Peñíscola Old Town
Casc antic de Peníscola
A walled old town on a rocky peninsula. White-walled alleys, stone steps and sea-view terraces climb upward, surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean.
Peñíscola's old town sits on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea. It is encircled by medieval walls and bastions reinforced in the 16th century under Philip II. The main gates are the Portal Fosc, or Black Gate, and the Sant Pere Gate. Inside, white-walled alleys with blue window frames and stone steps climb the slope, lined with craft shops, seafood restaurants and sea-view terraces. Along the way you will pass the Church of Santa María, the Shell House with its shell-decorated facade, and the Bufador sea cave, before reaching the castle at the summit. The peninsula connects to the mainland by a single narrow sandbar, and a fishing harbour lies beneath the walls. Entry to the old town is free, but outside vehicles are banned, so park outside and walk in. The walls are especially photogenic under the lights at night.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Artillery Park
- Hermitage of Our Lady of the Ermitana
- Peñíscola Castle (Castle of Pope Luna)
- El Bufador
- Sea Museum
- Port of Peñíscola
- Playa Sur
- Playa Norte