Peñíscola – The Castle by the Sea in Spain
Peñíscola, known as the “Gibraltar of Valencia”, is a stunning coastal town on Spain’s Costa del Azahar. Famous for its medieval castle, beautiful beaches, and charming old town, Peñíscola is a perfect mix of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. It’s also known as a filming location for Game of Thrones!
🏖️ Top Things to See & Do in Peñíscola
1️⃣ Peñíscola Castle (Castillo del Papa Luna) 🏰
- A magnificent 13th-century castle sitting on a rocky peninsula.
- Built by the Knights Templar and later home to Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna).
- Offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and surrounding coastline.
2️⃣ Explore the Old Town 🏡
- Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies.
- Discover hidden courtyards, charming shops, and seafood restaurants.
- Enjoy the picturesque sunset views over the sea.
3️⃣ Relax on Playa Norte & Playa Sur 🏖️
- Playa Norte: The main beach, known for its golden sand and clear waters.
- Playa Sur: Smaller and quieter, great for relaxing away from the crowds.
- Both beaches offer water sports, sunbeds, and beach bars.
4️⃣ Serra d’Irta Natural Park 🌿
- A stunning coastal nature reserve with hiking and biking trails.
- Offers hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking sea views.
- Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
5️⃣ Game of Thrones Filming Locations 🎬
- Peñíscola was featured in Game of Thrones (Season 6) as Meereen.
- Visit the castle walls, old town alleys, and city gates where key scenes were filmed.
6️⃣ Boat Trip Around the Castle ⛵
- Take a boat tour for unique views of the fortress from the sea.
- Sunset cruises offer magical golden-hour scenery.
🍽️ What to Eat in Peñíscola
- Arroz a Banda – A delicious seafood rice dish, typical of Valencia 🍚🐟
- Suquet de Peix – A traditional fish stew with potatoes and saffron 🍲
- Langostinos de Vinaròs – Famous local prawns, incredibly fresh 🍤
- Caragols Punxents – A local specialty of small spicy snails 🐌🌶️
- Coca de llanda – A sweet sponge cake, perfect with coffee 🍰
🚗 How to Get to Peñíscola
✈️ By Air: The nearest airport is Castellón Airport (40 min), Valencia (1.5 hrs), or Barcelona (2 hrs).
🚆 By Train: The nearest station is Benicarló-Peñíscola, just 7 km away.
🚘 By Car: 1.5 hrs from Valencia, 2 hrs from Barcelona, 45 min from Castellón.
🚌 By Bus: Direct buses from Barcelona, Valencia, and Castellón.
💡 Tips for Visiting Peñíscola
✅ Best time to visit? Spring & summer (April–September) for the best weather ☀️
✅ Visit the castle early – Mornings are less crowded and cooler 🏰
✅ Take a sunset walk along the beach – The views are stunning 🌅
✅ Try a boat trip – The castle looks incredible from the water ⛵
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – The old town streets are steep and cobbled 👟