More about hotels in Peñíscola
It is quite easy to spot where Spain’s lovely coastal town of Peniscola starts. Just try and find the scenic view of the lighthouse built on a rocky headland and you’re on the right track. Peniscola is known to be a traditional fishing village peppered with beaches that is a perfect bait for tourists. Peniscola is great for families trying to make unforgettable memories.
How to Get There
The fastest way to get into Peniscola is through the Castellon-Costa Azahar Airport, which opened in September 2015. It is situated in the province of Castellon within the Valencia region where Peniscola is located.
Going to and from the airport to Peniscola can be done through car transfer. Car services can be booked online, and various types of cars are available depending on what you need. For a fancier and better view of the surroundings, tourists can even hire a convertible and experience the fresh air in Peniscola.
Getting Around
Just like most of Europe, Peniscola is part of a wide network of trains that go around neighboring towns, cities, and countries. For those coming in from nearby towns, trains are usually the most convenient way to travel, aside from being the more scenic choice. It also may just be the fastest with only 20 minutes of riding time for some stops.
Buses are also available albeit the routes are more restricted than those of trains. Taxis are also available and can be booked ahead of time.
Top Things to Do
Aside from being known as the city within the sea, Peniscola is also famous for its beautiful castles. The most popular castle is the Castle of Pope Luna. Its amazing interior and gorgeous views are a must-see. It is also worth visiting the landmark of Peniscola, El Faro. The lighthouse dates back to 1892 and can be seen through the gates of the castle. It is a great view on top of the lighthouse and a great picture to send back to your loved ones back home.
For those looking for something closer to Mother Nature, El Bufador is a must-visit location. It is located near the castle's San Pedro Gate and showcases a cavity formed by waves. This is quite a fun place to visit as certain areas tourists can stand in sprays bystanders with foam and makes for a fun time especially for kids. Visitors will also find nature in the National Park of Sierra de Irta. There are plenty of hidden coves in the area and many of them accessible by foot.
Fans of the hit TV show Game of Thrones will also get a chance to see Mereen in person. The location doubled as a backdrop in the show and is now a great tourist spot. Other spots in the show were filmed in the area including the Plaza Santa Maria, Peniscola Castle, and the Parque de la Artilleria.
Peniscola also has seasonal festivities. For tourists visiting over the New Year’s Mercado Medieval cannot be missed. Lines and lines of shops selling local products and everything else you can think of are situated in between Plaza Santa Maria and Plaza de Bous.
For those visiting in September, you can watch the dances that pay tribute to Peniscola’s patron saint, Virgen de la Ermitana. The expressive interpretative dances often depict the town’s origins in a warlike and dramatic manner. The final performance, castell, is a human tower. In December, an explosion of color and festivities happen as the town reenacts the battle of the Moors and Christians. It’s one of the more popular festivals held in Spain’s eastern coast.
What to Eat
Being a traditional fishing village has its perks, including having scrumptious dishes straight from the sea. For dining with a view, Sebastian en Perla Blanca is worth a try. Spectacular views are served along with an eclectic menu that leans more in the contemporary unlike any other places in town.
Putting seafood as king is Tio Pepe. The restaurant is situated in a modern boutique hotel and serves seafood-based dishes with a creative twist. Apart from serving delicious meals, the restaurant comes with reasonable prices and is a big hit to both locals and tourists alike.
Seafood, however, comes in different forms and can be cooked in different ways. For just a little bit of oomph coming from a place of love, Taberna El Anfora is a great choice for fresh seafood. Run by a fisherman, tourists know exactly what they’re getting when visiting the restaurant.
For a more romantic evening, Restaurante Vista al Mar is the top pick. Not all views are made equal and the view here is better than the rest. Prices are pocket-friendly, and dishes include seafood and rice dishes to warm you up on a cold night.
Another Instagram-worthy visit is Chiki. This locally-owned restaurant looks like a postcard that came to life with its white-washed walls with blue accents. It looks exactly as you would imagine how Peniscola would look like. Unlike other restaurants in the area, the menu is varied, and prices are surprisingly affordable.
Nightlife
Where to Stay
Peniscola is not just family-friendly but also home to lots of boutique hotels. One top choice is the Hotel Boutique La Mar. The hostel has a modern and minimal decor but also caters more to backpackers and solo travellers. It is small enough to offer a relaxing experience but big enough to entertain guests.
Hotel Tio Pepe, home to the restaurant of the same name, is a great choice for families. It is just a short walk from the beach and is a small but modern hotel. It offers simple services and meals but also has the restaurant Tio Pepe for those looking for an amazing meal.
