Witness one of the best sunset viewpoints near Mellieha Bay overlooking the iconic Popeye Village Theme Park at Anchor Bay.
With its dramatic cliff-lined coast and panoramic inlets, Malta is a prime Mediterranean island for chasing sunset viewpoints.
While most tourists visit the Popeye Village (Sweethaven Village) to explore the theme park built around the 1980 Robin Williams Movie, let me convince you to visit Anchor Bay for one of the best sunset locations in Malta!
Key Things to Know
While the Popeye Village is the most popular tourist attraction in this inlet, the bay itself is also a great place to visit and a true hidden gem if you're chasing sunset spots! Here's what you need to know:
- This sunset spot is located within a 10-15 minutes drive from Mellieħa or take bus route 101 from Mellieħa Bay bus stop.
- The edges of this narrow inlet are surrounded by rocky slopes forming a sheltered area to swim in the beautiful green-blue clear water or relax on the rocky beach.
- There's also a water trampoline at the base of the inlet. However, this is only accessible to those who visit the Popeye's Village attraction.
Additionally, for scuba divers, there's a popular shore dive site here known as Scorpion Cave, a large cavern with a wide entrance. This is one of the best dive sites on the island. The Scot Craig is also another small wreck dive located approximately 500 meters from Anchor Bay's Entry.
Fun Fact: Anchor Bay is named after a large anchor and enormous chain submerged in the depths of the bay. However, this is too deep for snorkelers and only visible by scuba diving, though it is an easy dive site (shore dive).
Where is Popeye Village & Anchor Bay?
Popeye Village is located in a small, picturesque inlet known as Anchor Bay, on the northwest coast of Malta Island. This bay is located approximately 10-15 minutes drive from the village of Mellieħa (Għadira Bay).
This is just north of the famous Golden Bay and Gnejna Bay beaches, two of the best beaches in Malta.
I've pinned the exact location of the Anchor Bay sunset viewpoint below to help you find it.
Location: 35°57'35.4"N 14°20'27.9"E
How to get to the Popeye Village Viewpoint in Anchor Bay
The best way to explore all the hidden gems in Malta is to rent your own car. The best place to do so is to rent a car at Malta International Airport. Remember to compare prices for car rentals in advance using DiscoverCars these sell out very quickly in the busy summer season.
Once you have your own set of wheels, make your way to the narrow one-way road called Triq tal-Prajjet, in the northwest of the island.
This road leads directly to an adequately sized car park right next to the Popeye Village Viewpoint. If you want to explore the Popeye Village theme park (official film set), then you can walk around the bay into the town.
Alternatively, travelers can reach Anchor Bay by bus routes 41 and 42 from Valletta, 222 from Sliema, 221 from Bugibba, or route 101 from Mellieħa Bay.
Malta Tour to Popeye Village
For travelers wanting to make the most of their time on the island, I recommend booking the widely popular Malta Catamaran Trip, which includes a visit and a swim at Popeye Village in Anchor Bay.
These boat trips visit Anchor Bay last, which is great to catch the afternoon sunset. During the day, you'll also stop at:
- Blue Lagoon
- Crystal Lagoon
- Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
These trips depart from Bugibba, which is perfect if you are staying here or in the popular hotel districts of Saint Paul's Bay, Pembroke, or St Julians.
Book: Malta Catamaran Trip
My Experience at the Popeye Village Viewpoint at Anchor Bay
We sat at the rocky hillside opposite the Popeye Village for an hour enjoying one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Malta that we'd experienced so far. During this warm summer evening, the sun set directly beside the steep slope on the rocky outcrop at the side of the bay.
This was the perfect place to wind down and since the viewpoint itself is not a very popular place, we enjoyed the good weather and relaxing vibes all to ourselves.
Below I've included some of the photos from my visit to the Anchor Bay sunset viewpoint, I hope you make it here yourself!
About the The Popeye Movie Set
Popeye is a classic cartoon series popularized by comic strips in the 1930s. The Popeye Movie is a very famous film directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams as Popeye, and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl.
This movie set still exists as it was in the musical today at Anchor Bay Malta. And, visitors can explore the pirate-themed park for a small entrance fee at one of the most attractive bays in Malta
The main attractions in the village include:
- Explore the open-air museum comprising the whole set of Sweethaven Village
- Popeye's Cabin (a highlight of the Popeye Village film set)
- Santa's toy town (a unique attraction for young children)
- Food outlets
- Silversmith demonstrations
- Puppet show & small amusement park
- Mini-golf course
- Small water park with water sports and sea trampoline
- Other seasonal events
Where to Stay in Malta
There's a wide range of accommodation types, from 5-star resorts to traditional terraced boutique hotels scattered all over Malta's islands. However, I highly recommend staying in either Valletta, Sliema & St Julian's, Mellieħa Bay, and Gozo Island.
Below are the top four options based on location, reviews, and my personal experience.
To save you time, read my guide to where to stay in Malta, or this guide to Gozo's Best Boutique Hotels.
1. 1926 Hotel & Spa Sliema
This amazing 4-star luxury facility in Sliema offers Mediterranean Sea views & a rooftop infinity swimming pool. Easy access to the ferry terminal running to Gozo & Valletta.
2. Iniala Harbour House Valletta
Perched atop Valletta's stunning St Barbara Bastion, this incredible boutique experience offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour & the Three Cities from traditional Maltese balconies.
3. db Seabank Resort Mellieħa
Situated just feet from the white sandy shores of Malta's longest beach, this all-inclusive hotel offers five restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, multiple pools, & a bowling alley!
4. Quaint Boutique Hotel (Nadur) Gozo
A beautifully renovated boutique hotel beside the Nadur Parish Church. Find spacious balcony terraces overlooking the town square & offering a peaceful, traditional ambiance.
I hope you've enjoyed this quick and easy guide to visiting the Anchor Bay sunset viewpoint near Popeye Village, Malta.
While you're still here on my blog, check out one of my comprehensive Malta Travel guides above. Or, dive into one of the articles below for more Malta adventure inspiration.
- 70+ Things to do in Malta - my ultimate Maltese Travel Guide covering all the must-see attractions and hidden gems in the archipelago.
- 16 Things to do on Comino - my detailed guide to the island of Comino
- 40 Amazing Things to do on Gozo - I explored every corner of Malta's sister island of Gozo to form this comprehensive travel guide
- Best Beaches in Malta - a thorough beach guide covering the most popular spots and plenty of hidden gems
- Guide to Mellieha - a detailed travel guide covering the top 16 things to do in Mellieha
- 26 Things to do in Valletta - I cover my favorite things to do in Malta's capital
- Top Sunset Spoints in Malta - wind down your day at one of these epic sunset locations in Malta
- The Malta Blue Lagoon Guide - the most up-to-date resource on visiting Malta's most popular natural attraction, the Blue Lagoon!
- Accommodation resources: Looking for places to stay? Read my guide to finding where to stay in Malta. Or, for a unique stay, check out this list of great Boutique Hotels in Gozo and more Boutique Hotels in Valletta.