Peniscola tourist information

Peniscola is located north of the Castellón province, in the region of Baix Maestrat. It lies 73 km from Castellón, 113 km from Valencia and 122 km from Tarragona. North of the Region Valencia, Peniscola has a privileged situation on the Mediterranean. Its territory runs parallel to the coast where the castle and fort from the 13th century stands out on an impressive crag 64 metres above the sea.

There are plenty of things to do while you vacation in Peñiscola. You can spend a day at the beach,explore the old city, visit the Castle of Pope Benedic XIII, Shop for antiques and souvenirs. At 5 pm all the fishing trawlers come back to port and auction off the catch of the day. You can buy fish right out of the boat and take it home to cook and enjoy. The old city quarters are a visitor delight. Antique shops, artist studios, pottery stores line the streets. There are many bars and outdoor restaurants. Pubs and clubs are open all night for those brave enough.

SUN AND NATURE

Peñíscolas most excellent beach is the North Beach, measuring approximately 5,000 metres in length and 44 metres wide, where long stretches of sand (3 km.) lie next to bays at the furthermost point from the town.

With its calm waters this beach is an ideal place for relaxed sunbathing. It is perfectly equipped for both the safety (modern lifeguard posts, danger signs, disabled access) and leisure activities of bathers (beach volleyball, childrens games, sun loungers and sunshades to rent), and its unbeatable hygienic conditions are backed by great assiduity which have won this beach the "blue flag" award.

The wide promenade, which is planted with palm trees, runs along the edge of the beach in a long succession of cafeterias and restaurants, newsagents and shops specialising in sun products and accessories for bathing. Here you will find everything you need to spend a very pleasant and comfortable day on the beach.

On the North Beach you can also enjoy yourself sailing or passing
the time in canoes and pedal-boats.

Also, the south coastline of Peñíscola is steep and rocky, dotted with tiny beaches and high cliffs that form isolated coves.


Monuments and places of interest: The Templar castle (declared historical and artistic complex in 1972), built in the 13th century and reformed by the Montesa Order, represents an excellent example of medieval castle with its moats, pontifical rooms, flag hall and the papal basilica where the Pope Luna is buried.
You also have to visit the castle walls, situated on the highest part of the rock; Portal Fosc (1578); Portal de Sant Pere or Pope Luna (1414); the sea museum;the parochial temple of La Virgen del Socorro (15th century); the hermitage of Mare de Déu, which is situated near the castle, houses the image of the town’s patron saint. It was built by the governor Don Sancho de Echevarría between 1708 and 1714; and the artillery park, surrounded by palm trees and gardens, which is full of casemates and gunpowder.