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    Peñíscola

    Spain

    Peñíscola

    CityCulture

    Peñíscola is located on the Costa del Azahar in the north of the Valencia region. The walled old town with its Templar castle sits on a rock, connected to the mainland only by a narrow isthmus.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Spain
    7. Comunitat Valenciana
    9. Peñíscola
    Peñíscola is located on the Costa del Azahar in the north of the Valencia region. The walled old town with its Templar castle sits on a rock, connected to the mainland only by a narrow isthmus. On both sides, long sandy beaches stretch out.

    Sights in Peñíscola

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Playa Norte

    1Playa Norte

    A roughly five-kilometer sandy beach north of the Old Town, with a promenade, gently sloping water, and views of the castle rock.
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    Castillo del Papa Luna
    Castle

    2Castillo del Papa Luna

    The Knights Templar castle, perched high on the rock, was built between 1294 and 1307. From 1411 to 1423, it was home to Antipope Benedict XIII, known as Papa Luna. You'll visit the halls, the basilica, and the rooftop terraces with views of the sea and beaches.
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    Plaza de Armas

    3Plaza de Armas

    Square in front of the castle entrance, where events take place during the season. From here, you overlook the old town's rooftops.
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    El Bufador
    Historic Landmark

    4El Bufador

    A natural rock shaft in the middle of the old town, through which, during heavy swell, water and spray are forced upwards with a loud roar. In calm seas, only the rushing can be heard.
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    Natural Park Serra d'Irta
    Park

    5Natural Park Serra d'Irta

    South of Peñíscola stretches one of the region's last undeveloped coastal stretches, with coves, watchtowers, and hills full of Macchia. Hiking and cycling trails lead along the coast to Alcossebre.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Loalba Peñíscola Bar & Restaurante

    Bar in C. Saiz de Carlos.
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    2

    La Casa del Jamón

    Bar in C. D Jaime Sanz.
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    3

    Bar La Pulperia

    Bar in Carrer Prado.
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    4

    Restaurante Arrocería El Caracol

    Rice restaurant on Avenida de España with Paella and other rice dishes.
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    5

    Café Racer

    Restaurant in Ctra. de ľ Estación.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Rice Dishes

    Arroz a banda, Arroz negro, and seafood paella are on the menu in restaurants along the promenade and at the harbour.

    Langostinos from Vinaròs

    Prawns from nearby Vinaròs, served boiled or grilled throughout the region.

    People

    Templars and an AntipopeThe Templars built the castle between 1294 and 1307 on the remains of a Moorish fortress. It was famed for Pedro de Luna, Avignon's Pope Benedict XIII during the Western Schism. Deposed and isolated, he retreated to Peñíscola in 1411, upholding his claim until 1423. Therefore, the fortress is still known as Castillo del Papa Luna today.The setting was used multiple times for films and series, in 1961 for "El Cid" with Charlton Heston and later for "Game of Thrones".

    Exploring Locally

    The nearest train station is Benicarló-Peñíscola, around seven kilometers away, with regional and long-distance trains on the Valencia–Barcelona coastal line. From there, buses and taxis run into town. In summer, a bus connects Peñíscola with Benicarló and Vinaròs. In the old town, you're on foot; parking is at the base of the rock.

    Accommodations in Peñíscola

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    Campgrounds in Peñíscola

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      Trip to Peñíscola

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      • 1Playa Norte3 days
      • 2Castillo del Papa Luna4 days
      • 3Plaza de Armas5 days
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    Nearby

    Tarragona

    Tarragona

    Tarragona is a city with a rich Roman heritage on Spain's Costa Daurada. Here you'll discover the impressive Roman amphitheater, the circus, and well-preserved city walls, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Part Alta, the historic upper town, houses the imposing Santa Tecla Cathedral and winding alleys perfect for strolling. Beyond its ancient sites, the city also boasts beautiful beaches and a vibrant culinary scene, renowned for fresh seafood. For historical insights into the region's past, visit the Archaeological Museum. Ideally, visit Tarragona in spring or autumn to explore its attractions in pleasant temperatures and with fewer crowds. A stroll along the Balcó del Mediterrani also offers expansive views over the Mediterranean Sea.
    Valencia

    Valencia

    Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and is located on the Mediterranean coast between rice fields and orange groves. The Gothic Old Town with its Silk Exchange and Cathedral, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the park in the old Turia riverbed define the city, plus city beaches and paella, which originated here.
    Teruel

    Teruel

    Teruel is known for its Mudéjar architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for the tragic legend of the Lovers of Teruel. The city combines history and romance in a compact space.
    Comunitat Valenciana

    Comunitat Valenciana

    The Valencia region on Spain's east coast extends from the orange groves of the Huerta to the old towns along the Mediterranean. Its capital, Valencia, combines its Gothic Old Town, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the home of paella. To its north, on the Costa del Azahar, lies the castle town of Peñíscola, and to the south, the Costa Blanca adjoins.
    Lleida

    Lleida

    Lleida, often overlooked but full of character, is a fascinating city in the heart of Catalonia that will captivate you with its rich history and authentic atmosphere. Here, far from the coastal crowds, you'll discover a city that proudly preserves its roots and presents you with a true piece of Spanish culture. From the imposing silhouette of the Old Cathedral to the charming streets of the Old Town – Lleida is a treasure waiting to be explored.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI