Located on the north coast of the Valencian Community, there is certainly a lot to see in Peniscola, Spain. Especially famous for its stunning old town, you can’t miss a visit to this beautiful city located by the sea.
In Peñíscola you will not only be able to enjoy the classic sun and beach tourism. But, you will also have the opportunity to add a strong cultural component to your trip. Thanks to the many monuments and even natural landscapes to stroll through, Peniscola will become one of your favourite destinations. Read on to find out more!
To organize your travel route we recommend you to do it on the Passporter website, totally free, easy and functional. You can draw inspiration from the experiences of other travelers and choose the places that interest you most, adding them to the route map.
Things to see in Peniscola, Spain
House of Shells
As its name suggests, this house is completely decorated with shells. It is currently one of the most visited places in the city. No traveller leaves this spot without first taking the classic photo with the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells).
This building belonged to the castle and tells a beautiful story paying homage to two people’s love of the sea. Located in the heart of the old town, its beautiful façade full of shells and Arabic-style windows don’t go unnoticed. You can’t miss this iconic place to see in Peniscola, Spain.
Old Town of Peniscola, Spain
The old town, as is the case in most destinations, is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. So of course it is also the case for Peniscola, Spain. Throughout your tour of this area, you will discover different must-see spots in the city.
As well as strolling through countless little cobbled streets and beautiful façades, you can start your route at the Portal de Sant Pere, continue on to the Santa Maria church, approach the Bufador and exit at the Portal Fosc. You can visit the old town at your own pace – you won’t regret it!
Museum of the Sea
The Sea Museum, located in the old building known as Les Costures, is one of the most culturally important points of the city. If you want to learn about the history and seafaring tradition of Peniscola, this is certainly the place to be.
It is one of the most attractive places in the old town, and inside you can discover the secrets of Peñíscola’s maritime tradition. Through a permanent exhibition you will learn about a mixture of historical and archaeological features of the area, as well as fishing devices and even an extensive collection of marine wildlife. A 100% recommended visit.
Church of the Virgen de la Ermitana
The Church of the Virgen de la Ermitana is attached to the walls of Pope Luna’s Castle, a symbolic place in Peñíscola with a most impressive façade.
Blessed with a slender and robust appearance, on its walls you can see the coat of arms of Philip V of Spain, as well as a wide variety of military engravings such as spears, armour and shields. During the Peñíscola festivities, on the 8th and 9th of September, some of the celebrations in honour of the virgin take place in the Plaza de la Iglesia.
North Beach
Among all the beaches you can see in Peñíscola, our recommendation is undoubtedly the North Beach. More than 5 kilometres long, it is one of the beaches that will surprise you the most.
As well as being perfectly equipped with all the services, on its sands you can enjoy the sun and the crystal-clear waters typical of the area. You can go for a swim while admiring the impressive views of the Papa Luna Castle. And all this at an unbeatable distance from the urban area. You can’t miss it!
Peniscola Lighthouse
Peniscola, Spain has many places where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea, but one of the best places is definitely the Peniscola lighthouse.
Although it is at a lower altitude than Papa Luna’s Castle and you are not allowed to climb it, this lighthouse is located in a balcony area where you can sit on a bench and admire the impressive views of the sea. It now serves as the entrance point to the castle. You can’t leave the city without visiting this marvel.
Peniscola’s Bufador
The Bufador de Peniscola, Spain, is a well-known feature of the city. It is simply a geological feature that serves as a connection between the street where it is located and an underground cave.
What makes this place special is that the sea enters through this space under the ground, generating a characteristic sound that rises through the hole. You will find this spot on Calle Saiz de Carlos, and if you want to get a better view of the hole, you can go up to Calle Príncipe and see this corner from a greater height.
Fishing port
Located a short distance from the castle is the fishing port, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and busiest placesin Peniscola, Spain.
As well as being a very busy passageway, it is also one of the main economic engines of the city. In the port, you can see the different fishing boats. Moreover, you will even have the opportunity to watch the unloading of the merchandise. A real maritime experience to witness in Peniscola, Spain!
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Travel map to see the best places in Peniscola
Here is one of our users’ route maps to help you organise your own and be inspired by the places other travellers have visited.
What to see around Peniscola, Spain?
Sant Mateu
If you want a different experience, don’t hesitate to take a trip to the town of Sant Mateu. This town is also known as the historical capital of Maestrazgo. At a convenient and accessible distance of just 35 kilometres from Peniscola, Sant Mateu is a town that will make you feel as if you had travelled back to the Middle Ages.
Thanks to its incredible history and artistic heritage, strolling through its streets will enchant you. Among the many places to visit, you can’t miss its impressive old town, its palaces and walls. When you feel like having a rest, don’t hesitate to stop and taste its delicious almond-based sweets, such as pastissets or primetes.
Visit Tirig
Tirig is located 40 kilometres away from Peniscola, and is a town with many attractions. Its most characteristic and visited feature are the cave paintings. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 10 years ago.
Located in the Barranco de la Valltorta ravine, you can admire figures dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period. Moreover, if you want to learn even more, you can visit the Valltorta Museum. Here you can learn in detail about the history behind all those cave paintings.
Morella
Considered one of the “crown jewels” of the province of Castellón along with Peniscola, Morella is a city that is just 45 minutes away from its sister. The main difference between these two destinations is that one is on the water’s edge and the other is almost a thousand metres above sea level.
Morella is the ideal destination to spend the day if you want to take a break from Peñíscola. It is full of places of great historical and cultural importance. For example, the medieval towers of San Miguel or the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, considered one of the most valuable Gothic temples in the Valencian Community. Just as in Peniscola, in Morella you can’t miss a visit to the castle to admire the city with unbeatable views. You won’t regret it!
To find out what else you can visit in Morella read our post: Things to see and do in Morella.
Ebro Delta
The Ebro Delta is one of the most important natural sites in the province of Tarragona. Also, it is located just 50 kilometres from the city of Peñíscola.
It is made up of numerous beaches, rice fields and paths, where you can enjoy a sunny morning strolling along one of its large promenades. Meanwhile, you can enjoy its vegetation and impressive river. You’ll also have the chance to see different kinds of birds, stroll along the famous Punta del Fangar, and even take a kayak trip on the Ebro!
What to do with children in Peniscola, Spain?
Sierra de Irta Natural Park
Located to the south of Peñíscola is the Sierra de Irta, one of the most beautiful and important natural sites in the area. There you will also find the Sierra de Irta Marine Reserve, an unspoilt area of the Levantine coast. This place will delight both children and adults.
It is the ideal place to spend the morning hiking or cycling, and finish the journey by stopping at one of its coves for a swim. Along the way you will also see some of the most important monuments in the area, such as the Xibert Castle or the Badum Tower, which the little ones will love!
Papa Luna Castle
One of the main attractions that you cannot miss if you travel with children is, without a doubt, the magnificent Papa Luna Castle. This fortress, is one of the most iconic places in the whole city. In addition, it offers an adventure for the whole family.
Famous for having appeared in major film productions such as El Cid and Game of Thrones. You can enter the monument and discover the great historical importance of its rooms. Such as the church, the Gothic Hall and the Courtyard of Weapons. In addition, at the top you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city and the old town.
Gardens of the Castle of Papa Luna
Also known as the old Artillery Park because it was home to the old artillery. that defended the castle from pirate attacks. These gardens are a real marvel.
With an unbeatable location facing the sea, you can’t miss a visit to this park once you’ve finished your walk around the castle. The little ones will have a great time playing in the area while you sit down to rest and admire the views of the sea. To enjoy the experience even more, we recommend visiting when the sun is setting – a real treat!
The Peniscola Marshes
There is no doubt that Peñíscola is an area full of historical value. But, it is also blessed with spectacular natural sites. One of the most popular is undoubtedly the Marjal de Peniscola, Spain.
Located along the coast and attached to the famous North Beach, this place is perfect for a morning or afternoon break with the children. We recommend renting some bikes and crossing the wooden walkway that runs through the Marjal. Here you will enjoy a long path among abundant flora and fauna. In addition, along the way you will find different viewpoints. Here, you can stop and observe the variety of plants and even animals. A real adventure.
Itineraries for your trip to Peniscola, Spain
What to see in Peniscola, Spain in 1 day?
- Visit the Old Town
- Stroll along the North Beach
- Climb the Peñíscola Lighthouse
- Take a photo with the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells)
What to see in Peniscola, Spain in 2 days?
- Visit the Church of La Virgen de la Ermitana
- Climb to the Castle of Papa Luna
- Visit the Bufador de Peñíscola (Peñíscola Blowhole)
- Take a trip to the Sierra de Irta Natural Park
- Escape to Morella
- Visit the Museum of the Sea
- Discover the Ebro Delta
Frequently Asked Questions
– Vista al Mar is one of the best-rated restaurants in the city, mainly due to its excellent food and its unbeatable location on the slope towards the castle. Don’t hesitate to try one of its rice dishes!
– El Peñon has an extensive menu of Mediterranean food to enjoy indoors or on the terrace in the heart of the old town. Enjoy the best seafood dishes at excellent prices.
– Restaurant Roca Platja is a beautiful restaurant located in front of the sea where you can enjoy excellent Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying unbeatable views.
You can reach Peñíscola from anywhere in Spain by car, or take a bus or train depending on which city you are travelling from.
If you are travelling from Valencia:
– You can go by car by taking the AP-7. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
– You can take a local train with Regional Express or Talgo from Valencia North Station, getting off at the Peñíscola-Benicarló stop. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
– Hosteria del Mar is located on the beachfront, next to the promenade, and is characterised by its peculiar old Castilian style decoration and the tranquillity it provides as it is not located in the centre. The price of a room for two people is 73€/night.
– Hotel Spa Peñíscola Plaza Suites offers an incredible variety of services and facilities that will make your stay in Peñíscola unbeatable. The price of a room for two people is 84€/night.
– Hotel Servigroup Papa Luna has an unbeatable location just a short distance from the historic centre of the city, as well as offering spectacular views of the castle and being right on the beachfront. The price of a room for two people is 104€/night.
– Hotel Peñíscola Palace is located on the beachfront and within easy reach of the historic centre, as well as having incredibly modern facilities. The price of a room for two people is 159€/night.
How to plan your itinerary of places to see in Peniscola, Spain?
Try downloading the Passporter app so you can plan your trip in an organised way depending on the days and places you want to see in Peñíscola.
With the app you can get inspiration from other users’ trips, save information about destinations. Also, you can prepare your route on Google Maps from the starting point of your choice. Then choose the best transport option, store tickets and reservations. In addition, you can even publish your own photos and share them with other travellers on your Passporter profile.
If you want to know more about how to use the Passporter app, read on in our post: How to create a travel itinerary with Passporter.
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