The Fortress That Once Housed a Pope on the Seashore

The road to Peñiscola is characterised by being an agricultural area where olive trees have a great preponderance. Near the village of La Jana, this olive oil bottling cellar offers guided tours through its plantations of thousand-year-old olive trees with their large trunks.
The visit is complemented with an olive oil tasting, a different experience, discovering the different flavours from the mildest to the strongest.
Before the visit, please contact by phone on +34 635 68 90 75 or the official website of Bodegas Peset Vallés to arrange the dates.

Parking near the beach or the historic centre is chargeable, and parking spaces are quickly filled on weekends and public holidays. It is therefore advisable to park in this free public car park and walk about 10 minutes to the historic centre.

There are two entrances to the old walled area of Peñíscola, the closest to the port being through the Sant Pere gate, built in the 15th century. Its large stone archway welcomes you to one of the most beautiful villages in Spain by the sea.
Next to the gate, there is a sign of the Tourist Office with a QR code to download a one-day route through the main attractions of the town with interactive games for children.

Below the whitewashed houses, the constant erosion of the sea has created a small hole in the rock. On days with strong waves, the water penetrates through the hole and emits a particular sound similar to a howl. This has given it the name of the Bufador.
Next to this natural formation there is a viewpoint up some stairs with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The name says it all, nothing better than eating on an open-air terrace overlooking the sea. Many of the restaurants in the historic centre of Peñiscola are located on the old city wall, on the edge of the sea.
Here the food is based on fresh fish or rice. There are plenty of starters to eat and wait for the main courses, such as rabas or chipirones fritos (fried squid). A gin and tonic can be the perfect after-dinner drink.
Open Hours: Every day: 12:00 – 16:00, 19:30 – 23:30.

The house of the shells is one of the most famous buildings in Peñíscola. Built by a woman in love with the place, its name is due to the large number of seashells that form part of the main façade of the house.
These small details, together with the door and windows painted in navy blue, make it one of the most Instagrammable places in Peniscola. It can only be seen from the outside, it is not allowed to enter.

From a historical point of view, the castle of Peñiscola is very important as it was here that Benedict XIII or also called Papa Luna resided during the early 15th century.
On the tour through the interior, there are many rooms that are still in perfect condition, such as the patio de Armas or the Casa del Agua. From the old towers the views of the sea are fantastic.
The entrance fee to the castle is € 5 and includes the Artillery Park. In each room there are explanatory posters and videos explaining the history, although guided tours are also available.
Open Hours: 16th October to the Sunday before Easter: 10:30 – 17:30. From Sunday before Easter to 15th October: 09:30 – 21:30.

During the 16th century it served as a military enclosure to protect the castle from attacks. Gunpowder was stored here and there were batteries, tunnels and pits prepared to defend the fortification.
Today, the landscape has completely changed, being a large green space overlooking the sea to walk or just sit and contemplate the views. Of the old military redoubt, only a few batteries remain on display.

The last place before leaving the walled area is this square, which is accessed through a small gate. Surrounded by walls, it is a very lively place in the evening due to the presence of bars with outdoor tables for a drink.
On one of the sides of the square, there are stairs to walk along the walls and see the beach of Peñíscola. At the end of December, the Christmas market is held here with lots of lights and decorations.

The other access gate to the walled enclosure on the Peñiscola beach side, originally from the 16th century. It still has a small S-shaped tunnel. Next to the gate is a craft market selling local gastronomic products, souvenirs and handmade items.

Signs with the name of the city to stop and take pictures are a trend nowadays. This colorful poster with the letters of Peñíscola allows to obtain a souvenir of the passage through the city. In addition, here you will have the best views of the castle and the surrounding wall.

An extensive sandy beach that is more than three kilometres long and that can be crossed thanks to its promenade. There are a large number of bars, restaurants and hotels.
From the beach itself you get one of the best postcards of Peñiscola, the fortified area with the castle that stands out along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Its privileged location allows you to eat both with views of the beach and the castle of Peniscola thanks to its huge window in the enclosed area or the open-air terrace.
Relaxed atmosphere with several menus to choose from. The Japanese menu stands out with sushi as the main dish. It also offers cocktails, mojitos, natural juices and casual food.
Open Hours: Every day: 12:30 – 2:30.