Popeye Village – Malta’s Disneyland

Popeye Village wasn’t on my itinerary for exploring Malta. Generally, I avoid such places because I prefer to spend my time sightseeing. However, this time, when I saw Popeye Village from a distance, I decided to take a chance. The place looked so tacky and bizarre that I actually liked it.

Popeye Village, also known as Malta’s Disneyland, is the most famous amusement park in Malta. It was created from scratch as a film set for the adaptation of the famous comic strip. The film was made in 1980, and you won’t guess who played the role of Popeye. It was Robin Williams. While Robin Williams was a famous actor, probably few people remember Popeye. He was a sailor whose favourite food was spinach. It was spinach that gave him superhuman strength. In the early 20th century, spinach began to gain popularity due to its health benefits. Therefore, Popeye’s fondness for this plant is not accidental. A can of spinach was a kind of product placement of those times 😉 Interestingly, his character was likely modelled on Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, who was the son of Polish immigrants. He lived in Chester, which was also the hometown of Popeye’s creator, Elzie Crisler Segar. Like Popeye, he had a heart of gold but a fiery temper. He didn’t have an eye and constantly smoked a pipe.

The village is located on the northwest coast of Malta, about 2 km from Mellieha Bay, in the picturesque setting of Anchor Bay. The village was established in 1979, and its construction took only four months. The buildings were constructed from wood imported from the Netherlands, while the roofs were delivered from Canada.

On a relatively small area, you can find plenty of attractions for both children and adults. On site, you can see the houses of the film’s characters, as well as a post office, bakery, dentist’s office, fire station, and a vegetable shop.

Each of the buildings is accessible to visitors. Inside, there are themed design. We can feel like characters from the film, as the interiors of the houses are open to the public, and every exhibit can be touched.

In the main square of the village, right next to the fire station, numerous games and shows are organized by animators. There’s also a corner with various games. The museum showcases items related to the film’s production. In a small cinema, you can watch a documentary on the making of Popeye Village and see clips from the movie.

On hot days, visitors can combine sightseeing with swimming in the waters of Anchor Bay. The ticket price includes umbrellas and sunbeds, but their availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, there’s a souvenir shop as well as bars and restaurants. Despite over 40 years since its creation, Popeye Village continues to enchant and surprise. The small, quirky cottages are incredibly charming. The abundance of details makes the place more authentic. The village embodies kitsch at its best. Its colourful palette and nautical style add a unique charm to the place. It’s so tacky that it’s actually beautiful.

Popeye Village is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, or 7:00 PM depending on the season. The entrance fee is €24 (from July to the end of September), a discount ticket for children costs €16. Ticket prices vary depending on the season. From late May to end of June and from October to November 5th, tickets cost €18 and €14 for children. In other periods, the ticket prices are €15 and €10 for children. All prices are for the year 2024. For detailed and current pricing information, it’s best to check here.
The ticket price includes a map of the village, a coupon for popcorn and a postcard. During the high season, the ticket reportedly includes a boat tour around the bay.
The easiest way to reach the village is by car, there’s a free parking available on site. Alternatively, public transportation is also an option. Bus number 101 runs between Mellieha Centre / Mellieha Bay and Popeye Village. To get Mellieha Centre / Mellieha Bay you need to take a bus from Valletta (41, 42), Sliema (222), and Bugibba (221). For current bus routes and maps, you can find more information here.

For those who aren’t interested in visiting Popeye Village, there’s an option to admire it for free from a nearby cliff. From this viewpoint, you can see the village and the picturesque bay in its entirety.