Imagine stepping into a colourful little village straight out of a movie, with quirky wooden houses, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in the background and plenty of picture-perfect corners. Sounds like a movie set, right? Well, it actually is! Tucked away along Malta’s stunning coastline, Popeye Village was originally built as the set for the 1980 film Popeye. And here’s why this place deserves a spot on your Malta itinerary!
Popeye Village: Malta’s Colourful Movie Set That Turned Tourist Hotspot
The whimsical village, which was once a movie set, has transformed into one of Malta’s most recognisable tourist attractions. Today, visitors can walk through the original set, explore its colourful wooden buildings and soak in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
What was meant to be a temporary film set has now become a popular stop for tourists visiting Malta. And yes, Popeye Village looks every bit as cheerful and picture-perfect in person as it does in photographs.
This isn’t just a place where you walk around, click a few pictures and leave. The village has been turned into an open-air attraction with plenty to do.
You can explore the original film set, meet characters such as Popeye and Olive Oyl during live animation shows, visit the Popeye Comic Museum and watch a short documentary about how the film set was built. There are also traditional games, mini-golf and interactive experiences where visitors can even take part in their own little movie production.
During the summer months, the experience gets even more lively with water activities, splash pools, a floating sun deck and an inflatable assault course overlooking the bay.
Also Read: Malta To Croatia, 10 Countries That Are Highly Likely To Reject Your Visa Application!
The Views Are A Big Part Of The Experience
Even if you’re not particularly interested in the movie, Popeye Village makes for a fun stop because of its setting. The colourful wooden houses sit right above Anchor Bay, surrounded by Malta’s characteristic rocky coastline and deep blue Mediterranean waters.
It is also one of those places where you will probably end up taking far more pictures than planned. The tiny houses, crooked rooftops and bright colours make almost every corner look like a movie backdrop: because, well, it was one.
The Best Time To Visit
The experience at Popeye Village changes slightly depending on the season. During the summer months, the attraction generally stays open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with water activities also available. In the mid-season, timings are usually from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, while the low season typically sees opening hours from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It’s always a good idea to check the official website before visiting, as timings and activities may vary.
If you enjoy movie locations, quirky attractions or simply want something beyond Malta’s historic landmarks, Popeye Village is an easy addition to your itinerary. It combines a little bit of film history with sea views, colourful architecture and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Also Read: Malta Is Offering Startup Residence; Here’s What Is It; Who Can Apply
You don’t have to be a die-hard Popeye fan to enjoy it. The setting alone makes this unusual little village one of the more memorable stops in Malta.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Where is Popeye Village located?
Popeye Village is located at Anchor Bay in Mellieħa, northern Malta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Why is Popeye Village famous?
Popeye Village is famous for being the original film set of the 1980 musical movie Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The colourful set was later turned into a tourist attraction.
What is the best time to visit Popeye Village?
The summer months are ideal if you want to enjoy the water attractions, while the cooler months can be more comfortable for exploring the movie set and taking photographs.
