Anchor Bay
Mellieħa,
Malta
22°c
Rocky
NW 5.6 km/h
Sea right now
72
of 100
A bit choppy
Water Quality
Official EU classification, 2025 season.
The water quality is Excellent
EU bathing-water classification (EEA, Environmental Health Directorate)The sea
24°C
Wind NW 15 km/h
Waves 0.9 m offshore
Locals mostly refer to Anchor Bay, a beautiful beach in Malta, as Popeye Village for the simple reason that back in 1979, a Hollywood movie starring Robin Williams as Popeye was shot in this incredible location, home to an almost hidden beach at the northern coast of Malta. Three decades on and the movie set still stands and is now a fantastic attraction to visit. Anchor Bay is still a relatively isolated cove just one kilometre out of Mellieħa. The picturesque inlet can be easily reached through a steep slope leading down to the bay making a great place to go swimming.
Forecast for Anchor Bay
-
Right now
11:15
A bit choppy
NW 15 km/h 0.9 m waves -
This afternoon
14:00–17:00
A bit choppy
NW 16 km/h 0.8 m waves -
This evening
17:00–20:00
A bit choppy
NW 14 km/h 0.7 m waves -
Tomorrow morning
09:00–12:00
Calm
NW 15 km/h 0.6 m waves -
Tomorrow afternoon
13:00–17:00
A bit choppy
NW 18 km/h 0.6 m waves
Getting there
Anchor Bay is about a kilometre west of Mellieħa village: drive out of Mellieħa towards the coast and follow the signs for Popeye Village down the narrow road to the bay. Bus 101 (Mġarr to Ċirkewwa) stops at Popeye Village, but some early and late trips skip it, so check the timetable. From the car park a steep slope leads down to the water, and the quieter swimming spot is the concrete jetty on the far side of the bay, reached by a dirt track.
Parking
There is a car park at the end of the road next to Popeye Village and the viewpoint. It is a reasonable size but the road in is narrow, so expect some waiting on busy summer afternoons.
Good to know
This is a small rocky inlet rather than a sandy beach, with deep, generally calm water that suits confident swimmers more than young children. Divers and snorkellers use the jetty on the south side, which has ladders, but keep an eye out for tour boats coming into the bay. The rocky hillside opposite Popeye Village faces west and is a popular sunset spot; you do not need a Popeye Village ticket to sit there.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchor Bay sandy?
No. Anchor Bay is a rocky inlet, and you get into the water from the rocks or from the jetty on the side opposite Popeye Village.
Can you swim at Anchor Bay without paying for Popeye Village?
Yes. The bay and the rocks and jetty on the opposite side are free to use. The ticket only covers Popeye Village itself and its facilities, such as the water trampoline.
How do I get to Anchor Bay by bus?
Take bus 101, which runs between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa via Mellieħa and stops at Popeye Village. Some early and late trips do not serve the stop, so check the timetable first.
Is Anchor Bay good for kids?
It is better for confident swimmers. The water is deep off the rocks and there is no sandy shallow area.
Amenities at Anchor Bay
BBQ's allowed
Wifi
Sunbeds available
Food
Drinks
Umbrella
Camping
Water Sports
Dives Nearby
Parking
Accessibility
Dog Friendly
Toilets
Boat Friendly
Showers
