Peñiscola: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Along the Spanish Mediterranean coast between Barcelona and Valencia stretches the picturesque Costa del Azahar, also known as the Orange Blossom Coast, for about 200 kilometers. Here, endless sandy beaches and dreamy coves promise an unforgettable beach holiday. One of the most beautiful places on the Costa del Azahar is the coastal town of Peniscola.

Table of contents

Peñiscola - Must-see attractions
Peñiscola - Secret spots
Peñiscola - In 3 days

Peñiscola - Must-see attractions

Peñiscola - Holiday homes & apartments

Peniscola Castle

Peniscola is a very popular Spanish town in the Valencia region with a picturesque castle that, together with the old town, rises 64 meters directly above the Mediterranean Sea on a rock. The Templar castle was completed in 1307. The castle is well preserved and offers, in addition to its Mediterranean flair, an interesting insight with a large entrance hall, a parade ground, stables, and even papal chambers. The pretty bright fortress walls also promise a great view of the sea.

The Blowhole

A natural tunnel on the rock of the city of Peniscola in the Spanish region of Valencia is called Bufador or El Bufador. Here, the sea constantly flows in and out, creating an interesting and varied water display. On stormy days, the water sometimes splashes and thunders with impressive fountains into the air, as it flows into the tunnel with a lot of pressure. This geological feature owes its name to the thundering noise that resembles snoring.

Peñiscola Lighthouse

As early as the Middle Ages, the city of Peniscola played an important role. Even today, numerous buildings bear witness to the glorious era. The lighthouse is located at the tip of a peninsula that juts far into the Mediterranean Sea. Completely in white, the lighthouse rises 56 meters high into the sky and has been one of the city's landmarks since 1899. As early as 1929, it was operated with electric light and thus has a visibility range of 23 nautical miles.

Tower of Badum

The watchtower was built as early as 1506. It has no doors, only a few small windows, and has a height of 11 m with a diameter of 5.75 m. The walls are almost a meter thick and very well preserved. You can best reach the Badum tower on a longer hike through the picturesque nature park. It is located on top of an almost 100 m high rock above the Mediterranean Sea, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from here.

The House of the Shells

The old town of Peniscola juts out along the coast into the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by turquoise water on three sides. It is located on a massive rock and delights its visitors with the small alleys and old buildings. The Casa de las Petxines catches your eye at first glance. The house was built by hand in the mid-20th century and stands out mainly due to its unique facade made of local shells.

Artillery Park

The park is open daily from early morning until late in the evening. Stroll through the semi-shade of the palm trees and take a look at the centuries-old fortress walls. Weapons were once stored here to defend against sea attacks. Directly connected to the garden is the Castle of Peniscola. The Castillo de Peniscola was completed as early as 1307 and served as a fortress until the 19th century. Today it is open to visitors and is also used as a filming location.

Peñiscola - Secret spots

Peñiscola - Holiday homes & apartments

Chapel of Saint Anne of Peñíscola

In the historic old town of Peníscola on the Valencian Mediterranean coast, you will discover the Santa Anna de Peníscola during a stroll. The small chapel is somewhat hidden and nestled among the old alleys. A metal grille offers a view into the interior of the chapel with an altar and a Madonna sculpture.

Explore the Castell de Santa Magdalena de Polpís

In the hinterland of Peñíscola, you will discover the Castell de Santa Magdalena de Polpís on a hiking tour through the Mediterranean landscape. The ruins of the medieval castle complex are prominently visible on a hill. Thus, during your visit, you gain an insight into the past and at the same time a panoramic view over the holiday region.

Sierra de Irta Natural Park

The Sierra de Irta Natural Park, near Peñíscola, offers an untouched Mediterranean wilderness with rugged peaks, secluded coves, and beaches away from the crowds. Hiking and biking trails lead through fragrant scrubland with sea views and to ancient hermitages and castles. An ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking peace and a connection to nature away from the city noise.

Hermitage of Saint Anthony

The Ermita de Sant Antoni, outside of Peñíscola, offers a peaceful retreat away from the tourist hustle as a modest hermitage dedicated to Saint Anthony. It represents the spiritual heritage of the region and allows visitors reflection and meditation amidst Spanish nature with views of the Mediterranean.

Peñiscola - In 3 days

Peñiscola - Holiday homes & apartments

Day 1

One of the most beautiful villages in Spain with a rich historical heritage from three millennia of settlement history can be discovered on the Spanish Orange Blossom Coast. While strolling through the old town of Peñíscola, you will sooner or later reach the imposing fortress complex that crowns the hill. The Templar Castle was built in the 13th century on the ruins of a Moorish predecessor. It served as a residence for Popes Benedict XIII and Clement VIII during the Great Schism. Afterwards, you can stroll through the Parque de Artillería at the castle. In the beautifully landscaped garden, you can see birds of prey alongside cannons. Also in the Gothic style, the parish church of Santa Maria is worth a visit, also because of the papal relics from the time as a residence city. Not far from there, the Museu de la Mar informs you about the fishing and maritime history of the place. Children will enjoy the fish-rich aquariums. Almost next door, the Magic Museum enchants young and old with tricks and shows.

Day 2

Today you are taking a trip to the Parque natural de la Sierra de Irta in the south of your holiday resort. On a hike or mountain bike tour through the Mediterranean forests, you will reach the ruins of the Castell de Santa Magdalena de Polpís, which dates back to Moorish times. From the hill, you can see far. In the southwest of the natural park rises the Castell d'Alcalà de Xivert from the 12th century, which the Templars conquered from the Moors. If you hike along the coast, hidden coves invite you to take a dip in the Mediterranean, such as the Platja d'Ull de Bou in the shadow of the landmark Torre Badum. You will spend the rest of the day at Playa de Peníscola, a long sandy beach north of the old town. On site, there is a rental service for canoes and kayaks, with which you can paddle along the Mediterranean coast.

Day 3

You start towards the largest labyrinth in Spain, located 6 km northwest, which promises fun for the whole family. Can you find your way through the hedge maze? The grounds also feature life-sized dinosaur figures. Afterwards, take a break at the kiosk while the children conquer the playground. Another 6 km northeast, the next attraction awaits you, the Jardín del Papagayo. Colorful shimmering parrots are not the only stars of the animal park. It also houses other birds like toucans, colorful butterflies, free-roaming kangaroos, and turtles. The birds in the walk-in enclosures can be fed sunflower seeds by visitors and will fly onto your hand. Another highlight is the adventure trail, where children can climb to their heart's content. Back in Peñíscola, stop by the harbor at the blowhole called Bufador. Here, water fountains shoot up with a roar. Or you can stroll to the Casa de las Conchas, a house adorned with shells.