Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 10:42 am
Popeye Village is a purpose-built movie set village for the Popeye film that has since been converted into a small attraction fun park. It is located at Anchor Bay Malta which is three kilometres (two miles) from Mellieha.
It was originally built as a film set for the production of the 1980 musical feature film Popeye starring Robin Williams and produced by Walt Disney Productions and Paramount Pictures. Today, it is open to the public as both an open-air museum and lido.
The ViewPoint Over Popeye Village
We didn’t actually enter the park, well it was closed due to Covid-19 when we visited. But if you head to the viewpoint, you get a great view of the old movie set, and that part is free! You can also take a pleasant stroll from there down to Anchor Bay. The water was gorgeously clear when we were there.
Try this trip to the Blue Lagoon while in Mellieha.
History Of Popeye Village
The film set for Popeye Village took seven months to build, back in 1979. In order to create the wooden village, tree trunk logs were apparently brought in from the Netherlands, and wood shingles for the rooftops came from Canada. A construction crew of 165, from all over the world, came to build the twenty wooden structures.
For those fascinated with useless facts like myself – eight tonnes of nails were used in construction and 2000 gallons of paint were used to paint the houses.
A 200-250 foot breakwater at the mouth of Anchor Bay also needed to be built to protect the movie set from the high seas during the shooting of the film.
Filming began on the 23rd of January, 1980.
We have watched a little bit of the movie, just to say to each other, ‘Ooh, I recognise that place!’
What Was The Movie About?
The film Popeye was based on the comic strips by E. C. Segar. It is set in the fictional village of Sweethaven, where Popeye the sailor arrives in search of his long-lost father.
The film had mixed reviews; we haven’t seen enough of the movie yet to make our own decision.
What Is There To Do At Popeye Village?
There are shows, a cinema, rides and museums, and play areas where children can climb and explore the village. You can also get to meet the main characters from the show such as Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, and Bluto. There are also a few restaurants (wonder if spinach is on the menu?) and a place to sunbathe and swim.
Fancy Getting Married At Popeye Village?
If you want to get married at Popeye Village, it can be arranged. Send an email to info@popeyemalta.com for more details. We’d love to see photos!
Opening Hours For Popeye Village
Spring (March -June) 9:30am-5.30pm
Summer (July-August) 9.30am-7.00pm
Autumn (September -October ): 9.30am-5.30pm
Winter (November to February): 9.30am-4.30pm
How Much Does It Cost To Enter Popeye Village?
For up-to-date prices and packages, check their website here. You can buy your tickets for Popeye Village in advance here.
How To Get To Popeye Village
By car
If driving, head towards Mellieha and follow the signs to Anchor Bay and Popeye Village. There is a gravel car park with plenty of parking spaces, and it is wheelchair accessible. Check available options for hiring a car in Malta here.
By bus
The Popeye Village film set can also be reached by bus. Take any of the following buses to Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) or Cirkewwa: X1, X1A, 41, 42, 49, 101, 221, 222, or 250. From Ghadira Bay take bus number 101 to Mgarr which stops just outside the entrance to Popeye Village.
Is Popeye Village Worth A Visit?
If you’re in the area and interested in old movie sets, the view from the viewpoint is worth it.
We didn’t visit the site itself, because 1) it was closed and 2) neither of us are that keen on amusement parks and it does seem a little overpriced and touristy. But it is open as usual now, so check it out and tell us in the comments, what it’s like.
Want To Spend A Little Longer Around Mellieha?
If you fancy spending a little longer in this part of Malta, why not check out some of the hotels in the area?
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However, if you have been there, what did you think? Please let us know in the comments below.
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This looks so amazing. I’m not a lover of theme parks, but the setting is perfect. I would be content to look down from the viewpoint. It’s beautiful. It’s too bad that it wasn’t open when you were there.
We did go in because we were traveling with our kids when one of them, at least, was young enough to enjoy it. The most fun was meeting the characters, who walked through the streets acting like their characters and talking to random visitors. I agree, though, if you’re not with kids, it’s just a funny place to take a picture of, and then move on.
There are things in this world I’ve never heard of. Popeye Village in Malta of all places is definitely one of them. I thing I would also just go to that viewpoint and take a pic from there. After all, I haven’t been to Malta yet and I assume there are other landmarks I’d like to see before paying Popeye a visit 😉 But since you guys are stuck there for now…Popeye Village it is 😀
Popeye Village looks fascinating. Though we have not seen the movie, having read Popeye comics a lot our interest is piqued. The views from the village are really spectacular. The places seem to be a fun getaway for the family with kids, especially.
That’s so great you go to see such great views despite not being able to go to the park. I bet that for people who like the movie this would be a real treat. It also looks like it set in a beautiful location!
A visit to the Popeye Village, would be akin to going down memory lane for sure. While it is a man made set, its absolutely picturesque owing to the destination, and it’s definitely going to be there on my Malta bucket list. I had read about it briefly way back, when i was planning to visit Malta, which unfortunately didn’t happen. It seems to be a great destination to visit specially with kids.
Anchor Bay looks like a lovely location. I think that like you, I would have just taken photos from the outside and enjoyed the view. Gosh I didn’t realise that film was 40 years old!
This is such a cute village. Although I have no plans to get married if I ever I would want to get married here. Saved the email id. Thanks for this fun and elaborate post.