Things to do in Peniscola

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Azahar Coast

Peniscola Castle

Peniscola Castle stands on a rocky headland extending into the Mediterranean Sea on the east coast of Spain. The old town is connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar, earning it the reputation as the "City in the Sea." This fortress was rebuilt by the Knights Templar on the site of an old Moorish fortress, and after the order was dissolved, it was garrisoned by the Order of Montesa; in the 15th century, Pope Benedict XIII retired here during the turmoil of the Western Schism until his death, transforming the castle into a papal residence, which is why it is also often called the "Castle of Pope Luna." The interior of the castle retains the layout from the Knights Templar period: an open courtyard used for military drills and assemblies, a small chapel, and halls featuring barrel vaults and round arches; several restored rooms have been converted into exhibition halls, displaying historical materials and artifacts related to the Knights Templar and the "Moon Pope." Within the walls also sits the Gothic Church of St. Mary. Strolling along the walls and towers, you will find the deep blue Mediterranean Sea and the winding coastline on one side, and the white-walled, red-tiled roofs of the old town on the other; the scenery is particularly moving at sunset. The castle and the old town once served as a filming location for the American TV series *Game of Thrones*, where it was transformed into the slave city of Meereen, attracting many fans who come specifically to seek out the scenes from the show. In the summer, the long-running Early Music Festival and Theater Festival are also often held in the castle and the old town.

Lighthouse of Peñiscola

This pretty little lighthouse is very close to the Peñíscola Castle and offers great views of the town and beach.

Bufador

Papagayo Garden

Parc Natural de la Serra d'Irta

Magic Museum. Yunke.

Camping Edén

Casa de Las Conchas

El Parc d'Artilleria

Escape Peñíscola