The beauty of traveling in a camper is that you end up in places about which you knew little beforehand. Sometimes places disappoint, but sometimes you stumble upon somewhere that leaves you speechless. Peñíscola is one such place. For us, this city was completely unknown, even with such a quirky name. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through this beautiful historic city on the Mediterranean coast and ensure that you don’t forget about this city on your way south!
The historical hearth – Peniscola’s old town
In the shadow of the impressive Castillo de Papa Luna unfolds Peñíscola’s old town. Cobblestone streets, balconies adorned with flowers, and lively squares create an enchanting atmosphere where history is palpable. In the streets, you’ll find white houses that make you feel like you’re walking through a Greek village. Here, you’ll find plenty of typical Spanish restaurants, mainly serving fish dishes, and just the aroma alone is truly delightful!
Castle Papa Luna
The castle of Papa Luna, proudly towering above the city, tells the tale of knights and kings. A visit to this historic fortress not only offers a journey through time but also breathtaking panoramas of the coastline. The first mention of the castle in literature dates back to the 11th century, although this description was rather vague. It wasn’t until the 13th century that more detailed accounts of the fort emerged, when James I of Aragon wrote about the defense of the coast against Moorish pirates. For 5 euros, you can visit the castle, although this was not an option for us as dogs are not allowed.
Moviestar Peniscola
A fun fact: Peñíscola not only boasts a rich history but may also be familiar to you from movies and TV series. The charming town has served as a backdrop for films and series, including the famous ‘Game of Thrones’. Take a stroll through the streets and relive the magic of the white village by the sea.
Golden beaches at the Costa del Azahar
The coast of Peñíscola stretches out in golden sandy beaches and intimate coves. The Mediterranean Sea beckons for refreshing swims and relaxing days at the beach. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the sun and sea. Even on windier days, you can still enjoy the beach here. There’s a small bay sheltered by the old town where you can seek refuge from the wind.
Campings Peniscola
In Peñíscola, we opt to find a camper site for our motorhome. For 9.50 euros, we park at the Camper Labrisa site, which is about a 10-minute walk from the beach. The showers are decent, and there is good Wi-Fi available. If you prefer to park freely, there are also a few options in the city. During the winter, camping along the boulevard is tolerated, and you can stay overnight for a small fee with a beautiful view of the city. You can also find a larger parking area behind the hotels, which you can locate on Park4Night under #370320.
Conclusion
We find Peñíscola to be one of the more enjoyable cities we’ve visited in Spain. Since there is still little tourism here and the city is not too big, it makes for a great vacation destination. The city offers a mix of culture, architecture, and delicious Spanish food. If you’re in the area, don’t overlook this city, especially while it’s still relatively undiscovered.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain, take a look at our other Spanish destinations.