Peniscola is located in the north of the province of Castellon, halfway between the major tourist centers – Barcelona and Valencia. This small, well-groomed town, smelling of orange trees, was a fishing village for a long time, but thanks to its excellent location, warm climate and unusual historical monuments, it was able to develop into a famous resort on the Spanish coast of Azaar. Check andyeducation.com to learn more about the country of Spain.
The locals are proud to call their city one of the strongholds of Valencian cuisine, because it was the local fishermen who had a hand in creating recipes for many traditional seafood dishes. Peñiscola offers a classic beach holiday combined with many historical and natural attractions located close to it.
How to get to Peniscola
The nearest airport to Peñiscola is located in Reus (100 km), but most tourists prefer to get through the more touristy Valencia (150 km). From Valencia or Reus to Peñiscola by taxi, bus or train. Buses of the companies Avanzabus (off. site in English) and Hife (off. site in English) stop in the city. The railway station Benicarlo-Peniscola is located 7 km from the city center, upon arrival it is easy to find a taxi or minibus to Peniscola itself. You can check the train schedule at the office. Spanish Railway website.
Transportation
It is convenient to move around the city on yellow and blue AMSA buses. There is only one bus line in Peñiscola, so when boarding, you only need to read the destination on the windshield: Peniscola means that the bus goes to the city center, and Benicarlo-Vinaros – which from it.
By the way, AMSA runs not only around the resort itself, but also in two nearby towns – Benicarlo and Vinaros, so for just a few euros you can comfortably explore the picturesque surroundings.
Buses do not stop in the historical center of the city, it is more convenient to walk there or catch a taxi right on the street. There are several bike rentals in Peñiscola, such as Papa Luna Avenue, which runs along the coastline. There you can also rent an unusual bike for 3-5 people or a small scooter.
Accommodation
Like many coastal towns, Peñiscola has a huge number of hotels, hostels, apartments, cottages and even chalets. You will have to pay 40-50 EUR per night in the cheapest hostel, in a coastline hotel, which is located outside the city, they will ask from 55 to 80 EUR per room. Those hotels that are located both close to the center and to the sea set prices from 100 EUR per night. A private house or chalet in the coastal zone will cost 220 EUR or more. Most hotels have their own swimming pool, restaurant and tourist information desk. Prices on the page are for July 2021.
The beaches of Peñiscola
Two public beaches – Playa Norte and Playa Sur – are located within the city, very close to the historic center. The first stretches for 5.5 km from the castle “Papa Luna” to the neighboring town of Benicarlo along the main promenade, where shops, cafes and restaurants are located. Here, clean, fine sand and gentle waves, this is a great place for a family holiday. Showers, changing rooms (free of charge) and sun loungers (for a fee) are at the service of sunbathers, it is also possible to go water skiing, scooters, canoes.
Playa Sur is only 850 m long, but it has fewer tourists and is located nearby the Nautical School, which teaches everyone to row, kayak and windsurf.
In addition, the beach is partially surrounded by the ancient walls of the Peñiscola fortress, which gives it a romantic look and well protects from the fresh sea breeze. More secluded beaches include Playa de las Viudas, Playa del Russo and Playa de la Petxina, a favorite among snorkelers.
Cuisine and restaurants
Charming Peñiscola’s fishing past is reflected in the local cuisine, where fish and seafood are in vogue, often cooked with rice and vegetables from the garden. It is worth trying the traditional Valencian “suquet” (fish stew with a light sauce) and “ay i pebre”, a dish of conger eel and potatoes with vegetables and spices. Desserts are not to be missed either: a delicate curd-almond cake made from pumpkin, cottage cheese and honey (flaons de Peniscola and pastissets de carabassa).
Valencian delicacies delight with variety, taste and prices: even in a high-level restaurant they will not ask for more than 25 EUR per dish, and in more modest cafes and fast food establishments you can eat for 10-15 EUR.
Attractions and attractions in Peñiscola
Peñiscola is famous primarily for the castle of “Papa Luna” – an impressive fortress on the seashore, which in 1294 was founded and equipped by the Templars. It received its modern name from the secular name of the Roman antipope Benedict XIII, an ambiguous historical and religious figure, known in Peñiscola as Pedro de Luna. After the church split, he was denied the papacy, but the old man fought until his death for his right to the holy throne, and most of this historical struggle took place within the walls of the castle. Today, anyone can see it (address: Calle Castillo, s / n, 12598 Peniscola, Castellon, entrance 2.5 EUR, opening hours in summer: from 9:30 to 21:30, in winter: from 10:30 to 17:30). Tours are offered in several languages.
On the coastal street Principe, 1, there is the Museum of the Sea, which contains a collection of exhibits on the history of the region, fishing and marine fauna.
Popular with tourists is a sightseeing tour of the city on a mini-train. He walks along 4 routes and passes through all the main attractions (there is an audio guide in Russian). You can buy a ticket for it at any stop. Those who prefer excursions in nature will like a tour of the Columbretes Islands or rafting on an underground river in the area of the caves of San José.
Not far from the fishing port there is a curious natural anomaly – the Bufador grotto, or Grumbler. Through this natural fault, the distorted sounds of raging waves are heard, the locals claim that this is how the sea communicates with them – “grunts, snores and snorts”.
