What to see in Peñíscola: Must-see places to visit

Peñíscola, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, is a tourist destination with history, crystal-clear beaches, the Sierra de Irta mountain range, an old town with narrow streets and charming corners, and film sets. Its local gastronomy stands out for its fresh fish restaurants and specialised shops.

Discover its places of interest, nearby towns, cultural activities, museums, events and festivities, as well as the hotel and practical offer for visitors. Let's enjoy Peñíscola!

Pope Luna's Castle

Pope Luna Castle in Peñíscola is an impressive Templar fortress that stands majestically on a rocky outcrop, offering a unique panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding area.

Panoramic views from the Castle

From the top of the Papa Luna Castle in Peñíscola, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city, creating an unforgettable landscape for visitors.

Beaches of Peñíscola

The beaches of Peñíscola are one of the main attractions of this beautiful coastal town in the province of Castellón.

North Beach

The North Beach of Peñíscola is known for its fine sand and crystal clear waters, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

South Beach

Peñíscola's South Beach also offers an idyllic setting for visitors, with calm waters and a wide expanse of sand to relax and enjoy with family or friends.

Irta Mountains

The Sierra de Irta is a dream location in Peñíscola that offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes and pristine coves with crystal clear waters. Discover the natural beauty of this unique mountain range on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Unspoilt coves

• Enjoy the tranquillity and intimacy of the unspoilt coves of the Sierra de Irta.
• Dive into crystal clear waters and enjoy the natural environment that surrounds these hidden coves.
• Choose your favourite cove for a day of relaxation and disconnection in the heart of nature.

Landscapes to explore

• Walk along the trails and paths of the Sierra de Irta to discover its unique and surprising landscapes.
• See the diversity of flora and fauna that inhabit this protected nature reserve.
• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the mountain range and capture unforgettable moments with your camera.

Old Quarter of Peñíscola

Discover the true essence of Peñíscola by strolling through its picturesque Old Town. Its narrow cobbled streets will transport you to another era, with whitewashed houses and flowered balconies.

Cobbled alleyways

• Getting lost in the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town is a unique experience.
• Listen to the echo of history in every corner of this labyrinth of narrow streets.
• Discover small artisan shops and charming locals on every corner.

Charming corners

Explore the most picturesque and hidden corners of the Old Town of Peñíscola, where every nook and cranny holds a secret to be discovered.

• Visit the Plaza de ArmasThe Old Town, the focal point of life in the Old Town.
• Admire the medieval architecture of the Casa de las Petxines and the Parish Church.
• Visit the Bufadora curious natural formation in the rocks that allows you to listen to the sea.

Peñíscola in the Cinema

Peñíscola has an outstanding cinematographic history, serving as the setting for numerous audiovisual productions. From classics such as "El Cid to contemporary series such as "Game of ThronesThe city has witnessed major film shoots that have left their mark on the film industry.

• The beauty of Peñíscola's natural scenery has been captured on the big screen, showing the Mediterranean coast in all its splendour. The beaches, the castle and the old town have been the backdrop for unforgettable scenes.
• A tour of the places where these productions were filmed is a unique experience for lovers of the seventh art. Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema while strolling through the streets of Peñíscola is an unmissable opportunity for those who enjoy cinema.

Local gastronomy

Discover the delicious gastronomy of Peñíscola, which offers a wide variety of local flavours to enjoy during your stay in the coastal town.

Fresh fish restaurants

In Peñíscola, you will find numerous restaurants that stand out for their delicious fresh fish, caught daily in the waters of the Mediterranean and prepared with traditional recipes that highlight its unique flavour.

Some of the most recommended dishes are the seafood paella, arroz a banda and fideuà. Enjoy an authentic culinary experience in the restaurants overlooking the sea, where you can savour these delicacies while gazing at the wonderful seaside scenery.

Specialised shops

In addition to the restaurants, in Peñíscola you will also find specialised shops where you can buy high quality local products, such as the House of TomatoesThe restaurant offers a wide variety of locally grown tomatoes, ideal for salads or as an accompaniment to your favourite dishes.

You can also find gourmet products such as extra virgin olive oil, artisan cheeses and a selection of wines from the region, perfect for bringing a little piece of Peñíscola's gastronomy to your home.

Places of interest in Peñíscola

• Pope Luna Castle: An imposing Templar fortress with panoramic views of the sea.
• North and South Beaches: Golden sand and crystal clear waters perfect for relaxing.
• Sierra de Irta: Discover unspoilt coves and breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Old Town: Stroll through its cobbled streets and discover charming corners.
• Film and television: Scenes from famous films such as El Cid and Game of Thrones.
• Local gastronomy: Enjoy fresh fish restaurants and speciality shops.

Towns near Peñíscola

Discover the charming villages around Peñíscola, ideal for a day trip or a short excursion:

• VinaròsVinaròs: Noted for its magnificent beaches and its famous Carnival, Vinaròs is a vibrant seaside town known for its exceptional gastronomy based on seafood, especially prawns. Don't miss its promenade and central market, living examples of the local culture.
• Benicarló: With its fishing port and well-preserved old town, Benicarló is a charming destination offering a blend of history and tradition. Don't miss the Church of San Bartolomé and the Tower of San Juan.
• Sant JordiWith its typical local architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Sant Jordi is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy rural life. Explore the old town and enjoy the local gastronomy.
• Alcalà de XivertLocated in the heart of nature, Alcalà de Xivert offers the possibility of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Discover the Ermita de la Virgen de la Consolación and the Jardín del Temple.

Museums and historical sites

Peñíscola is home to a wealth of culture that is reflected in its museums and historic sites. During your visit to this charming town, you can't miss the opportunity to explore these spaces that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Museum of the Sea is an essential place to learn about the maritime history of Peñíscola and its close relationship with the sea over the centuries.

Events and festivities

• Classical Theatre Festival: Peñíscola annually hosts an outstanding classical theatre festival that attracts lovers of the performing arts from all over the country.
• Craft Beer Fair: Beer aficionados enjoy this fair which offers a wide selection of local and national craft beers.
• Feast of San Juan: The celebration of the Night of San Juan on the beach of Peñíscola is a traditional event full of magic and tradition, with bonfires and midnight baths.
• Open-air concerts: During the summer, open-air concerts are organised in different parts of the city, offering live music for all tastes.
• Peñíscola Cup and the Costa Azahar CupGrassroots football tournaments that bring together young talents in a unique historical and sporting environment, promoting competition and coexistence between teams of different categories.
• Peñíscola Cup of petanquefrom 27 April to 1 May, combines competition and tradition in an emblematic Mediterranean destination.

Hotel and accommodation offer

Peñíscola has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury beachfront hotels to cosy hostels in the old townThere are options for every type of traveller.

The hotels in Peñíscola offer quality services such as swimming pools, spas, gourmet restaurants and activities for the whole family. Many of them have panoramic views of the sea and are located a short walk from the beaches and the city's main points of interest.

In addition to hotels, in Peñíscola it is also possible to find tourist flats and holiday rental houses, ideal for those who prefer to enjoy more independence during their stay in the city.

For travellers looking for a more authentic experience, there are accommodation options in rural houses and agritourism in the areas near Peñíscola, where you can enjoy the tranquillity and charm of nature.

Practical information for visitors

For visitors who wish to enjoy Peñíscola to the maximum, here are some practical recommendations:

• It is advisable to carry sun protection, cap and sunglassesespecially during the summer months.
• It is advisable to carry comfortable footwear to stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and explore the Sierra de Irta.
• For those interested in the history of the place, it is advisable to book a guided tour of the Castillo del Papa Luna to find out interesting details.
• Nature lovers should bear in mind that some trails in the Sierra de Irta can be a little demanding, so it is important to bring water and snacks.
• For those interested in the local gastronomy, it is recommended to try the fresh fish dishes in the harbour restaurants and visit the shops specialising in local products.
• For those wishing to stay in the city, it is advisable to book in advanceespecially during the high season, as the hotel offer can become saturated.