Popeye Village

Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, was originally constructed as a film set for the 1980 musical production Popeye starring Robin Williams. Located in Anchor Bay on the northwest coast of Malta, the complex consists of 19 wooden buildings that were erected in 1979 using timber imported from the Netherlands and Canada. After filming concluded, the set was preserved and gradually developed into a permanent open-air museum and family entertainment park. The village exhibits a rustic, whimsical architectural style reminiscent of a 1920s seaside town, with intricately designed interiors and historical film memorabilia. Today, it serves as a major tourist attraction, hosting interactive shows and providing insights into the logistical challenges of large-scale film production. Its enduring popularity highlights the significant impact of the international film industry on the Maltese economy and cultural landscape.

Nearby cities

Mellieħa

Mellieħa is a large northern village, renowned for Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay).

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

A pristine sandy beach reached via a long flight of stairs, known for its rugged and natural beauty.

Comino

Malta's smallest inhabited island, a car-free paradise for swimmers, divers, and nature enthusiasts.

Qawra

Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.

Mtarfa

Mtarfa is a small town overlooking Mdina, known for its past as a British military barracks and its distinctive clock tower.

Qala

Qala is the easternmost village in Gozo, known for its pristine coastline, stunning views of Comino and Malta, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay.

Għargħur

Għargħur is one of Malta's smallest and oldest villages, situated on a hilltop with views of the coast.

Dingli

Dingli is located at Malta's highest point and is famous for its dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

History & landmarks

Għadira Nature Reserve

The largest remaining area of salt marsh in Malta.

Mellieħa Bay

The longest sandy beach in Malta.

Mġarr ix-Xini

A narrow, secluded bay and valley.

San Blas Bay

A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.

Nature

Fomm ir-Riħ Bay

A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.

Victoria Lines Fault

A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

Ta' Ċinċ Hill

A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.

Il-Qlajja Hill

A prominent hilltop near Mdina.

Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)

A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.

More places

St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower)

A distinctive red fortified tower on the Marfa Ridge.

Popeye Village Fun Park

The original film set of the 1980 Popeye movie, now a theme park for families.

L-Rdum tal-Madonna

A protected area known for its colony of Yelkouan shearwaters.

Il-Qortin Ridge

A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.

Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal

The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.

Is-Simar Bird Sanctuary

A protected area attracting a variety of birds, especially during migration seasons.

Ras il-Pellegrin Plateau

An eroded plateau near Ġnejna Bay.

Wardija Highland

An elevated plateau in the north of Malta.