Popeye Village is a popular tourist attraction for families along the Maltese coastline, originally built as the movie set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. Today, it’s still the quirky, colourful village you can see in the film, but you can also spend the whole day there, taking part in the fun animations or improvising as an actor for a day. In my opinion, it’s totally worth the trip: visiting Popeye Village is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Malta!
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What to Expect at Popeye Village
A visit to Popeye Village is like entering a storybook. As you wander through the funny wooden houses, you can meet costumed characters, participate in interactive activities, and watch live shows and puppet performances that bring the cartoon universe to life.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MALTA
To get the most out of your visit to Malta, enjoy the convenience of the all-inclusive Malta Multi Pass. It includes open-top bus rides, cruises, and entry to Heritage Malta and other attractions.
During your trip, you can stay in touch with family and friends with Holafly eSIM and enjoy an unlimited connection at 3G/4G/LTE speeds.
Renting a car in Malta allows you to explore any beach or attraction at your own pace. Plus, you can travel with confidence by securing Heymondo travel insurance, ensuring that your adventures are worry-free.
Children can enjoy playing with amazing wooden toys, trying their hand at minigolf, or exploring themed play areas. At the same time, adults can soak in the nostalgic atmosphere or simply relax with panoramic views of the stunning coastline. The village is also a photographer’s dream, offering a vibrant backdrop of quirky architecture and dazzling blue seas.
From Reel to Real: The Evolution of Popeye Village in Malta
Known also as Sweethaven Village, Popeye Village was constructed specifically for the live-action movie produced by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions.
The set, made up of nineteen wooden buildings with sloping rooftops and crooked walls, was designed to resemble the fictional hometown of the spinach-loving sailor. Built in 1979, it required over 165 workers and several months of construction, with timber imported from the Netherlands and Canada to bring the whimsical village to life.
But the real magic happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
Instead of being dismantled like many film sets, Popeye Village was preserved and gradually evolved into a unique open-air museum and amusement park. Today, it welcomes visitors worldwide who want to step into a piece of movie history and into a magic world that feels like a living cartoon.
What to See at Popeye Village in Mellieħa, Malta
Your adventure at Popeye Village begins with a scenic walk downhill from the ticket booth, where you’ll pass Popeye’s old fishing boat and suddenly be greeted by Popeye himself, Olive, Bluto, and all the other characters.
It’s as if you’re really inside the 1980s movie, and this whimsical setting is bursting with photo opportunities. The brightly painted houses, oversized structures, and mint-green waters make it nearly impossible to take a bad picture.
Main Square
The Main Square is where the magic begins, with an incredible view of the whole location. It hosts major events, such as welcome shows and the filming activity.
Cinema
Inside the cinema, you can watch a documentary about Popeye’s filming process and how the beautiful village of Sweethaven was created. The documentary includes clips from the actual film and the set’s construction.
You can also take a picture with a life-size statue of the late Robin Williams, donated by the world-renowned artist Mr. Tommy Zegan.
The cinema hosts a show every hour, and after the filming activity, twice a day, you’ll have the opportunity to watch the movie you took personally part in at Popeye Village!
Olive Oyl’s House
Olive Oyl’s House is a fantastic stop inside Popeye Village. The house has original props from the 1980 film.
Inside, you’ll meet Olive’s mum, a fun and engaging character. We totally loved her as the actress was incredibly sweet with children, making the experience even more special for my son.
Popeye the Cartoon Museum
At the Popeye Cartoon Museum, you can see some of the most amusing Popeye memorabilia and vintage Popeye cartoons. There are over 200 comics on display, ranging from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Sawmill
The sawmill is just meters from the sea and offers a beautiful view of Anchor Bay. It features wooden toys for the entire family to enjoy.
There is also a puppet theatre and an Ames room, a distorted space that creates an optical illusion. If you’re guessing what an Ames room is, it’s a room invented by American scientist Adelbert Ames Jr. and patented in 1940. It offers the kind of optical illusions you can find at the science museum Esplora in Malta, too.
Anchor Bay Lido
The Anchor Bay Lido is open only during the summer months. It features sunbeds situated in front of the crystal-clear waters of Anchor Bay. If you plan to visit Popeye Village during the peak season, be sure to bring your swimwear so you can relax and enjoy the sun.
Minigolf
The Minigolf area at Popeye Village is a fun addition for visitors of all ages. Set outside the movie-set buildings but still with the same fantastic sea view, it’s a great way to take a break and play after exploring the village. The course is simple, perfect for kids or for a family competition.
Best Activities to Enjoy at Popeye Village in Malta
At Popeye Village, you can explore the original film set and enjoy all the many activities inside the village. For instance, you’ll love the live shows featuring musical performances and the chance to interact with Popeye and his friends.
You can also watch footage from the movie in the cinema. During your visit to Popeye Village, you can also participate in a behind-the-scenes guided tour or take on the main character role in the next Popeye movie!
Popeye Shows: Meet the Villagers & Sailor Time
The shows at Popeye Village bring a lively touch to your visit, bringing the characters to life in the heart of Sweethaven. With Meet the Villagers and Sailor Time, you can enjoy fun performances featuring Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, and more. These shows are inspired by the movie, so you can expect music, laughter, and plenty of audience interaction!
Explore the Filmset: Guided Tour Inside the Location
The Mayor of Sweethaven acts as your lively tour guide during the behind-the-scenes tour of Popeye Village. As you walk through the original film sets, he shares fun facts about the 1980 movie and the village’s construction.
We learned, for example, that each character in the film had their own personal soundtrack, a clever detail that adds charm to the production. It’s an entertaining and informative experience that brings the movie’s magic to life!
Filming Activity: Become an Actor in the Next Popeye Movie
At Popeye Village, your whole family can become movie stars for a day! Twice a day, the animation crew invites visitors to participate in a fun filming experience. Of course, we couldn’t resist.
Alongside other families, we acted out a short five-minute Popeye-themed film right in the centre of Sweethaven. I played a washerwoman while my son proudly took on the role of the bad boy.
The shoot took about 30 minutes, with the crew giving clear, simple instructions that made it easy and enjoyable for everyone. We laughed the entire time: it was one of the highlights of our visit!
Later, the final result was screened in the village cinema. Everyone received a little bag of popcorn and watched a short documentary about the making of Popeye and the construction of the film set, before seeing the hilarious movie we had just filmed.
You can also buy a digital copy of your masterpiece for only €5 per family or group. Ours arrived by email a couple of days later, and it’s still the funniest souvenir ever! I absolutely recommend this experience if you’re looking for something original, memorable, and full of laughs.
Puppet Show
The Puppet Show at Popeye Village is another fun activity, especially for younger visitors. It features charming puppets of Popeye and his friends, brought to life through playful storytelling inspired by their adventures. The show is lighthearted and interactive, with plenty of laughs and cheerful moments that kids will absolutely love.
Why You Shold Visit the Popeye Village When in Malta
If you’re a big fan of Popeye, then Popeye Village is an absolute must when visiting Malta. Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you’ll still have a fantastic time. Personally, I’m not a fan of traditional amusement parks with loud rides and overwhelming commercial sponsorships, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with the Popeye Village.
Popeye Village is probably the prettiest amusement park I’ve ever seen. It’s full of wooden toys, there are no screens (except for the cinema), and the stunning sea view adds a magical touch to the whole experience. It’s a peaceful, nostalgic spot perfect for a truly special day out.
What really made our visit unforgettable, though, were the incredible actors. They bring Sweethaven to life with their energy, warmth, and playful spirit, especially the ones playing Popeye and Olive Oyl’s mum.
The actor playing Popeye was absolutely amazing with my son. He took him on a special tour of the village and kept playing with him even after the show when he didn’t want to leave his side! Olive Oyl’s mum was also incredibly sweet and welcoming.
We’re so grateful to them: their kindness truly made our day magical ❤︎
How to Plan Your Visit to Popeye Village in Malta
Popeye Village features colourful buildings, fun activities, and beautiful scenery. To help you plan your visit, I have written the most useful info below, including where to eat, how to get there, and where to buy tickets.
Where to Eat: Seafarers Restaurant
Seafarers Restaurant is the ideal spot to take a break during your visit to Popeye Village. Located within the film set itself, this relaxed and family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of burgers, pizzas, and drinks served on verandas that overlook the stunning Anchor Bay.
Many of the dishes are creatively themed around Popeye and his famous love for spinach. We tried the green vegan spinach burgers, and they were absolutely delicious.
Admission Fee
Entry tickets to Popeye Village cost €15 for adults and teens, while children aged 3 to 12 and pensioners pay €12.50. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid queues at the entrance, as it can get quite crowded, especially during summer and on sunny days.
The admission fee includes access to Popeye’s film set, animation shows, a free postcard, free popcorn, and the nine-hole minigolf course. During the high season, the Summer Package also includes access to water inflatables, a floating sun deck, sunbeds, sun umbrellas, and showers.
Opening Hours
The opening hours at Popeye Village vary by season. It always opens at 9:30 am. From November to February, it closes at 5:00 pm. From March to June, it closes at 5:30 pm, while during the summer months, it stays open until 6:00 pm.
Please note that the film set may occasionally be closed to the general public due to private events, such as weddings. Be sure to check the calendar below for the most up-to-date information.
If you visit Popeye Village during the holidays, you’ll be able to experience its festive spirit. The park is transformed throughout the year to reflect the seasons, celebrating Christmas, Carnival, Easter, and Halloween with themed decorations, special performances, and seasonal activities that make each visit unique.
How to Reach the Popeye Village
Popeye Village is in the northern part of Malta, near Mellieħa. You can easily reach it by public transport, car, or organized tours.
During our trip to Malta, we rented a car, as it’s the best way to explore the island. To reach Popeye Village, simply drive towards Mellieħa and follow the signs to Popeye Village, or use Google Maps for more precise directions.
There is a gravel parking lot on-site that offers plenty of spaces, but arriving early can help secure a good spot.
Popeye Village can also be reached by public transport. Many buses to Mellieħa Bay or Cirkewwa stop nearby. However, unfortunately, public transport in Malta isn’t very frequent or reliable.
Popeye Village
Anchor Bay,Triq il-Prajjiet, MLH 4808 Mellieħa
Final Thoughts about the Popeye Village
Visiting Popeye Village is a fantastic experience filled with fun, laughter, and a hint of nostalgia. In my opinion, this village is one of the best destinations to explore in Malta with kids, whether you’re revisiting childhood memories of the movie or creating new ones with your family. I look forward to reading your thoughts about this charming amusement park in the comments!
