Peníscola – Discover the Castle, Coast and Nature

Peníscola invites visitors to discover a building whose history stretches from the Middle Ages to the papal exile: Castillo de Peñíscola was built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. In the 15th century, during his exile, it became the residence of Pope Benedict XIII, who was known as Papa Luna. The Bufador is a natural tunnel in the rock on which the town of Peníscola stands, connecting it with the sea. Anyone planning a holiday apartment in Peníscola can compare travel dates, accommodation types and cancellation policies on booking websites.

Culture

The Museu de la Mar was restored in 1996 to preserve and display Peníscola’s maritime and cultural heritage. The Capella de Santa Anna is one of the most distinctive chapels in the old town; every year on 26 July, a mass is celebrated there in honour of Saint Anne. The Església parroquial de Santa Maria dates back to the 13th century, has a Romanesque portal and was rebuilt after a fire in the middle of the 14th century.

The façade of the Casa de las Conchas is completely covered with shells and is considered a worthwhile stop for visitors to Peníscola. The Portal de Sant Pere was built in 1411 on the orders of Benedict XIII as a new sea entrance to the fortified town and bears the coat of arms of Papa Luna. The present-day building of the Faro de Peñíscola dates from 1892; its light reaches 35 miles (65 km). The Portal Fosc was the only land entrance to the fortress until the 18th century. The ramp leading to the portal is enclosed by Renaissance town walls built in the last quarter of the 16th century.

Coast

Playa Norte has a long seafront promenade with numerous restaurants; a tourist train also runs there. Playa Norte is a five-kilometre-long beach with fine, golden sand and views of Castillo del Papa Luna. Activities such as sailing, diving, windsurfing and canoeing are available at Playa Sur.

Nature

The Parque Natural de la Sierra de Irta is a protected landscape covering an area of 7,743 hectares and including a twelve-kilometre stretch of undeveloped coast. The Parque Natural de la Serra d'Irta extends for 15 kilometres along the southern coast of Peñíscola and includes 16 natural coves. The Serra d'Irta reaches an altitude of 572 metres at Pic Campanilles and combines cliffs, coves and a species-rich marine ecosystem that is largely protected by the marine reserve.

Marjal de Peñíscola is a publicly accessible wetland that visitors can explore via wooden walkways. It is home to one of the last protected areas for the aquatic species Samaruc and Fartet. The Parque de Artillería now serves as a botanical garden with palms, olive trees, lavender and native flora from the Sierra de Irta natural park; from there, visitors can enjoy views of the Mediterranean and the fortress walls.

Trails

Visitors taking a self-guided tour of Castillo de Peñíscola can download a free audio guide. Visitors to the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Irta are asked to use the signposted paths and trails and to park in the designated areas. The Parque Natural de la Sierra de Irta has prepared cycling routes for beginners and intermediate cyclists. Torre de Badum has been recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1985; several hiking trails through the natural park start there. There are five circular hiking routes in the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Irta.

The Peníscola de Cine tourism offering combines filming locations with local products to create a special visitor experience.

Other local pages in this selection: Artana, Cabanes, La Pobla Tornesa, Montanejos, Puebla De Arenoso, Villanueva de Viver, Anroig, Sot De Ferrer

To the main travel overview: Castellon.