A Malta film set day, hands-on and fun. You walk around the original Popeye Village built as the 1980 musical film set in Anchor Bay, then get greeted by Popeye the sailorman and friends. I really like that you can do both story stuff and action, with live character hosting plus the Take2 become a movie star filming experience.

My one caution is comfort planning. The schedule includes shows and outdoor areas, so in heavy rain or intense sun you may want extra patience, and some visitors found the cinema not always easy to hear.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Take2 filming experience where you step into the role of a movie star
• Meet Popeye and the gang with hosts who stay in character
• Upper and lower complex access plus the comic museum and film-set documentary cinema
• Hands-on kid fun in summer, including splash pools and water obstacle areas
• Free beach extras in summer, like sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and inflatables
• Nine-hole mini-golf that works even when you just want a break

Where Popeye Village sits in Mellieha and how to shape your day

Popeye Village is about 3 km from Mellieħa’s village core, and the whole experience is designed as a 1-day loop, not a quick photo stop. I suggest you treat it like a half-day explore plus a half-day hang, especially if you’re traveling in summer.

Your best time strategy is simple: arrive ready to move. You’ll wear down your feet with lots of wandering around the upper and lower complex, and the village is more fun when you can catch characters and shows without rushing.

If you can, keep your plan flexible for weather. Some parts are outdoors, and a few reviews point out that rain and sun can change how comfortable show time feels.

The film-set layout: upper and lower complexes plus the comic museum

The ticket gets you access to the upper and lower complex as well as Popeye’s Comic Museum. This is the core of the day: colorful set buildings, film-set details, and plenty of spots to look back and forth between “how it looks now” and “how it was meant for a movie.”

I love that you can roam freely. You can do it at your own pace, popping into the museum and then stepping back outside to connect the walking paths to what you just saw.

The comic museum is a strong add-on if you want more than set dressing. It pairs memorabilia and movie projection, so you’re not stuck in only one mode, model-house nostalgia or interactive play. Plus there’s a 15-minute documentary shown in the cinema, which helps you understand what you’re standing in.

One practical note: if you’re sensitive to sound, you might find the cinema atmosphere a bit loud. A couple of comments mention it was hard to hear the documentary, so consider going in early, sitting where you can, and not counting on perfect audio.

Meeting Popeye the sailorman: characters, shows, and that in-character energy

From the start, you’re not just a ticket number. The experience is built around meeting Popeye the sailorman and his friends, and the staff perform in character across the day.

This is one of the biggest reasons it feels fun even if you never watched the cartoons. Reviews mention that kids and adults without Popeye nostalgia still had a great time, because the entertainment is live, playful, and easy to follow.

You’ll see ongoing animation shows, puppet shows, and dance shows. I like that the pacing gives you chances to watch, then join in when invited, rather than forcing you into a rigid tour rhythm.

Some people also call out specific performers. One name that came up is Stephen Bonnici, described as an amazing mediator who helps shape the experience, and Spike was singled out as fantastic. You can’t guarantee which characters are on every day, but it’s clear the cast aims for “stay in character” consistency.

The TAKE2 filming experience: why this is the main event

If you want one reason to book this, make it the Take2 Become a Movie Star Filming Experience. This is where the day becomes more than viewing, you participate.

The premise is simple: you follow directions, jump into your moment, and experience the fun of being part of a production. Multiple reviews highlight that it’s entertaining, funny, and worth it, especially if you’re traveling with kids who enjoy doing something active rather than just walking.

A smart way to get the most out of it is to treat the instructions seriously. The interaction works best when you’re paying attention and moving quickly when your turn comes. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it helps you feel connected to the set.

If you’re thinking about family timing, keep in mind the filming experience is one of the activities most people will want to do, so try not to schedule a late lunch or long beach break before it.

What to do between shows: museum time, demos, mini-golf, and scavenger fun

The set is full of “in-between” activities that keep you from waiting around. You’ll find silversmith demonstrations, a scavenger hunt idea tied to finding Olive Oyl’s missing jewel, and free animation and puppet moments that pop up throughout the grounds.

Mini-golf is a real bonus because it gives you a lower-stress activity when you want a break from climbing and walking. It’s a nine-hole course, which is the right length for families, and it doesn’t demand a long time commitment.

There’s also a soft-play area in the restaurant for about 30 minutes. That matters if your group includes younger kids who need downtime between the more active parts of the day.

And yes, seasonal themes happen. Reviews mention Easter and Halloween themed activities, so if you’re visiting around a holiday, your day may feel a little different than the standard set routine.

Summer at Anchor Bay: splash pools, obstacle areas, and free beach setup

In summer, Popeye Village shifts from “film set you walk through” to “beach day with entertainment.” The included water setup can be a big value driver: inflatable water obstacle course, children’s pool, splash pools, and inflatables like assault-style play areas.

There are also water features that sound made for families. You can access floating pontoon areas, Bedouin beds, sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, and even a splash pool with slides for kids. One review specifically praises the kids pool as excellent and notes it’s covered, which helps when the sun is intense.

A key practical tip: bring your towel and beachwear. You’ll want them because you’ll likely end up using the water areas more than you expect, especially if the kids latch onto the pools and inflatables.

Shade is a recurring theme. Several comments mention it can be hard to find shade for show time, and sunbeds go quickly. If you care about being near the water or staying comfortable, arriving earlier gives you more choice.

Also consider the beach surface. One review mentions the stone beach was not a favorite and that towels matter for comfort, so don’t assume the shoreline is soft.

Price and value: why it can feel like a steal or just right

The ticket price is listed at $18 per person. Some reviews refer to about €25 entry in certain contexts, but the value case is similar either way: the pass stacks multiple included activities in one day.

Here’s what you’re getting without paying extra for each line item:

• Entry to the original Popeye film set, with upper and lower complex access
• Take2 filming experience
• Comic Museum entry, plus a 15-minute documentary in the cinema
• Silversmith demonstrations
• Animation, puppet, and dance shows
• Nine-hole mini-golf
• Free popcorn and a free postcard
• In summer, water inflatables and beach comforts like sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and splash pools

Food and drinks are not included, and souvenirs are not included either. But on-site meals do exist, and one review mentions food quality was surprisingly good. Another comment says meals and drinks were reasonably priced, while another suggests checking restaurant opening times if you want breakfast coffee early.

If you compare this kind of bundle to paying separately for entry to a museum, a show, mini-golf, and a beach day, the overall “included” list can be the real money-saver. The best deals happen when you use several parts of the day, not just one.

Best fit: families, nostalgia fans, and visitors who want a full day

Popeye Village works best when you want an active day. It’s family-friendly, and it’s clearly designed for kids with pools, inflatables, puppet shows, and soft-play downtime.

If you grew up with Popeye cartoons, you’ll probably enjoy the nostalgia layer: the story, the look of the set, and the humor of the characters in motion. But even without that background, it can still click because the day is structured around easy-to-understand performances and play.

Solo travelers can also have a great time. One review notes enjoying the experience alone and then spending time at the beach area with free sun loungers, showing that you’re not locked into a group pace.

The one group that might feel less satisfied is the traveler who wants only a quick stop. If your time is tight, you may be able to see a lot quickly, but the value increases when you give yourself time to roam, watch shows, do Take2, then enjoy the water areas.

Should you book Popeye Village in Mellieha?

If you’re traveling with kids, want a film-set day with real interaction, and like the idea of combining attractions with a beach hang, I’d book it. The mix of Take2 movie participation, in-character hosting, and included water activities in summer is exactly the kind of “one ticket, many moments” value you want on holiday.

If your priorities are quiet museums and low-energy sightseeing, this may feel more like an all-day entertainment zone than a calm cultural stop. In that case, you might still enjoy it, but you’ll want to go in with your expectations set for shows, outdoor movement, and day-attraction energy.

FAQ

How long is the Popeye Village visit?

The experience is listed as lasting 1 day. You’ll want to check availability for starting times.

What’s included with the entry ticket?

Your ticket includes entry to Popeye’s film set, the Take2 Become a Movie Star filming experience, access to Popeye’s Comic Museum, and entry to a cinema for a 15-minute documentary. You also get silversmith demonstrations, free popcorn and a postcard, animation shows, puppet and dance shows, nine-hole mini-golf, and use of water inflatables and beach items in summer, plus a 30-minute soft play area in the restaurant.

Can I explore both parts of the village?

Yes. The ticket includes access to the upper and lower complex, and you can roam around the village.

Is swimming available in summer?

Yes. In summer you can use water inflatables and assault course areas, enjoy children’s pools and splash pools, and use beach items like sunbeds and umbrellas. You also have things like a floating pontoon and Bedouin beds.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes. Also bring a towel and beachwear, since water activities are part of the experience in summer.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is the attraction wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is a drone allowed?

No. Drones are not allowed.