Peñiscola

Peñiscola is an ancient fortified seaport first established by the Iberians in 1000 BCE. The port was conquered by the Phoenicians, later by the Greeks, and then by the Carthaginians, where Hannibal famously swore to never ally himself with Rome. Later the Romans and Moors controlled the seaport, until it finally came under Christian control in the 13th century.
Today the town with its 5km of beaches is one of the most heavily visited tourist destinations in Spain, popular with both Spanish and international visitors; in summers the population of this small town explodes from less than 8,000 to more than 150,000 people.

• Tourist Info Peñíscola

  phone: +34 964 480 208
  address: Paseo Marítimo s/n

• Tourist Info Peñismar

  address: Paseo Marítimo Norte

• Tourist Info Puerto

  address: Avda Marcelino Roca s/n

By train

• Estación de Tren de Benicarló - Peñíscola

  phone: +34 902 240 505 (reservations)
  address: Plaça de la Estación, s/n
  Long-distance trains connecting Valencia with Barcelona stop here, and regional trains connect the city with Castellón and Tarragona. A taxi stand (tel. +34 964 460 506) is located in front of the station.

By bus

All inter-urban buses stop at the (Plaza de la Constitución).
Autos Mediterraneo runs multiple daily buses connecting Castellón with Vinaròs and points in between. A bus route and schedule can be downloaded here.
HIFE (tel. +34 902 119 814) runs a daily bus between Valencia, and Peñiscola, with a stop in Castellón. From Castellón the one-way fare is €6.05 and the journey takes just under 1½ hours. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or online.

By bus

Autos Mediterraneo runs a bus service connecting Peñíscola with the nearby towns of Benicarló and Vinaròs. Buses operate daily 06:30-23:30 and leave every half-hour; a bus route and schedule can be downloaded here.
In late April and from the end of June until mid-September, HIFE (tel. +34 902 119 814) operates three routes (líneas urbanas) within Peñiscola; a time schedule and list of bus stops can be downloaded here.

• Castell de PeníscolaBuilt on the remains of an older Arab fortification, most of the castle's construction was completed between 1294 and 1307 by the Order of the Knights Templar. The castle served as the residence of Pope Benedict XVIII (aka 'Papa Luna') from 1411 until 1423, and in the late 16th century a series of bastions and gates were added to the complex. The terrace overlooking the castle affords great panoramic views of the town to the north as well as to the Irta mountains to the south.

• Església de Santa Maria de PeníscolaBuilt in 1234 atop the remains of an earlier Moorish mosque, the parish church was renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. It houses several valuable objects owned by Papa Luna and his successor Clement VIII, including a cross and chalice, and reliquary.

• Museu de la Mar

  phone: +34 964 481 603
  address: C/ Príncipe, s/n
  This small museum showcases archaeological and ethnological artificats from the area, as well as model ships and maps. It also has three aquariums devoted to Mediterranean marine life.

Festivals

• Festes Patronals en honor a la Mare de Déu de l'ErmitanaDeclared a festival of national touristic interest. Highlights include human towers, traditional dances, fireworks, and a Moors and Christians parade.

Beaches

• Platja NordClosest to the old town and Peñíscola's most popular beach, it stretches 5km and has lifeguard station and first aid stations, as well as disabled access, walkways, and showers. It is lined with a pleasant promenade, and has facilities for a number of water sports.

• Platja SudThis smaller beach, with great views of the castle, also has a promenade as well as full lifeguard and first aid stations, showers, and water sport facilities.

Hiking and biking

• Parc Natural de la Serra d'IrtaThe combined mountain park and marine reserve offers good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and has several sights of historic and architectural interest. The park can also be accessed from Alcossebre, with many trail heads beginning in the south. The Peñiscola tourist office has an online list of hiking trails with trail descriptions in English; an official trail map (in Spanish) can be downloaded here.

• Centre d'Interpretació

  phone: +34 964 467 596
  address: Av Estación, s/n
  Has exhibits about the park and organizes guided activities.

• Castell de PolpísAlso of Muslim origin, the fortress was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and conquered by the Knights Templar in 1233, who heavily modified the structure. It was ultimately abandoned in the 16th century.

• Torre BadumA seaside watchtower, believed to be Muslim in origin.

• Mercadillo

  address: Carrer del Mestre Bayarri
  A weekly market for fresh local produce and other goods.

Mid-range

• Mandarina Restaurant

  phone: +34 964 467 650
  address: Avda del Papa Luna, 1
  Part of a bar-club establishment, with an outdoor terrace. Serves a range of dishes, from casual burgers to sushi and pasta. Take-away available; reservations can be made online.

• Restaurante Casa Jaime

  phone: +34 964 480 030
  address: Avda Papa Luna, 5
  Specializes in seafood, with rice dishes especially recommended. Has a terrace overlooking the beach. Reservations by email not accepted.

Splurge

• Restaurante Casa Dorotea

  phone: +34 964 480 863
  address: C/ San Vicente, 12
  Tucked away on a side street and with a homey, comfortable atmosphere, the established restaurant specializes in local seafood.

• Restaurante El Peñon

  phone: +34 964 480 716, +34 635 538 097
  address: Carrer Santos Mártires, 22
  This established hotel-restaurant serves seafood and other classic Valencian dishes.

Camping

• Camping Edén

  phone: +34 964 480 562
  address: Crta CS-501 Benicarló-Peñíscola, km 6
  Can accommodate tents, campervans, and caravans, and also has bungalows. Facilities include toilets and showers, pool, fitness centre, laundromat, supermarket, and cafeteria. Pets accepted.

Hotels

• Gran Hotel Peñíscola

  phone: +34 964 469 006
  address: Avda Papa Luna, 136
  Has non-smoking rooms, an onsite restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Pets accepted.

• Hotel Servigroup Papa Luna

  phone: +34 964 480 650
  address: Avinguda del Papa Luna, 6
  Unbeatable location near the historic centre and the Platja Nord. Facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, onsite bar/restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Private parking €10/day. Hotel is closed from the end of October to the beginning of April.

• Casa Azahar

  phone: +34 964 412 906
  address: Edificio 'El Centro'
  Holiday apartments.