Popeye Village Malta (Sweethaven Village)

The Basics

Admission tickets to Popeye Village include a self-guided tour of the movie set and access to all park activities. Summer tickets also include a boat cruise around Anchor Bay and entrance to the swimming pools and water-play areas, which include slides and water trampolines. If you don’t have your own transport, it’s worth booking a pass that includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring your swimsuit and towel if visiting Popeye Village in the summer.

• Parasols, sunbeds, and showers are available at the beach and included in the ticket price.

• Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.

• The village is wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the restored movie set may not be accessible.

How to Get There

Popeye Village is located on the northwestern coast of Malta, about a 40-minute drive from Valletta. Book tickets in advance for the Popeye Express, which picks up from hotels in Sliema, Buġibba, and Mellieħa each morning and leaves the resort around 4pm each afternoon. To get there by public transit, take bus 44 or 45 from Valletta, 645 from Sliema, 48 from Qawra, 441 from Mellieħa, or 43, 44, 45, 48, or 645 from St. Paul’s Bay.

When to Get There

Popeye Village is open all year, but by far the most popular time to visit is summer (June–September), when water activities are also available. Special seasonal events take place throughout the year, including spooky haunted houses for Halloween and Easter activities. Visit during the Christmas season to experience Santa’s Toytown, treasure trails, and the Mascot Parade.

Family Fun at Popeye Village

Daily activities at Popeye Village include play sessions, face painting, puppet shows, and storytelling sessions for toddlers; encounters with cartoon characters including Olive Oyl, Bluto, Swee’Pea and, of course, Popeye the Sailor himself; and animation and audio-visual shows. Other options include a 9-hole miniature golf course, silversmith demonstrations, and the chance for older children to star in their own mini Popeye movie.

What is Popeye Village Malta?

Popeye Village Malta, also known as Sweethaven Village, is a theme park, which was built around the film set created for the 1980 movie Popeye, directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams. Now an open-air museum and attractions, the village consists of a collection of colorful wooden buildings and many amusements.

Where is Popeye Village located in Malta?

Popeye Village is in Anchor Bay, close to the village of Mellieha, on the northwestern coast of Malta. It enjoys an attractive location surrounded by rugged cliffs and clear blue sea. The village is around a 40-minute drive from Malta’s capital city, Valletta.

What activities and attractions are available at Popeye Village?

Activities and attractions that are available at Popeye Village include self-guided tours of the 1979-built movie set, boat tours around Anchor Bay, water trampolines, sunbathing decks, silversmith demonstrations, a beach lido, and a Santa’s toy town.

Is Popeye Village suitable for children?

Yes, Popeye Village is certainly suitable for children. It is a family-friendly attraction with play areas, splash pools, mini golf, and water trampolines. Kids can meet characters from the Popeye cartoons, including Popeye and Olive Oyl.

How do I get to Popeye Village from Valletta?

You can drive from Valletta to Popeye Village, or book a taxi—the journey by car is around 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take either the 41 or 42 bus to Mellieha Bay, where you can either walk for 20 minutes or catch the 101 bus directly to Popeye Village. An organized tour will often include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as admission.

Are there any restaurants or food options at Popeye Village?

Yes, there are restaurants and other food options at Popeye Village. There are several cafés and eateries within the ticketed area, with indoor as well as outdoor seating. Seafarers Bar and Restaurant serves seafood and has excellent views over the bay. Menus are in English.