Peñíscola

Peñíscola (Valencian: Peníscola) is in the province of Castellón on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

Peñiscola is an ancient fortified seaport first established by the Iberians in 1000 BCE. The port was conquered by the Phoenicians, later by the Greeks, and then by the Carthaginians, where Hannibal famously swore to never ally himself with Rome. Later the Romans and Moors controlled the seaport, until it finally came under Christian control in the 13th century.

Today the town with its 5km of beaches is one of the most heavily visited tourist destinations in Spain, popular with both Spanish and international visitors; in summers the population of this small town explodes from less than 8,000 to more than 150,000 people.

See

• ⊙Castell de Peníscola (Castell del Papa Luna / Peñiscola Castle). 16 Oct - Palm Sunday: daily 10:30-17:30; Palm Sunday - 15 Oct: daily 09:30-21:30. Built on the remains of an older Arab fortification, most of the castle's construction was completed between 1294 and 1307 by the Order of the Knights Templar. The castle served as the residence of Pope Benedict XVIII (aka 'Papa Luna') from 1411 until 1423, and in the late 16th century a series of bastions and gates were added to the complex. The terrace overlooking the castle affords great panoramic views of the town to the north as well as to the Irta mountains to the south. €5 (adults), €3.50 (concessions), free (children under 8). (updated May 2016)
• ⊙Església de Santa Maria de Peníscola (Iglesia de Santa María / Church of Santa Maria) (by the town hall). Built in 1234 atop the remains of an earlier Moorish mosque, the parish church was renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. It houses several valuable objects owned by Papa Luna and his successor Clement VIII, including a cross and chalice, and reliquary. Free. (updated May 2016)
• ⊙Museu de la Mar (Museo de la Mar / Museum of the Sea), C/ Príncipe, s/n, ☎ +34 964 481603. Oct-Mar: Tu-Su 09:30-15:30; Apr-Jun: daily 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00; Jul-Sep: daily 10:00-14:00 17:00-21:00. This small museum showcases archaeological and ethnological artificats from the area, as well as model ships and maps. It also has three aquariums devoted to Mediterranean marine life. Free. (updated May 2016)

Eat

Mid-range

• ⊙Restaurante Casa Jaime, Avda Papa Luna, 5, ☎ +34 964 480030. Daily 13:00-15:30 20:00-23:00; in winter closed W. Specializes in seafood, with rice dishes especially recommended. Has a terrace overlooking the beach. Reservations by email not accepted. (updated May 2016)

Splurge

• ⊙Restaurante Casa Dorotea, C/ San Vicente, 12, ☎ +34 964 480863. Daily 13:00-15:30 19:30-22:30. Tucked away on a side street and with a homey, comfortable atmosphere, the established restaurant specializes in local seafood. Mains €25+. (updated Nov 2016)
• ⊙Restaurante El Peñon, Carrer Santos Mártires, 22 (on the rd to the castle), ☎ +34 964 480716, +34 635 538097. Daily 13:00-15:30 20:00-23:00. This established hotel-restaurant serves seafood and other classic Valencian dishes. Set menu €18. (updated Jun 2016)