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Municipality in Valencian Community, Spain
Photo: spiraltri3e, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Peñíscola (Valencian: Peníscola) is a town of 7,500 people (2018) in the province of Castellón on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The town with its 5 km of beaches is one of the most heavily visited tourist destinations in Spain, popular with Spanish and foreign visitors; in summers the population of this small town explodes to more than 150,000 people.
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Castell del Papa Luna / Peñiscola Castle
Built on the remains of an older Arab fortification, most of the castle's construction was completed between 1294 and 1307 by the Order of the Knights Templar. The castle served as the residence of Pope Benedict XVIII (aka 'Papa Luna') from 1411 until 1423, and in the late 16th century a series of bastions and gates were added to the complex. The terrace overlooking the castle affords great panoramic views of the town to the north as well as to the Irta mountains to the south.
Iglesia de Santa María / Church of Santa Maria
Built in 1234 atop the remains of an earlier Moorish mosque, the parish church was renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. It houses several valuable objects owned by Papa Luna and his successor Clement VIII, including a cross and chalice, and reliquary.
Museo de la Mar / Museum of the Sea
This small museum showcases archaeological and ethnological artifacts from the area, as well as model ships and maps. It also has three aquariums devoted to Mediterranean marine life.
Declared a festival of national touristic interest. Highlights include human towers, traditional dances, fireworks, and a Moors and Christians parade.
Playa Norte
Closest to the old town and Peñíscola's most popular beach, it stretches 5 km and has lifeguard station and first aid stations, as well as disabled access, walkways, and showers. It is lined with a pleasant promenade, and has facilities for a number of water sports.
Playa Sur
This smaller beach, with great views of the castle, also has a promenade as well as full lifeguard and first aid stations, showers, and water sport facilities.
Parque natural de la Sierra de Irta / Natural Park of Serra d'Irta
The combined mountain park and marine reserve offers good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and has several sights of historic and architectural interest. The park can also be accessed from Alcossebre, with many trail heads beginning in the south. The Peñiscola tourist office has an online list of hiking trails with trail descriptions in English; an official trail map (in Spanish) can be downloaded here.
Centro de Interpretación / Visitor Centre
Has exhibits about the park and organizes guided activities.
Castillo de Polpis / Polpis Castle
Also of Muslim origin, the fortress was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and conquered by the Knights Templar in 1233, who heavily modified the structure. It was abandoned in the 16th century.
Torre Almadun / Badum Tower
A seaside watchtower, believed to be Muslim in origin.
Part of a bar-club establishment, with an outdoor terrace. Serves a range of dishes, from casual burgers to sushi and pasta. Take-away available; reservations can be made online.
Specializes in seafood, with rice dishes especially recommended. Has a terrace overlooking the beach. Reservations by email not accepted.
Tucked away on a side street and with a homey, comfortable atmosphere, the established restaurant specializes in local seafood.
This established hotel-restaurant serves seafood and other classic Valencian dishes.
Can accommodate tents, campervans, and caravans, and also has bungalows. Facilities include toilets and showers, pool, fitness centre, laundromat, supermarket, and cafeteria. Pets accepted.
Has non-smoking rooms, an onsite restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Pets accepted.
Unbeatable location near the historic centre and the Platja Nord. Facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, onsite bar/restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Private parking €10/day. Hotel is closed from the end of October to the beginning of April.
Holiday apartments.
street market
A weekly market for fresh local produce and other goods.
By bus
All inter-urban buses stop at the Plaça Constitució (Plaza de la Constitución).
Autos Mediterraneo runs a bus service connecting Peñíscola with the nearby towns of Benicarló and Vinaròs. Buses operate daily 06:30-23:30 and leave every half-hour; a bus route and schedule can be downloaded here.
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Castellón de la Plana · Regional · CDT
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