To break up the long drive to the Costa Blanca we stopped for a few days in the charming town of Peníscola (Peñíscola). Unlike many coastal towns in Spain, Peníscola doesn’t go into hibernation during the winter, and it might not be beach weather, but there is plenty to enjoy outside of the hottest months.
Located on the coast about 150km north of Valencia many people visit Peníscola as a day trip from Valencia, however the town deserves more of your time. Visiting the castle perched on the rocky outcrop is a must at any time of the year. And you can settle for a lazy lunch in one of the many restaurants that offer tasty local food throughout the town. Go for a long walk along the coast or follow one of the many hiking or biking trails in the Irta Natural Park when the beachgoers pack away their parasols for the cooler months.
The castle of Peníscola
Perched on the rocky outcrop, the castle dominates the views from the beach, but the real deal is to observe the coastline from the walls of the castle. The castle is hard to miss, as every steep narrow street in the walled town seems to lead to the entrance. Some modifications were made to the Peníscola Templar castle by Antipope Benedict XIII for it to be used as a papal residence in the early 15th century. And some of the exhibitions in the castle are dedicated to his time in Peníscola.
Since some scenes of the popular Game of Thrones were filmed on the castle grounds, the castle is also often visited by fans of the series. After purchasing your ticket, you are free to wander within the walls, visit the rooms and admire the far-reaching views, and your entrance ticket also gives you access to the gardens.
Walk in the Irta Natutal Park
Peníscola is located at the edge of the Irta Natural Park, an unspoilt rugged coastline with hidden coves and rolling hills criss-crossed with waymarked hiking and biking trails. If you want to get away from the bustling Pensícola go for a short stroll or plan a full day out and the trails won’t disappoint. If you only have time for one walk, then follow the easy coastal path to the impressive Torre Badum. From the tower you can enjoy some fantastic views back to Peníscola.
Visit remarkable castle ruins
Only about half an hour drive from the attractive Peníscola castle you will find two other castle ruins - located in the Irta Natural Park - that you can visit. It is possible to follow a winding, somehow rough lane among orange groves from the town of Alcala de Xivert to a picnic site with a parking area. Leave your car there and reach the remains of the Castle of Xivert after a short walk. If you are not sure about driving to the picnic site, there are places to stop by the orange groves and then walk for from there to reach the ruins.
Somehow less accessible by car the Castell de Santa Magdalena de Polpis. You will have to leave your car and walk 1.5km up to the ruins. It is a lot smaller than the Castle of Xivert but the stunning views will make the short climb worthwhile.
And there you have it, a few ideas around the town of Peníscola, however there are countless more things to do in the area. All in all it is definitely a perfect spot to break up your road trip or to spend a weekend. Enjoy!
