What to see and visit in Peñíscola

Peñíscola Castle or Papa Luna Castle is the emblem of Peñíscola. This impressive fortress was built by order of the Knights Templar in the 13th century and is equipped with all the typical elements of a castle of the period: a spectacular parade ground, numerous halls, dungeons and an atmosphere steeped in centuries-old history.

It was also the papal seat of Benedict XIII, as well as the residence and later refuge of Pope Luna when he was excommunicated for refusing to renounce the papacy. In addition, many actors have passed through its walls and narrow streets to shoot films and series as well known as Game of Thrones or Charlton Heston's El Cid. Without a doubt, this is an obligatory stop for anyone visiting Peñíscola. You can check prices and opening times on the official website.

From this place there are magnificent views of the rock, the north beach and the always majestic Mediterranean Sea. It is located at the top of the rock, within the old quarter of Peñíscola. In the past, this square housed the castle's defensive system, numerous pieces of artillery that fired at the ships that attacked the strategic enclave, usually Barbary pirates.

It is now a botanical park that tints the hillside of the castle with green and is a very pleasant visit that you can make if you go to the castle, as the entrance to the castle also includes access to the park.

Peñíscola's lighthouse is located in the lower part of the castle. It is 11 metres high and was built in 1899, although it has been continuously refurbished. The lighting it emits as a guide to ships sailing nearby has been modernised over the years, initially using paraffin, which was later replaced by oil and the lighthouse was finally electrified in 1929. It is not open to the public, but the location is ideal for enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea, the castle and the magnificent surroundings from the lookout point.

Peñíscola's bufador is located in one of the narrow streets around the castle and is an authentic geological whim. It is a tunnel naturally excavated in the rock by the erosion of the waves over the years that connects the old town with the Mediterranean Sea. When the tide is in motion, you can hear the waves roar as they are driven by the air, entering and exiting the corridor, producing a snorting sound, a real auditory delight.

Another point of interest in the municipality is the Church of the Virgen de la Ermitana, which was built between 1708 and 1714 on the site of an old chapel and is a faithful reflection of the medieval beauty of the municipality. The sanctuary is Baroque in style, with a Latin cross floor plan and is attached to the castle wall.

It is located in front of the charming Armas Square and its façade has elements of military symbolism, as it is located within a defensive environment such as the fortress, which influences practically all the elements found inside the rock. The coat of arms of Philip V of Spain can also be seen on the façade.

The old quarter is one of those places where every corner will leave you open-mouthed. Full of history, most of the places of interest are inside the old town, so you can enjoy a stroll through its cobbled streets while you visit the most emblematic places of the city.

We advise you to go at sunset, at this time a magical atmosphere envelops the colourful narrow streets and white houses adorned with flowers, the true essence of the rock. There are also many shops and souvenir shops where you can buy souvenirs, as well as restaurants and bars of all kinds, you will always find things to do in Peñíscola.

The magnificent Casa de las Conchas is the living history of Peñíscola and its people. It all started when Justa, the protagonist of this story, began to explain to the tourists who came to the rock the most iconic places of the place in order to earn some money, without knowing that she was probably one of the first tourist guides. With the money she raised she was able to buy this house and set up a shop opposite where she sells souvenirs of the town.

This is undoubtedly one of the special places you can find on your way to the castle. The Casa de las Conchas or Casa de les Petxines is a building that you will easily recognise because its façade is completely covered with shells. Justa and her family wanted to pay homage to the sea and their love for it. They exchanged tobacco for native shells with the local sailors and little by little their house became a temple of devotion to our beloved Mediterranean Sea.

The Sierra de Irta Natural Park is a beautiful protected natural area located between the towns of Peñíscola and Alcocéber. It has 13 km of unspoilt coastline with impressive cliffs and coves, an ideal place to be in contact with nature.

The historical heritage also makes an appearance with the castles of Alcalá de Chivert and Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, and there are even remains of Iberian settlements and watchtowers along the coast.

The park combines history with its enormous ecological wealth, it is a jewel within the reach of all visitors to the area. You can visit the area by means of the numerous hiking trails that are available for hiking or cycling routes.

As well as being a Natural Park, its waters are also protected. In 2003 its coastline was declared a Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest, thus facilitating the conservation of different marine species. For all these reasons, it is important to take care of the place when we go to visit the park or to enjoy its beaches and coves.

If you are on holiday in Peñíscola for several days, Morella is the perfect place for a short break. This famous medieval town is magnificently preserved and surrounded by a wall almost 1,500 m long. Particularly striking is its location on top of a mountain and, of course, the impressive castle that crowns it, over a thousand metres high.

It is difficult for Morella not to captivate you with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, as well as the Gothic Basilica Santa María La Mayor from the 13th and 14th centuries, with its baroque high altar and choir, the only one of its kind in Spain with a circular morphology.