Things to Do in Mellieha

Originally designed in 1980 as the movie set for the Robert Altman film Popeye, starring Robin Williams, Popeye Village (also known as Sweethaven Village) has been preserved as a Popeye theme park. The popular family attraction not only lets visitors explore the purpose-built set, but hosts a range of fun and interactive activities for all ages.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.