Peñíscola - provincia de Castellón - M1 2024
Peñíscola is a historic coastal town in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast. Its vernacular architecture is characterised by whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and steep streets rising towards the old fortified town built on a rocky peninsula. The most significant landmark is the Castle of Peñíscola, a dramatic medieval fortress built by the Knights Templar and later home to Pope Benedict XIII, the “Pope Luna”. Other notable features include the old town walls, the Church of Santa María, and the harbour. The surrounding countryside supports citrus cultivation, olive groves, almond trees, and vegetable farming, while fishing remains part of the town’s heritage. Peñíscola stands out from similar Mediterranean resorts because its ancient walled town and castle rise directly from the sea, creating a rare combination of medieval history, dramatic landscape, and coastal life.
The contrast between the old fortified town and the modern beach resort below is one of the most striking things about Peñíscola. We found it to be a fascinating place, where centuries of history sit alongside the energy of a contemporary seaside destination. Throughout our visit, we were reminded of the film El Cid, particularly the memorable closing scenes in which Charlton Heston, as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, rode out from the castle on his horse along the beach. Standing beneath the walls of the fortress, it was easy to understand why this dramatic setting was chosen for such an iconic cinematic moment.
