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History:

This town is in a privileged part of the Mediterranean, known as the Costa del Azahar (Castellón) that is located in the North of the Valencian Region. The 79km2 of its municipality are shared equally between forestall areas and Mediterranean cultivations, with orange, almond and olive trees. Additionally, 17 km2 of its extension are parallel to the sea.

This ancient city holds the Castle that was once crowned and resided by the Pope Benedict XIII, know as the controversial "Papa Luna". It rests on a mount at 64 m. of altitude over sea level and is an interesting example of medieval castles with dungeons, artillery quarters, the Pontiff's chambers, hospital and papal basilica where the "Papa Luna" is berried. The mount is united to the continent by a path of sand that some time ago was brushed away by the waves of storms, transforming it into a form of inland.

Even though the region was invaded by various cultures, the main structure of the city has maintained its Muslim origins.

This part of the town contrasts with the new streets and avenues of the touristiest area.

Beaches

Its beaches are surrounded by warm waters during the summer and the autumn. In the north side of the town, fine sandy beaches can be found and in the south side, beautiful bays delimited by abrupt cliffs.

The most important, is the North Beach, of approximately 5.000 m long and 44 m. wide, that alternates sandy areas with pebbles in the furthest side of the town.

The south littoral of the town is escarp and stony and is surrounded by small beaches and elevated cliffs that form isolated bays.

Gastronomy

Its cuisine is based on seafood.

Some of Peñíscola´s main dishes are:

• Monkfish and squid cooked "All-i-Pebre" (garlic and parsley) style.
• Shellfish.
• "Cargol Puntxent" (Sea snails).
• Crayfish.
• "Caixetes"
• Mussels
• "Suquet de peix" or "Remescló" fish casserole

 
Additionally, the different varieties rice dishes, such as Paella and "Fideuá", are also an important part of the Mediterranean diet of this area.

Fiestas

The international cultural events celebrated in this town are:

• At the beginning of the year, the "Ciudad de Peñíscola" short story award, presided by a jury formed with members of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language and with participants from more than 20 countries.
• During the month of August, the International Antique and Baroque Festival is celebrated.
• In the month of September Classical Music Concerts can be enjoyed.

• 17th January: Saint Anthony Abad.
• February: Carnival.
• Sunday after Easter, Pilgrimage to Saint Anthony's Hermitage.
• May: Saint Isidro (Farmer's patron saint).
• June: Saint Peter (Fisherman's patron saint).
• 7th September, "Ermitana´s" Virgin, the town's main fiestas. During these fiestas the firework displays that take place over Peñíscola´s sea and bay and the "Moors and Christians" processions through the town's streets must be highlighted.

Places of interest and excursions

Peñíscola was declared a "Historic and Artistic Entity" in 1972.

The most important historic-artistic places of interest are:

• Templar - Pontificate Castle.
• The fortifications that are clearly differentiated in three zones, which are relevant to different architecture and military structures:
  • Medieval fortification.
  • Renaissance fortification.
  • Interventions during XVIII Century.
• The Parochial Temple of the "Socorro" Virgin.
• The Hermitage of "The Ermitana" Virgin.
• "El Bufador".
• "Irta´s" Mountain Range.
• "Columbretes" Islands.
• "Sea" Museum.
• Artillery Park.

 
Nearby coastal towns and villages:

• Vinarós.
• Benicarló.
• Alcossebre.
• Oropesa del Mar.
• Benicàssim.
• Torreblanca.
• Castellón de la Plana.
• Burriana.
• Nules.
• Monfoca.
• Chilches.
• Almenara.

 
Nearby towns and villages inland:

• "El Maestrazgo" themed routes.
• Sant Mateu.
• Morella.
• La Vall D'Uixó.
• Montanejos.
• Sábado: Calpe.
• La Tinença de Benifassà.

Theme Parks and leisure

Aquarama,
at 60 km de Peñíscola. (Aquatic Park)
www.aquarama.net

Costa Caribe,
at 105 km from Peñíscola in Vilaseca/Salou. (Aquatic Park)
www.portaventura.es

 

Birds of pray refuge,
falcony exhibition, situated in the gardens of Peñíscola Castle.

Port Aventura,
at 105 km from Peñíscola in Vilaseca/Salou.
www.portaventura.es

Terra Mítica,
at 250 km from Peñíscola in Benidorm.
www.terramiticapark.com

Sports and activities

A large variety of water sports can be practiced:

• Sailing
• Diving
• Water skiing
• Fishing
• Windsurf
• Water Jetss

 
Other sports that can be practiced:

• Hiking
• Equestrian Routes
• Cycling Tourism
• Golf

Transports

Tourist Information

Oficina de Información Turística

Paseo Marítimo , s/n.
Teléfono: 964 48 02 08
Fax: 964 48 93 92

Oficina Municipal de Turismo II

Plaza Constitución, 1 - 1ª.
Teléfono : 964 48 17 29
www.peniscola.org

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