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Popeye Village Fun Park

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Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)

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Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, is a unique film set and theme park situated in Anchor Bay (Il-Prajjet) on the northwest coast of Malta. The village was constructed in 1979 as the setting for the 1980 musical film 'Popeye,' starring Robin Williams in his first leading role. The set consists of 19 colorful, rustic wooden buildings, for which over eight tons of nails and thousands of liters of paint were used to create the whimsical charm of a fictional 1920s seaside town. Following the conclusion of filming, the set was preserved and transformed into a permanent tourist attraction, now serving as an open-air museum and family fun park. Visitors can explore the original film structures, witness live shows featuring characters like Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto, and enjoy various activities including boat trips around the bay and mini-golf. Popeye Village stands as a remarkable example of a temporary cinematic construction evolving into a beloved Maltese landmark.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Popeye Village is an open-air theme park that houses the original film set from the 1980 Popeye movie and is fully accessible. Visitors can explore the wooden houses, cinema, and boats, and participate in various activities.
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Typical hours
The village is typically open daily from spring to autumn, with limited hours in winter. Exact times should be checked on the official website before traveling.
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Photography
Photography is actively encouraged throughout Popeye Village and is free for personal use. The colorful wooden houses and the bay offer fantastic photo opportunities.
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Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the village at a leisurely pace and enjoy the shows. Many families spend half a day here, especially if they also want to swim or go boating.
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Combine with
The village is located in the easy on the eye Anchor Bay, well-suited for a swimming stop. Combine the visit with a drive along Malta's north coast, stopping in Mellieħa and the Għadira Nature Reserve.
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Getting there
Popeye Village is best reached by rental car, with a large parking lot right at the entrance. Alternatively, buses run from nearby towns, with the stop just a short walk away.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning before the tour buses arrive to enjoy the village almost to yourself. Bring swimwear, as Anchor Bay is well-suited for a refreshing dip in the sea.

Geography

Coordinates
35.96100, 14.34000

Facts

  • The village was constructed within seven months by a crew of 165 workers.
  • The wood used for the buildings was specifically imported from the Netherlands and Canada.
  • A massive breakwater was built in Anchor Bay to protect the film set from high seas.
  • Robin Williams made his feature film debut as a lead actor in this production.
  • The set features functional elements including a sawmill and a blacksmith shop.
  • Today, Popeye Village is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Malta.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Popeye VillagePopeye Village<1 km · SEExplore →
L-Rdum tal-MadonnaL-Rdum tal-Madonna2 km · NExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa2 km · EExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay3 km · SEExplore →
Il-Qortin RidgeIl-Qortin Ridge3 km · NEExplore →
Cirkewwa Ferry TerminalCirkewwa Ferry Terminal3 km · NExplore →
Is-Simar Bird SanctuaryIs-Simar Bird Sanctuary4 km · EExplore →
Ras il-Pellegrin PlateauRas il-Pellegrin Plateau4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Popeye Village Fun Park (10)

Popeye Village

Former film set for the town of Sweethaven for the 1980 movie "Popeye" starring Robin Williams.

Prajjet Bay

Bay in Malta, located on the northwest coast of the island.

View on Popeye Village

Viewpoint overlooking Popeye Village and the bay.

Wreck of Scotscraig

Shipwreck lying offshore, visible from the shore.

Għadira Nature Reserve

Nature reserve, home to many bird species and plants.

Għajn Żnuber Tower🗼 tower

Rural tower in Mellieħa, Malta, used as a watchtower.

Għadira Bay

Sandy beach on Malta's north coast, shallow water, family-friendly.

Maya Beach

Beach resort with sunbeds and umbrellas, in a quiet setting.

Red Tower

Tower built during Grandmaster Lascaris' reign, paid by the universita' of Mdina.

Calypso's Caves

Archaeological site with caves, associated with the myth of Calypso.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Popeye Village the real film set?
Yes, it is the original set of the 1980 'Popeye' movie starring Robin Williams.
What is included in the ticket price?
Entry includes shows, access to the village, and (weather permitting) a short boat trip in the bay.
Can children swim at Popeye Village?
Yes, during summer, there are water obstacles and pools suitable for children.
How much time is needed for a visit?
Plan about 3 to 4 hours to see all the shows and explore the village properly.
Is there food available in the park?
Yes, there are restaurants and snack bars offering pizza, pasta, and burgers.
Popeye Village Fun Park: where is it located?
Popeye Village Fun Park is located in Malta.
Popeye Village Fun Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Popeye Village, Prajjet Bay, View on Popeye Village.
Popeye Village Fun Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Popeye Village Fun Park: why is it worth visiting?
Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, is a unique film set and theme park situated in Anchor Bay (Il-Prajjet) on the northwest coast of Malta.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

Qammieh Point — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Golden Bay — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.
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Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Blue Lagoon (Comino) — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Anchor Bay — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Anchor Bay
The bay where Popeye Village is located, also used as an anchorage.
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals
Various watercraft are available for rent at the popular Mellieha beach.
Ghadira Nature Reserve — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Ghadira Nature Reserve
An important bird sanctuary and wetland, especially during bird migration seasons.
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay
Inflatable water parks set up in Mellieha Bay during the summer.
Foresta 2000 — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
Foresta 2000
A reforestation project that is recreating a Mediterranean woodland, providing habitat for wildlife.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna — Popeye Village Fun Park (Malta)
L-Rdum tal-Madonna
A protected area known for its colony of Yelkouan shearwaters.