Peñíscola travel information and video

Holiday information, facts, photos and video about Peñíscola

Reviews for Peñíscola

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Ann Andersen

Featured holiday homes in Castellon province

Peniscola

Peniscola or Peñiscola often referred to as the Gibraltar of Valencia lies in the province of Castellon on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a fortified seaport built on a rocky headland attached to the mainland and rest of the town by a narrow strip of land.

The name Peniscola derives from the Latin peninsular or peninsula.

History
The fort that sits at the pinnacle of the peninsula was originally built between 1294 and 1307 by the Knights Templar. In the 14th century it was garrisoned by the Montesa order. The Avignon Pope, Benedict XIII (Known as Pedro de Luna) made it his home from 1405.

Benedict is commemorated by the Bufador de Papa Luna, a landward cavern through which the seawater escapes into clouds of spray. In 1960 Anthony Mann's film ‘El Cid’ was partially filmed at the castle.

Beaches
Peniscola has sumptuous beaches, the finest of which is the north beach, which is around 5 kilometres long. This calm beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and is fully serviced by lifeguards and leisure activities such as volleyball, sailing and canoeing as well as being wheelchair friendly.

This pristine beach has won itself blue flag status and is backed by a palm tree lined promenade. The southern coastline is steep and rocky, dotted with tiny beaches and isolated coves.

Activities
There are plenty of things other things to do whilst staying in Peniscola besides lounging on the beach. The old city quarters are a visitors delight: antique shops, artist studios and pottery stores line the streets.

It is also a must to visit the castle with its moats, pontifical rooms, flag hall and the Papal Basilica where the Benedict XIII is buried. At 5pm the fishing trawlers come back into port and auction off their catch; you can buy fish right out of the boat.

There are many bars and outdoor restaurants and pubs and clubs are open all night for the revellers. 




Peniscola is a real treat for avid historians and with such a significant story behind the town, sun worshippers too will be tempted by the old towns charms; on the contrary with its beautiful beaches the history fanatics are sure to go home with good tans!

Things to do while you are here

Reviews for Peñíscola

Average overall ratings - Based on 270 reviews.
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10. Aug 2021
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30. Jul 2021
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20. Jul 2021
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Jolie plage


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Belle région
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6. Sep 2020
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La parte antigua impresionante para perderse por ella y disfrutarla


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Playas perfectas para niños.
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2. Sep 2020
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12. Aug 2020
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Wonderful place with lovely beaches


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9. Sep 2019
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18. Aug 2019
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12. Aug 2019
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7. Aug 2019
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Very clean beaches, lots of cheap restaurants. Not much else. If you want a beach holiday then it is great. However, the local market was disappointing and we found it very difficult to find any local produce to buy.


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Beautiful beaches but as is typical, parts of the coast are very built-up.
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16. Jul 2019
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10. Jul 2019
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Lovely place for seaside holiday


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Lovely waters choice of pebbly calas and sandy beaches
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27. Jun 2019
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loved the old town and the fact that it was very spanish


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Good beaches
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31. May 2019
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Nice but touristic


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Clean
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22. Oct 2018
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9. Sep 2018
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Lots to see & do.


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Gorgeous
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7. Sep 2018
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Proper Spanish resort town, without the British hordes!


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Beautiful and varied
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31. Aug 2018
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Nice little old city.


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Nice
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26. Aug 2018
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9. Jul 2018
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The old town and castle are beautiful. South beach was less crowded and quieter, north beach much livelier. The people were really friendly and you’re spoilt for choice with plenty of restaurants.


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Beautiful area with lots of places to visit, sandy beaches and gently sloping into the sea so great for children.
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