A fortified coastal town in eastern Spain with a 13th-century Templar castle perched on limestone cliffs. A filming location for Game of Thrones and home to Pope Luna in 1411.
Peñíscola sits on Spain's Costa del Azahar, where a 13th-century Templar castle stands on a rocky peninsula connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. The medieval town's white-washed houses line the streets between the fortress walls and the sea. You can climb the castle's stone towers and walk through its grand halls where Pope Benedict XIII once lived, explore narrow streets filled with local craft shops, or swim in the calm waters of North Beach with its palm-lined promenade.
Beaches and Swimming
North Beach extends for 5 kilometers along a wide palm-tree promenade, with calm waters ideal for families. Lifeguards patrol the beach from June through September, and its Blue Flag status indicates high water quality and good facilities. South Beach has a rocky coastline and small, secluded coves where you can swim while looking up at the castle walls. Water temperatures stay comfortable for swimming from June through October.
Exploring the Medieval Peninsula
The old town sits on a rocky headland 67 meters above sea level. Enter through one of two medieval gates - the Fosch Gate near Plaza del Caudillo or the Porteta Gate from the harbor. As you walk up, you'll pass white houses with blue and yellow flower pots hanging from their balconies. The castle costs 5€ for adults and 3.50€ for students and seniors. Inside, walk through the pontifical rooms where tapestries hang on stone walls, see the grand flag hall, and visit the Papal Basilica.
Getting There and Around
Trains run from Barcelona (2.5-3 hours) and Valencia (1.5-2 hours) to Benicarló station, with regular buses connecting to Peñíscola's center. If you drive, park in lots near either beach. While the old town is compact, reaching the castle requires climbing several steep streets and stone steps.
Local Food and Markets
Watch fishermen sell their daily catch at the port auction around 5 PM. Many restaurants cook paella over traditional wood fires, using fresh seafood from the morning's catch. On Thursdays, browse the market near North Beach for local oranges and almonds from nearby orchards.
Film Locations and Cultural Events
Game of Thrones transformed the castle into the city of Meereen, while the 1961 film El Cid added the highest battlements you see today. The Maritime Museum near the port displays old fishing equipment and photographs documenting local maritime life. In summer, classical musicians perform in the castle courtyards during the International Festival of Ancient and Baroque Music.
