Sightseeing in Peniscola - what to see. Complete travel guide
In the northern part of the province of Castellon, tourists can visit a small town named Peniscola. This is a cozy Spanish coastal town with a pleasant scent of orange trees. Nowadays, Peniscola has been successfully evolving into a resort destination that attracts an increasing number of foreign tourists. The majority of dishes with seafood were invented by local fishermen. All guests of this Spanish town try to taste local delights. Peniscola can offer pleasant recreation on the municipal beach or exploration of the region’s old landmarks.
The history of the Spanish town started many centuries ago. The archaeological excavations in the peninsula proved that people were living in this area yet in the 7th century BC. The Iberian people were the first settlers here. At that time, people survived mostly thanks to the trade with the Phoenicians. The peninsula, where Peniscola is situated, always attracted different forces due to its strategic location. Because of this peculiarity, the town was changing its rulers quite often. The Carthaginians were the first rulers in the settlement. Later, the Romans replaced them, but their reign didn’t last long as well. The Byzantines captured the territory.
It is simply unapologetic to visit Peniscola and fail to sample its local delicacies. Fruits of the sea are the first and main ingredient in many recipes. Local fish and seafood dishes are seriously delicious, so give them a chance. Many local restaurants offer a local specialty – the cuttlefish cooked in its ink. Grilled shrimps and octopus are other special delights in Peniscola. Fish ragout or potatoes are the most popular garnishes to these delicacies. If you decide to try the signature dish of Castellon, order special giant shrimps that live only in this region.
Are you searching for the most suitable beach recreation area? Peniscola Beach is a true pride of the region. Besides various titles and awards, this beach has a Blue Flag label that proves its high environmental standards. Every morning, special cleaning machines prepare the beach for tourists and citizens of Peniscola. This beach is also perfectly suitable for vacationers with small children. The sea is shallow near the coast, and the depth increases slowly. Sun loungers and umbrellas are always available for rent upon request. That being said, the beach has a soft sand surface, so it is comfortable to lie here using a towel. Professional rescue teams stay at the beach all day long to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Peniscola Beach is always crowded and loud during the tourist season. The beach has a developed infrastructure suitable for both adults and children. Visitors particularly enjoy water skiing – it is possible to rent the equipment right on the beach. Beach volleyball is one more popular activity. Are you a fan of riding the waves? Peniscola Beach can offer surfing, windsurfing, and canoeing. There is a comfortable bicycle road along the beach, and it is incredibly pleasant to cycle enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bicycle – you can rent one nearby.
When sunbathing becomes boring, it is time to visit the main attraction of the town, the Peniscola Castle or the Templar Castle. Locals sometimes call this landmark the Fortress of Pope Luna. The castle is built on a rocky cliff at a height of sixty-four meters above the sea level. Initially, there was a Mauritian fortress on this site but the Knights Templar rebuilt it. When Antipope Benedict XIII (Pope Luna) arrived in Peniscola, he ordered to modify the fortress into a castle. The Pope spent his last days in this residence. Nowadays, there is a bronze sculpture of the Pope near the entrance. The top of the castle offers an unforgettable view of the town and its surroundings. This is a perfect place to take memorable pictures.
The closest airport is situated one hundred kilometers from Peniscola, in the city of Reus. However, the majority of tourists prefer to start their journey to the historic town with a flight to Valencia. There are daily taxis, buses, and trains going in the direction of Peniscola. If you choose to travel by train, you need to keep in mind that there is no train station in Peniscola. The closest train station is in Benicarlo approximately seven kilometers from the central part of Peniscola. Tourists can call a taxi or get on a bus for the final step of their journey.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Peniscola and surroundings
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Peniscola
♥ Castle 'Castle of Peñíscola' Castellón, 3.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Villafamés' Castellón, 45 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Morella' Castellón, 49 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Vall de Roures' Teruel, 60.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Miravet' Tarragona, 77.6 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all parks
National and city parks around Peniscola
♥ Natural Park 'Sierra Espadà' , 6.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca' , 25.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Tinença de Benifassá' , 37.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Desert de les Palmes' , 41.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Cave 'Moli de la Font' , 48.7 km from the center. On the map
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Sightseeing in Spain: things to see
The city of Seville is a very interesting place from a historic point of view. The city is also rich in numerous historic and cultural landmarks. Santa Maria Cathedral is worth a separate mention. The cathedral is a beautiful example of architecture of the 15th century. Construction of the sanctuary started in 1402 and lasted almost a hundred years. The decoration of the facade and creation of frescoes inside the church took the majority of time. Travelers are welcome to see the result of such hard work. In the cathedral they will see beautiful statues, grandiose main altar and the Royal Chapel decorated with gilding and elegant drawings. The cathedral is built on a site of an ancient mosque, and it's still possible to see the remains of the original building. It's a small square named Orange Yard, which is surrounded by a big park and is perfect for walks on a hot day.
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Search touristic sites on the map of Peniscola
All about Peniscola, Spain - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Peniscola, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Peniscola in few days.
