so this article covers everything you need to know.

Personally, I found it a refreshing change from Malta’s more classic highlights, such as its best beaches (Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay), small coves and lagoons (Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, etc.), scenic hikes or towns and cities such as Mdina, Valletta, and Marsaxlokk and the Three Cities. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Malta.

A visit to Popeye Village makes for a fun break with family or friends. One thing to know is that it is not a real village. It is a movie set built in 1979 for the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The village was built entirely from wood and has been remarkably well preserved. After filming ended, the set could easily have been dismantled. Instead, it was transformed into an open-air attraction for children and adults. Even if you have never seen Popeye, it is still an enjoyable place to visit.

Along with the original film sets and the view over Anchor Bay (a magnificent cove with turquoise, crystal-clear water), there is a program of shows and activities throughout the day. It is certainly a one-of-a-kind attraction.

As mentioned above, this is an authentic movie set that has since become a family attraction. It is not especially large, but the games, activities, and film sets can easily fill around three hours if you take your time. What struck me most was how well the village has held up since it was built in 1979.

The materials are clearly not new, but the colorful, lively setting keeps the focus on the atmosphere rather than the age of the structures. The experience is playful and immersive, with plenty to keep visitors entertained. Even if you are unfamiliar with the movie or its spinach-loving hero, the shows and exhibits introduce you to the character. The village cinema also screens a documentary about the history of the film and its set. That makes the visit easy to follow for adults and children alike.

We have been asked this many times, and the answer largely depends on your schedule and interests. Your available time and the kind of experience you want will make the biggest difference. Even if you do not enter the park, the viewpoint from the opposite cliff is well worth a stop. The turquoise bay with the colorful village behind it makes for a beautiful view.

I had heard about the village before my trip and visited mainly out of curiosity. Because I went in early April, there were visitors in the late morning but no real crowds. It is not a historic village, but it is a genuine film set with a colorful, slightly offbeat atmosphere.

What I especially liked was the village’s natural setting. It curves around Anchor Bay, and the view alone justifies the detour. You can also swim and have a picnic on the other side of the cliff, right opposite Popeye Village. Inside, you will find shows among the wooden houses and a range of family-friendly activities: mini-golf, skill games, puzzle games, and even workshops for children. It is undeniably a little kitschy, but that is also part of its charm.

In short, families with children are likely to get the most out of the visit. For couples or groups of friends, it works best as a lighthearted outing in a cartoon-like seaside setting. During my visit, I saw a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends.

Whether it suits you ultimately depends on your interests. For me, it was an unusual half-day outing that offered a welcome break from Malta’s more traditional attractions.

In northwestern Malta, shortly after visiting Għajn Tuffieħa Beach (my favorite on the whole island), we stopped at Popeye Village. There is a large parking lot, and although the final roads are narrow, the site remains easy to reach.

The entrance is already full of color. Staff give visitors a numbered park map, which makes the site easy to explore. We also received two vouchers: one for a Popeye Village postcard and another for free popcorn at the village cinema. These small extras were a pleasant touch. It is also a clever way to encourage visitors to stop at the gift shop while collecting their postcard.

Souvenirs include mugs with Popeye, Brutus, and Olive, fake spinach cans, figurines, key rings, and more! From the moment you enter Popeye Village, it feels as though you have stepped behind the scenes of a cartoon, set against a striking coastal backdrop. The wooden houses clearly show their age, yet they remain remarkably intact. Their bright colors, crooked walls, and warped shapes make the whole place look like a cartoon brought to life.

Several buildings are open to visitors, including the Popeye museum, bakery, greengrocer, and medical office. The interiors deepen the sense of immersion because they are still filled with details. You will find props, photographs, and wax figures inside. Together, they make the village feel frozen in time and almost inhabited. The cinema deserves a special mention: it screens a documentary about Popeye, with popcorn available at the entrance. The popcorn itself was fairly plain, but the gesture was still appreciated. Some buildings also have an upper floor, offering lovely views over the village and Anchor Bay.

The overall atmosphere is cheerful and easygoing. If you like Popeye or feel nostalgic for the film, you’ll enjoy your visit even more! Even without that connection, it is easy to get caught up in the playful atmosphere.

The scheduled shows and activities make the visit even more immersive. The daily schedule provided at the entrance makes it easy to choose the ones that interest you. I attended a puppet show featuring Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto.

Some activities also invite members of the audience to participate. Performers dressed as characters from the film select volunteers from among the visitors. Participants may act out a scene from the film or join a game. The program may include short theatrical scenes with visitors, songs and dances with the characters, treasure hunts, and face painting for children. These activities help create a relaxed, playful atmosphere.

Alongside the scheduled entertainment, there are several games that visitors can try independently. Examples include:

• a skill game in which you throw a toilet paper roll into a toilet bowl, which was surprisingly popular,
• another challenge in which you guide a ball through a moving pendulum without dropping it,
• a block-stacking game in which you build a tower without knocking it over.
• There are also playful photo setups throughout the village for capturing amusing memories.

As mentioned earlier, Anchor Bay is the small cove beside Popeye Village. Its clear turquoise water makes it an inviting place for a swim. The opposite side of the bay provides better access to the water than the Popeye Village side. The village side is fenced in places, while the far side has a stone platform used by swimmers.

This is not a conventional beach but a rocky cove with very little sand. That does not detract from the setting. The surrounding cliffs and rocks give the bay a secluded, peaceful feel.

The bay is also a popular setting for snorkeling and scuba diving. Conditions can be calm and clear, making it possible to spot colorful fish and, occasionally, octopuses. Equipment availability may vary by season, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins unless rental is confirmed in advance.

By the way, I had the chance to go snorkeling in Gozo, while I went diving on the island of Malta. The Maltese archipelago has many appealing snorkeling and diving sites, and Anchor Bay is one of them. Even for a simple swim, the cliffs, hills, and movie set create an unusual backdrop.

Combining Anchor Bay with a visit to Popeye Village makes practical sense. It allows you to enjoy both places in one outing without much additional travel.

Popeye Village also has several places to take a break between shows and activities. A restaurant with a large terrace overlooking Anchor Bay serves simple dishes such as pasta, burgers, pizzas, salads… Children’s options are also available. It is not fine dining, but the setting is pleasant.

There is also a bar inside the village for drinks and snacks. It also offers an open view of the bay and surrounding cliffs. A picnic area beside the bar allows visitors to bring their own food while enjoying the scenery.

If you are heading to northwestern Malta for Popeye Village, it makes sense to combine the visit with a few nearby attractions. Mellieħa and its beach are only a few minutes away by car or bus. Mellieħa Bay is the largest sandy beach on Malta’s main island.

Two other beautiful beaches nearby are Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. To me, they both rank among the most beautiful beaches in Malta. I strongly recommend visiting them if your schedule allows. As I mentioned above, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay was my personal favorite. It’s wilder, less crowded, and its sand is reddish-golden. The reddish-gold sand contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water. It is also a lovely place to watch the sunset.

For a well-rounded day, I would suggest: Mellieħa and its beach, Popeye Village, a trip to Anchor Bay, then follow up with Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay to catch the sunset. It may sound like a full itinerary, but the short distances make it manageable. The day combines swimming, sightseeing, games, relaxation, and sunset views.

Below is the practical information you need to plan a visit to Popeye Village. Because details can change, check the official Popeye Village website.

When I visited in April, adult admission cost €16. That was the price at the time of my visit. The ticket included access to the film set, shows, the Popeye museum, the cinema documentary, and a souvenir postcard.

Current prices vary by season. For the 2026 mid-season period in May and from October 1 to November 5, admission is €18 for adults and teens and €14 for children ages 3–12 and pensioners. During the high season from June 1 to September 30, admission is €25 for adults and teens and €16 for children and pensioners. The summer package includes additional facilities such as water inflatables, splash pools, sun beds, umbrellas, and showers, subject to availability. Booking online in advance is sensible during busy periods.

Popeye Village generally opens daily at 9:30 AM. Closing times vary by season:

• November to March: closing at 5:00 PM
• April and October: closing at 5:30 PM
• June to September: closing at 6:00 PM

Seasonal events or weather conditions may affect access, so check the official website before your visit.

Popeye Village is located in northwestern Malta, close to Mellieħa, which is well served by public transportation. Several bus routes serve the Mellieħa and Għadira area:

• From Valletta: take buses 41, 42, 49, or 250 to Mellieħa
• From Sliema: bus 222 will take you to Mellieħa
• From Buġibba: take bus 221

From Għadira or Mellieħa, route 101 stops directly outside Popeye Village. Schedules can change, so check the Malta Public Transport journey planner before setting out.

Driving to Popeye Village is straightforward if you have a rental car. Follow the signs through Mellieħa toward Anchor Bay. The route is well signposted and easy to follow with GPS. The final roads are narrow in places, but they remain passable. A large parking area is available near the entrance. If it helps, I rented my car through the aggregator Discover Cars. I found it convenient for comparing available rental offers.

You can also reach Popeye Village by taxi or through a ride-hailing service such as Bolt or eCabs. Fares depend on your starting point and demand at the time of booking.

May through October offers the widest range of seasonal activities. This is also the best period for enjoying Anchor Bay. July and August can be hot and busy, particularly with families. Arriving early in the morning can make the visit more comfortable. For milder conditions and fewer crowds, consider April, May, September, or October.

For me, a late-morning visit in early April worked very well. The weather was nice, we enjoyed the setting and took great photos. The water was still a bit cold for swimming. Swimming would have been possible, but the water did not feel inviting enough at the time. We preferred to relax on the sandy beaches mentioned earlier.

Popeye Village remains open in winter, although shows and activities may vary with the weather. A rainy day is not ideal for this mostly outdoor attraction, but clear winter weather can mean a much quieter visit.

We have also written a complete article on when to go to Malta. It may help if you are still deciding when to travel.

Allow around three hours to explore the film sets, watch some activities, and enjoy the view over Anchor Bay. That is approximately how long I spent there. Families who want to join several activities and try most of the games should plan for at least half a day, especially if they intend to eat or have a drink on site.

In summer, the additional water facilities and sunbathing areas may encourage some visitors to stay for the entire day. The ideal length of your visit ultimately depends on the season and your pace.

That brings this guide to Popeye Village to a close. I hope it has helped you decide whether the attraction belongs in your Malta itinerary. Families may easily spend longer there, while the viewpoint alone is worth seeing even if you decide not to enter.

For another practical part of your planning, take a look at our article on how much to budget for a trip to Malta.

See you soon for more discoveries across the Maltese archipelago!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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