How To Visit Popeye Village, a film set turned tourist destination in Malta
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Malta, Popeye Village, originally a film set for the 1980 musical production ‘Popeye', has transformed into one of the island’s most enchanting tourist attractions.
From its quaint, colorful wooden structures to its stunning sea views, this charming village invites visitors to step into a world straight out of a movie.
In this blog post, we will uncover the magic of Popeye Village, exploring its unique history, vibrant atmosphere, and the plethora of activities that await travelers of all ages.
Whether you’re a film buff, a family in search of fun, or a traveler eager to explore the unique corners of Malta, Popeye Village offers a delightful experience steeped in cinematic history and scenic beauty.
So, join us as we delve into the captivating allure of Popeye Village, and discover why you should add this whimsical attraction to your Malta itinerary.
The original Popeye film set
Constructed in 1980 the original film set consisted of over 20 individual structures. Built on the bay to make use of the water for filming, equipment was brought in from as far away as The Netherlands, primarily for a more genuine look.
Tree trunks from The Netherlands arrived to be used in the roof construction and the Popeye Village website tells me that there was over 2000 gallons of paint used on the set.
Situated in Anchor Bay, they also had to build a breakwater across the mouth of the bay to protect the village from tidal seas during filming.
Make sure you make time to get up to the viewpoint overlooking the village. Anchor bay is also a popular dive site and we saw divers in the water that day we visited. It looked WAY too cold for me but I guess wetsuits are wonderful things.
What Is There To See And Do In Popeye Village?
The village has quite a bit to see and do particularly for children. There is:
- a variety of shows,
- a comic museum,
- customised stalls and shows based on the season and time of year
- demonstrations from artisans, and of course
- the swimming enclosure.
They are currently working on a Robin Williams museum which was due to open in 2022, but has been delayed. Robin Williams was of course Popeye in the movie that was filmed here and they do very much embrace his larger than life personality in the village.
The swimming enclosure is called Anchor Bay Lido and is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for you to relax and watch the kids swimming. There is also a splash pool now for those smaller children as well.
The €11 entrance fee gives you access to not just the film set but
- a variety of shows,
- a comic museum,
- demonstrations from artisans, and of course
- the swimming enclosure.
Where to Eat In Popeye Village Malta
There are cafe's and restaurants (3 I believe from memory) and all the signs and menu's are in English so its very easy to navigate. There is even a winery and cellar door tasting which was quite the hit!
We ate lunch at Seafarers Bar & Restaurant. It has a great view of the bay and our meals were lovely. There is of course a focus on seafood and the menu's change for each season.
There are boat rides around Anchor bay in the summer my friends tell me but we didn't see any go out during the time we were there. I think we might have been a bit early in the season.
Where is Popeye Village?
Popeye Village is located in Melleiha on the north west coast of Malta. It is about 25km from Valletta and should take you about half an hour to drive, dependant on traffic.
Click the map below for the exact location.
What Facilities Are There At Popeye Village?
There are cafe's and restaurants and all the signs and menu's are in English so its very easy to navigate. There is even a winery and cellar door tasting which was quite the hit!
We ate lunch at Seafarers Bar & Restaurant. It has a great view of the bay and our meals were lovely. There is of course a focus on seafood and the menu's change for each season.
There are multiple sets of restrooms all around the village and the staff on entry can provide you with a map to help with finding these.
There are boat rides around Anchor bay in the summer my friends tell me but we didn't see any go out during the time we were there. I think we might have been a bit early in the season.
A souvenir shop sells Popeye related gifts and nick knacks if you have left someone at home and would like to get them a gift.
Free Wi-Fi is available all around the village which is great for overseas visitors and there is a location where you can grab a free postcard. Next to the first aid centre there is a stall that hands out free popcorn. Maybe don't tell the kids it's free!
How Much Is It To Get Into Popeye Village?
Popeye Village offer “packages” for their ticketing which is a little misleading. Effectively they have Summer and Winter prices and the packages is just a day entry fee.
Be aware that all visitors under 16 have to be accompanied by an adult that is over 18.
Summer Entrance Fees
- Adults & Teens : € 20.00
- Children (3-12yrs) €15.00
- Pensioners : €15.00
Entrance includes:
- Entrance to Popeye’s Film Set
- Use of Splash Pool
- Use of Playpool (8 and under)
- Use of Sun Beds, Sun Umbrellas and showers
- Inflatables Course / games and floating sundeck
- A variety of Animation Shows
- Access to Popeye’s Comic Museum
- Entrance to the Cinema (for a 15 minute Documentary of the Film Set)
- Use of Nine-Hole Mini-Golf course
- Treasure Hunt
- Free Popcorn & Free Postcard
Winter Entrance Fees
- Adults & Teens : € 14.00
- Children (3-12yrs)
- Pensioners : €9.00
The winter package does not cover entrance over the Christmas and Easter periods so be sure to check prices for those times. The Christmas entrances days are shown below.
Entrance Includes:
- Entrance to Popeye’s Film Set
- A variety of Animation Shows
- Access to Popeye’s Comic Museum
- Entrance to the Cinema (for a 15 minute Documentary of the Film Set)
- Silver Smith Demonstrations
- Entrances to Santa’s Toy Town
- Use of Nine-Hole Mini-Golf course
- Sacavenger Hunt
- Free Popcorn
- Free Postcard
Christmas Entrance Fees
The Christmas Entrance (Santa's Toytown) starts on the 8th December for the dates below.
8th, 10th, 11th, 13th December and daily from the 17th Dec through to the 7th January 2023
Santa will be on site on Saturday, Sunday & public holidays between the 8th December and the 17th December and every day between the 17th Dec and the 7th January 2023
There is no info on their website at present to say whether or not they are open Christmas Day but I would assume maybe not. Check with them to be sure.
- Adults & Teens: € 15.00
- Children (3-12): €12.50
- Pensioners: €12.50
Halloween Day Entrance
Popeye's also have a Halloween day that has ghosts and trick or treating along with other customised shows and games. This runs between the 28th October and the 3rd November and prices are below.
- Adults & Teens: € 15.00
- Children (3-12): €12.50
- Pensioners: €12.50
Special Events At Popeye Village
Believe it or not you can actually get married here. Check out Popeye Village's Wedding page for more info. It does sound a bit naff but the photos are great and it would be the perfect casual wedding venue.
They also have Halloween celebrations every year, Easter celebrations are customised each year and they also have Christmas packages starting from just €15 for adults and €12.50 for pensioners and children.
Birthday parties are also popular here and the very helpful staff can create a package just for you.
Viewpoint Out Over Popeye Village
Make sure you make time to get up to the viewpoint overlooking the village. The viewpoint is only 350 meters from the village and is an easy walk up and around to the other side of the bay. Take care on the road if you are walking and if you have a car, there is a car park at Anchor Bay Viewpoint opposite the village itself.
Anchor bay is also a popular dive site and we saw divers in the water that day we visited. It looked WAY too cold for me but I guess wetsuits are wonderful things.
More Information On Popeye Village
The Popeye Village website is well maintained and usually current with the latest events and packages. You can book tickets online, however do be aware that online sales are not refundable.
Tours That visit Popeye Village
While it does seem like it is mostly for children, the Popeye Village in Malta is definitely worth a stop of your road trip around this might country. The restaurant was great, the ocean is amazing and it is pretty cool to wander around.