
Peñíscola: The City in the Sea and the Jewel of the Costa del Azahar
Introduction
Peñíscola, also known as the "City in the Sea", is a small coastal town located in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community, Spain. This city, which is located on the Costa del Azahar, is famous for its impressive castle, its beautiful beaches, and its charming old town. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Peñíscola is a tourist destination not to be missed.
The Castle of Papa Luna
The Castle of Papa Luna is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Peñíscola. This impressive castle, which is located on top of a rock that juts out into the sea, was built in the 13th century by the Order of the Temple and later became the residence of Papa Luna, one of the popes of Avignon. From the castle walls, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Old Town
The old town of Peñíscola is another of the city's tourist attractions. This charming neighborhood, which is located within the castle walls, is full of narrow and cobbled streets, white houses, and traditional shops and restaurants. Here, visitors can stroll, buy souvenirs, and taste the delicious local cuisine.
The Beaches
Peñíscola has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa del Azahar. The North Beach, which stretches for more than 5 kilometers, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The South Beach, on the other hand, is quieter and offers stunning views of the castle. In addition, the city has several coves and smaller beaches, perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility.
The Sierra de Irta Natural Park
Just south of Peñíscola is the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a beautiful natural space that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike or cycle along the park's numerous trails, enjoy a picnic in one of the rest areas, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
The Gastronomy
Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Peñíscola. The city is famous for its delicious seafood, especially its lobster and paella. In addition, visitors can try other traditional dishes from the region, such as all i pebre (an eel stew) or fideuà (a kind of paella made with noodles).
Gastronomic Products of Peñíscola
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Vinaroz Prawns
The Vinaroz prawns are a highly valued product in the gastronomy of Peñíscola. These crustaceans are caught on the nearby coasts and are characterized by their large size and intense flavor. They can be tasted in many ways, although they are especially delicious grilled with a little salt and lemon.
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Rices
Paella is the star dish of the Valencian Community, and Peñíscola is no exception. Here all kinds of rices are prepared, from the traditional "arroz a banda" to black rice or lobster rice. All of them are cooked with fresh and local products, which gives them a unique flavor.
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Seafood Products
Given its location on the coast, Peñíscola has a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Among them, monkfish, sea bream, turbot or grouper stand out. Mussels, clams and oysters are also highly appreciated, which can be tasted in many restaurants in the city.
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Garden Products
Peñíscola is also famous for its garden products, especially for its oranges and tangerines. These fruits, which are grown in the nearby fields, are highly appreciated for their sweet taste and juiciness. In addition, they are used in the preparation of many local desserts and liqueurs.
Highlighted Gastronomic Places in Peñíscola
From charming taverns to restaurants with sea views, Peñíscola offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich cuisine. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:
Casa Jaime Restaurant
Located in front of the sea, Casa Jaime Restaurant is known for its excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as suquet de peix, paella and the famous local seafood. In addition, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
El Ánfora Tavern
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, El Ánfora Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes of the area, such as all i pebre, clochinas and Galician octopus. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the Valencian Community.
La Mar de Bo Restaurant
With views of the Peñíscola castle, La Mar de Bo Restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience. Its menu is based on Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes such as fideuá, arroz a banda and fresh seafood. The elegant atmosphere and attention to detail make this place an ideal option for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
El Buey Tavern
Known for its lively atmosphere and excellent value for money, El Buey Tavern is a must-visit place in Peñíscola. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of tapas and traditional dishes, such as Spanish omelette, bravas and Iberian ham. In addition, its central location makes it a perfect place for a quick meal or a casual dinner.
Sporting Activities in Peñíscola, Castellón
Hiking
Peñíscola offers hiking routes that will allow you to enjoy nature and panoramic views of the city and the sea. The Sierra de Irta Route is one of the most popular.


Escala nuevas alturas y supera tus límites con el Rhino Valley Bolso de Tiza para Escalada, el complemento perfecto para cualquier escalador, gimnasta o levantador de pesas. Este bolso de magnesio, diseñado para ser completamente impermeable y sin fugas, te asegura un acceso fácil y rápido a la tiza, manteniendo tus manos secas y tu agarre firme. Con una correa de cintura ajustable, un práctico mosquetón y cremallera, es tan versátil como durable. No dejes que el sudor te detenga; lleva tu Rhino Valley a cada desafío y mantén el enfoque en tu rendimiento. ¡Prepárate para conquistar con confianza, equipa tu bolso Rhino Valley hoy!
Cycling
The varied terrain of Peñíscola is ideal for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the city or venture into the surrounding hills for a greater challenge.


Descubre el camino menos transitado con la JANSNO Bicicleta Eléctrica 20" x 4.0 Fat Tire, tu pasaporte a la aventura sin límites. Equipada con Shimano 7 velocidades y frenos de disco mecánicos delanteros y traseros, esta bicicleta te ofrece control total y una experiencia de conducción suave en cualquier terreno. Ideal para adultos, su batería extraíble de 48V 14Ah promete una autonomía extendida para que explores más lejos sin preocupaciones. Atrévete a ir más allá; hazte con tu JANSNO hoy y transforma cada salida en una aventura épica.
Water Sports
Peñíscola's coastal location makes it a perfect place for water sports. You can try paddle surfing, kayaking, sailing or even diving.
Golf
A short distance from Peñíscola, you'll find several high-quality golf courses. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you can enjoy a day on the green.


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Places near Peñíscola
If you are in Peñíscola and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences: