About Peniscola

It is easy to see why Peñiscola is known as The City in the Sea. Its ancient fortress, surrounded by the white walled buildings of the ‘old town’ stands magnificently on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea.

Many will recognise this as one of the settings in the epic film 'El Cid’ but the areas history goes much further back than that. All the early Mediterranean civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs recognised and used the unique advantages of this extraordinary place.

By day the narrow streets are bustling with visitors and traders. At night the old moorish town is transformed into a maze of street restaurants and bars.

But Peñiscola’s attractions go far beyond the ‘old town’.
Immediately to the north lie miles of sandy beach along the stylish new promenade running all the way to Benicarlo. To the south are the rocky coves towards the National Park area of Sierra de Irta.

The town and harbour areas near to the castle have been tastefully developed and provide shops, restaurants and the pleasant park area where the local weekly market is held. There is plenty to do for all ages and the local fair, amusements and Go Cart Stadium are particular attractions for younger visitors.

Although Tourism is by far Peñiscola’s main source of income, Fishing is still very much a part of the local scene and people flock to the harbour for the return of the fleet in late afternoon.