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Peñíscola occupies a rocky headland linked to the mainland by a sandy isthmus, at the northern end of Castellón province. At its summit stands the castle built by the Knights Templar and later turned into a papal seat by Pope Luna; below, urban beaches stretch out on either side, while to the south lies the almost unspoilt coast of the Sierra de Irta.
The key question is whether to stay within the walls, with the castle just around the corner, or by the sand, with more space and your car close at hand. Here we explain what each area offers and which places we’ve chosen one by one; you’ll find the full selection on our places to stay in Peñíscola page.
How to choose an area
Peñíscola is small and easy to explore on foot, but each area has a different feel. Here are the options:
- The old town: steep, whitewashed streets within the walls, with the castle, viewpoints and restaurants. Ideal for couples who don’t need a car.
- Playa Sur and the port: a short, sheltered beach beside the fishing port, just a few steps from the walls. It combines a maritime atmosphere, calm water and proximity to the old town.
- Playa Norte and Papa Luna Avenue: the long seafront promenade stretching towards Benicarló, with family hotels, apartments and easier parking.
- The Sierra de Irta and residential areas: villas with pools among pine and olive trees, for groups and families travelling by car.
For a short break, the old town or Playa Sur are the best all-round bases. If you’re travelling with family, Playa Norte saves you the steep climbs and tricky manoeuvres with the car.
Where to stay in Peñíscola: the places we’ve chosen
Our selection is concentrated on the headland and its surroundings: small guesthouses, almost all adults-only and with sea views, plus a family hotel at Playa Norte. None of the places in the old town has its own parking.
B&B Mirazul
You’ll stay about 50 metres from the castle, right in the old town, in an adults-only guesthouse. The rooms look out to sea and have a balcony or terrace; continental breakfast is available at an extra cost. There’s no parking, and you need to arrive before 20:00.
Hostal Boutique Olvido 22 Adults Only
A boutique guesthouse within the walls, about 100 metres from Playa Norte. The rooms have balconies with views of the sea, town or mountains, and the suite also has its own terrace. Adults only, with no parking and stairs to the upper floors.
La Plaza Hostal
About 100 metres from the castle and Playa Norte, it offers double rooms with balconies or terraces and a quad room that’s handy if you’re travelling with friends. It’s adults only. As in most places on the headland, there’s no lift to the upper floors and no parking.
XULOS Rooms & Suites
Just 50 metres from Playa Sur, with soundproofed rooms and suites with terraces. The Deluxe Suite with sea views is 42 m² and has a sitting area and bathtub—a treat for a special occasion. A minimum stay of two nights is required, and nearby parking is public and paid.
Almar Suites
Adults only and about 200 metres from both beaches, so you can choose which side to swim on each day. The double rooms measure 19 m² and have a balcony or terrace with sea views. There’s no private parking and there are stairs to the upper floors.
Hotel Bodegón de Peñíscola
A family hotel about 40 metres from Playa Norte, with a café and terrace, and bicycles for hire to explore the seafront promenade. There are family rooms and others with two connecting rooms. The castle is a 30-minute walk away; there’s no lift, and parking is paid and must be reserved.
What to see in Peñíscola
Everything revolves around the castle, built by the Knights Templar in the early 14th century. Pope Luna, Benedict XIII, later lived here and made Peñíscola the third papal seat after Rome and Avignon.
It’s worth wandering through the old town: the Portal de Sant Pere, the Casa de las Conchas, the lighthouse and the Bufador, a crack in the rock where the sea crashes in during storms. You might recognise some of the streets: part of Game of Thrones was filmed here in 2015.
To the south begins the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, with around twelve kilometres of undeveloped coastline, rocky coves and the Badum Tower above the cliff—ideal for walking or cycling.
When to visit Peñíscola
Spring and autumn are the best times to explore the castle and the mountains without the crowds. Each summer, usually in July, the castle’s parade ground hosts the Classical Theatre Festival.
In September, the festivities of the Virgen de la Ermitana take place. They have been designated a Festival of National Tourist Interest and feature traditional dances and Moors and Christians parades. It’s best to book ahead in summer and during the festivities.
How to get there and get around
By car, take the AP-7 or N-340. The nearest train station is Benicarló-Peñíscola, in the neighbouring municipality; from there, continue by taxi or on the intercity bus linking Peñíscola, Benicarló and Vinaròs.
The nearest airport is Castellón, which scheduled its largest-ever range of routes in 2026, with destinations including London, Brussels and Madrid; Valencia and Barcelona have more connections. The local bus runs during Easter and from late June to 15 September.
Peñíscola is included in our guide to where to stay in the Valencian Community. If you’re heading south, see where to stay in Valencia, where to stay in Altea and where to stay in Benidorm.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions we hear most from people planning a few days in Peñíscola.
What’s the best area to stay in Peñíscola?
It depends on how you’re travelling. The old town within the walls is the most charming option, with the castle, viewpoints and restaurants just a few steps away, and peaceful nights. Playa Sur, beside the port, has calm water and the walls close by. Playa Norte is the most convenient if you’re arriving by car or with children, with more space, more parking and the beach right in front of the hotel.
Can you park in Peñíscola’s old town?
It’s difficult. The old town occupies a walled headland with narrow, steep streets, and most places to stay don’t have their own parking. Usually, you leave your car in a public car park, almost always paid, in the lower part of town, then walk up with your luggage. If having a car is essential, consider a hotel at Playa Norte or a villa with a parking space included.
Is Peñíscola a good destination for a trip with children?
Yes, if you choose your base carefully. Playa Norte, with its long stretch of fine sand, and Playa Sur, sheltered by the port’s breakwater, are good for little ones, and the castle appeals to all ages. Bear in mind that many guesthouses in the old town are adults-only and have stairs. With children, hotels at Playa Norte or villas with pools towards the Sierra de Irta are a better fit.
What can you see in Peñíscola in one or two days?
Start with the Templar castle, once the seat of Pope Luna, then explore the old town: the Portal de Sant Pere, the Casa de las Conchas, the lighthouse and the Bufador. At sunset, walk along the walls or the Playa Norte promenade. If you have a second day, spend it in the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, with its coves, trails and Badum Tower above the cliff.
How do you get to Peñíscola without a car?
The easiest option is to take the train to Benicarló-Peñíscola station, on the coastal line between Valencia and Barcelona, then take a taxi or the intercity bus linking Peñíscola, Benicarló and Vinaròs. The nearest airport is Castellón, although Valencia and Barcelona have more flights. Everything in town is within walking distance, and there’s a local bus at Easter and in summer.
