About The Peniscola Spain Travel Guide
By Jackie De Burca
Welcome to The Peniscola Spain Travel Guide. Here you’ll find plenty of information and photos of Peñiscola.
I am Jackie De Burca, an Irish writer, who has lived in Spain since 2003. Together with my Portuguese partner, we explore areas close to us and further afield to give you, what we hope is, useful travel information. We’ve also lived in various parts of Spain, having led a bit of a nomadic lifestyle.
Peniscola: officially one of Spain’s most beautiful towns
One of the aspects of Spain that I have always loved is how so many towns and cities seem to balance the old with the new. Known as the City in the Sea, Peñiscola is a rather striking example of this, with its Templar Castle and medieval walls that are enchantingly surrounded by water. The former Papal Residence is also on the official list of Spain’s most beautiful towns. In fact in the province of Castellon we have three towns that make that list; the other two are Morella and Vilafames. In 1972 Peñiscola was declared to be an Historical Conservation Area, and in October 2015 it was a location for filming of Game of Thrones.
Peñiscola as a film location
Although being a film location is nothing new for Peñiscola, as it has played this role a number of times, including scenes from El Cid. It has been running its own Film Festival since 2008.
Films shot in Peñsicola include:
Ana Cadova (1914), The Joy of the Battalion (1924), Life is Wonderful (1955), Calabuch (1956), The Buccaneers of the Caribbean Sea (1960), El Cid , All were guilty (1962), Jo, pope! (1984), Fugue of the island of the devil (1984), Tramontana (1990), The day never in the afternoon (1994), Aluncinaciones (1978), The son of the priest (1982) , Tierra (1995), Paris-Tumbouti (1999), Mataharis (2007), Pizza Eli (2008) and Sinterklaas (2009).
Peñiscola in the Sunday Times & Condé Nast Traveller
When I originally wrote this Peñiscola Spain Travel Guide, in early 2014, almost no-one I knew back home had heard of Peñsicola. Of course that is changing gradually between some media coverage and the flights from the UK into Castellon Airport.
In April 2017 Peñiscola was featured in the prestigious Sunday Times newspaper, in the UK, in a feature titled: Spain’s secret weekends. It has also been featured as one of Condé Nast Traveller’s top towns in the community of Valencia.
Peñiscola: a special introduction in the Sunday Times
You’ve got to love the introduction about Peñiscola in the Sunday Times: Spain’s secret weekends.
“How on earth has a medieval city all but surrounded by the sea, with a humongous Templar castle, magnificent beaches and a passion for food that keeps more than 200 restaurants in business, managed to keep itself out of Britain’s holiday limelight? Maybe the name put the tour operators off.”
The stuff fairytales are made of…
On a clear day I can see Peñíscola from the roof of our little country house, which is inland, around 25 miles away. The views of this piece of paradise are superb and rather unique, and can be seen from many vantage points along Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast (Costa Azahar). From a distance it is the dramatic contrast of the 14th century Templar castle, which rises majestically above the sea, that is a striking scene at any time of the day or night.
In fact at night, when it is all lit up, it becomes the magical stuff fairytales are made of. Even though my partner had over-sold Peñiscola to me, I was still truly bowled over when I saw it for the first time. In fact, even now, though I have lost count of the number of times I have seen it from afar or up close, I still feel it is one of the most uniquely beautiful views I have ever seen.
Walking through history & memories
What you can’t know from the distant views of Peñíscola is what lies inside those castle and city walls. Rising 64 metres above the azure blue sea, the castle and city walls envelope gorgeous windy cobbled stone streets, which are throbbing with the memories of centuries gone by, but at the same time are home to lots of little shops. Walking along these historic streets of the old town of Peñíscola, you need to stop quite frequently to take in the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean sea. Then it’s time to look back at the quaint aesthetic beauty of the old town.
About
Traditional Fishing Village | Culture and Lovely Beaches
Traditionally a fishing village, Peñíscola has been popular for a long time with Spanish tourists and also with some foreign tourists and today, tourism is its main economic activity, followed by fishing. The nationalities of the tourists can be split currently into around 80% Spanish, and 20% foreign tourists, with French tourists accounting for a fair bit of this percentage. With a number of high end hotels, plenty of apart hotels, campsites and apartments on offer, this is a destination that is just waiting to be discovered by those who love culture, beaches, good food, amazing heritage, and the good life.
Did you know that there are around 200 restaurants to choose from in Peñiscola?
Family Friendly
Although for many the old town is the undisputed main attraction, along with the lovely beaches, Peñiscola has a large modern town, to cater for both residents and visitors. Just as the distant views of the town are a contrast of the castle over the sea, so is the town itself. The old town contrasts with the new town, and the busy summer season contrasts with the quiet winter season.
Some foreigners have made it home also, but in comparison to the nearby towns of Benícarlo and Vinaros, for now, it’s quieter during the winter. However it is totally buzzing in the summertime, and the water is a lovely temperature in the sea. The slope is very gradual as you wander into the sea, just under the majestic castle – so you can walk out for quite a while before you need to get into a bit of swimming.
Of course the shallow, calm waters in such a unique and stunning setting make it a great destination for families. In case you’re not aware, Spain in general, is a very family friendly destination. Like other Mediterranean countries, the locals generally dote on children, and instead of feeling awkward in some restaurants, as can happen back in colder climes, you should get a warm welcome in most establishments for your younger family members.
Castellon Airport
Castellon Airport opened on the 15th September 2015, and no doubt this will change the tourism in the Valencian Community, especially in the province of Castellon where Peñíscola is located, and for sure over time in Peniscola. Of course it’s difficult at this moment to say how long this will take and to what extent it will change, but certainly Peñiscola is a destination with class and should be on your radar.
However for those of us who live here, we hope it will be beneficial to the area without bringing in the stag and hen brigade. It is hard to imagine Peñíscola, or the other towns, being spoilt like that. Mostly at the moment (August 2015) there isn’t an English or Irish breakfast in sight!
Castellon Airport will have its first flight paths up and running from the 15th September 2015 from Stansted, from the 16th September 2015 from Bristol. There will initially be three weekly flights from London Stansted UK, and two weekly flights from Bristol UK.
Peñíscola Climate Today is the 23rd October and the weather is lovely. The day started off quite dull but has really brightened up. We have a high of 26º and a low of 15º. There are still a few clouds around, but it’s definitely a beach day. Click here to see the monthly weather averages for Peñíscola
Things To Do
Castles
Peñíscola is known as the city within the sea, because it is connected only by a narrow land strip to the mainland. The castle is also known as the Castle of Pope Luna (Papa Luna) and can be visited for an admission fee. It is well worth the fee, but be warned that in July and August, you need to be prepared to sweat as you tour inside the castle. You can of course wander around the exterior for free, where there are amazing sea views.
Pope Luna (Papa Luna) | Antipope Benedict XIII
Before entering you are greeted by an impressive bronze statue of Pope Luna at the entrance of the Templar fortress castle, which was constructed between 1294 and 1307. Pope Luna (originally Pedro Martínez de Luna y Pérez de Gotor, of one of the 12 noble families of Aragon) was Pope between 1394 and 1417, and due to the Great Schism he was anti-Pope from 1417 until he died in 1423. He came to Peñíscola in 1415, after he had refused to surrender his Papal tiara to the Council of Perpignan. The Master of the Order of Montesa, Romeu de Cabrera, offered him the fortress and Pope Luna accepted and turned it into his Papal court. If you would like to know more about the fascinating story of Papa Luna, please click on Pope Luna Peñíscola (Antipope Benedict XIII)
Churches
Church of the Virgen del Socorro – Iglesia de la Virgen del Socorro- Parish Church Formerly Known As Santa María
Carrer de Don Juan José Fulladosa Sanz, 3, 12598 Peñíscola Castelló Phone: +34 964 48 00 11 In the 15th century the church was damaged in a fire, which led to some reconstruction, including its Gothic starry vault. It is thought to date back originally to the 12th century. It is situated in the old town.
Hermitages
Ermita de la Mare de Déu d’Ermitana Peñiscola – Hermitage of the Mother of God
The Sanctuary of the Mare de Deu d’Ermitana is attached to Pope Luna’s castle and because of this sometimes visitors think it is the parish church. It was built between 1708 and 1714 in Valencian Baroque style. For the locals, it holds great importance for hosting the image of the Virgin.
Museums
The Sea Museum – Museo de la Mar Peñiscola
Calle Príncipe, Phone: 964 481 603, E-mail: museu@peniscola.org
Opening Hours: July to September: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 April to June: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 October to June: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00
It is thought that the original building where today’s Sea Museum is housed, can be dated back to medieval times. However it was during the 18th century when it was reshaped into the form we see today; at that time its purpose was to be an artillery barracks. From 1912 on it was reconditioned to be used as classrooms, but once these local schools moved out of the buildings in 1969 it was left abandoned. That was until 1993 when restoration works began under the Taller School, with further work being carried out in 1996 to customise it for use as a museum. The goal of the Sea Museum is to preserve and promote the seafaring cultural heritage of the town. Peñíscola’s Sea/Maritime Musuem is located in the most easterly wall of the promontory on the Prince’s Bastion, and inside you’ll see the seafaring heritage divided into three themes:
– Fishing and marine life
– History
– Archaeology
Marine species are featured in three aquariums, there are model ships, graphic documents, as well as archaeological pìeces and ethnological exhibits. Additionally the museum has multimedia displays.
Where to Sleep
Where to Eat
Restaurants
Peñiscola Food
As you can imagine the food of this area is inextricably linked to the sea. However the town is also located in the wonderfully fertile area of the Orange Blossom Coast (Costa Azahar), which as the name suggests means there’s a wealth of citrus fruits, but there’s an abundance of other types of fresh local food produce. The area is also famous for its artichokes, with Benicarlo, which is a couple of miles up the road, actually producing artichokes which have been awarded the equivalent quality mark as a denomination of wine.
Both in the old town and the modern part of the town, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from. Up to now my favourite restaurant of all time, has recently relocated from Alcanar to Peñiscola.
See photos of their dishes, and read my review here at Carmen Guillemot de Peñíscola
Events
Festivals
Peniscola Festival
Click on any of the names and dates below to find out more about these various fiestas (festivals) that happen in Peñiscola during the year.
Saint Anthony The Abbott Peñiscola – 17th January 2015
Hondarribia-Peniscola International Guitar Festival This is a guitar festival which takes place in the castle, in the Gothic Hall. Peñiscola and Hondarribia are twinned cities, and this music festival is a mark of this fraternity. If you wish to know more about Peñiscola’s twin, which is a tiny Basque town, check out this article in the New York Times about Hondarribia. While listening to some very talented guitarists, many of your other senses will be awakened by the most perfect views from the castle over the sea, while at the same time feeling the serenity and impact of this Templar Castle.
This does sound a wonderful place, you describe it beautifully. I’d particularly love to visit during one of these festivals as, although it might mean that it is extra busy, I’m sure there is a great atmosphere making Peniscola even more enticing.I’d love to photograph it all too, especially lit up by night – sounds magical!
It is really gorgeous Kathryn, thanks for your comment. I am currently working on getting lots of festivals on, loads of work, but should be worth it eventually 🙂
Hi Jackie,
We will be visiting Peniscola in June. We will have a hire car. Any suggestions or advice?
Heather
Hi Heather,
Glad to hear you’re coming to Peniscola. I can’t help that much on car hire, purely as I live here, so really I don’t have any need to rent a car. There are a few companies at Castellon airport, but not sure which is the best, have a great time, Jackie
I do want to visit Spain some day but I don’t know about many of the places to go other than the obvious major cities like Madrid, Seville, etc. So I look forward to posts like this so I can plan my trip whenever that might happen. Keep them coming.
Thanks Lee, will do and hope to see you here one day.
Really comprehensive (and very appealing!) guide, Jackie… well done. Looks like there’s lot of interesting history to explore. Just a small suggestion, but I’d be interested to see a map with these.
Thanks Paul, totally agree with your suggestion – we are doing some type of integration with Google Maps in the background, so we will definitely have a maps facility. The idea is to eventually have all of the festivals, carnivals, gastronomic events etc and the guides to the towns, villages, natural parks and so on, and then with maps and a search facility, visitors can customise their own itinerary. Right now the blog is pretty raw with a lot being done in the background, and I have sooo much writing to do, to achieve these goals. The design and usability is still very much under construction.
What a fascinating history of this pope and the area that it was dedicated to, I would love to visit here some day. I’m always attracted to historical and scenic places to visit that are also very beautiful to photograph and this one certainly clicks off all the requirements.
Thanks very much Noel. Yes it is fascinating, and although I’ve been there many times, I still love that big statue of the pope that is outside the castle. This is one of the those places where you can really feel the sense of history, and the views from the castle and the interior of the ancient town walls, in certain spots are really spectacular. Hope to see you here one day. 🙂
I love reading about these old, historic Spanish towns that have so much heritage and is depicted throughout the architecture. The castle walls in a town are always so intriguing as you think about the warfare and history that took place around these parts at some time and I am always interested to wander around and imagine what life must have been like when the Spanish empire was in true force.
You then make your way to the stereotypical Spanish harbours and are presented with pristine ocean in the background and beautifully manicured cobbled streets. Talk about true relaxation!
What a gorgeous comment Chris, and so true. It is intriguing, I think you’d love to visit this area. 🙂
Comparto con vosotros esta historia sobre PeñÃscola. Espero que os guste. http://castellon-en-ruta-cultural.es/peniscola-y-el-enigma-del-craneo-del-papa-luna-un-misterio-resuelto/
Gracias Antonio, es muy interesante.
We are travelling to Peniscola in September, really looking forward to it following your website. We are flying into Castellon airport with Ryanair, do you know if there any taxis, buses or trains transporting to Peniscola? Many thanks and thankyou for all the information of this area.
Hi Val, I am sure you’ll love Peñiscola. Right now the weather is actually a wee bit intense …so September is a lovely time to come normally. Currently this information isn’t “obviously” available, but soon I am meeting up with one of the girls for the tourist authority of Peñiscola, and she has promised to let me know. I will let you know (and update the information here also – it’s a very good question) all in due course. She did say there will be transport, but details I am waiting on.
Thanks
Jackie
thank you for your reply. Another question, we are on holiday in Peniscola from 20th September – 30th, will there be any festivals on during this period? Really excited as time gets nearer. We love Spain and are really looking forward to somewhere unspoilt.
You’re welcome Val. You will arrive on the final day of the main fiesta, which this year runs from the 7th to 20th September, which is a real shame. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Hi Did you manage to find out about transfers ? I can not find anything at all.
Hi Damo,
I am still waiting. I am going to chase this up again today, and will get back to you.
Thanks
Jackie
Thanks any info really appreciated.
Hi Damo,
I still haven’t news as yet, just to let you know. The moment I have, I will let you know.
Thanks
Jackie
Thanks Jackie I appreciate your efforts.
Hi Damo,
You’re welcome. I still haven’t heard anything, although I can see this company for car rental now, and am going to include that on this page, so others can see. I promise to let you know more when possible.
https://www.66rentacar.com
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Jackie, I wondered if you have heard anything regarding transfers? I have tried through Ryanair but they dont have anything arranged from the Castellon airport. Do you know a website in spain where I might contact to book a transfer. I am getting concerned as our holiday approaches. Another idea is whether there is a train station nearby? Thank you.
Hi Val
No news as yet, I am chasing it. Sorry about that, but I will let you know as soon as I hear back. Try not to be concerned, I know it is difficult, I was told by my tourism contact that there will be transport. She still hasn’t had an update. I don’t have a website to supply you with, and there isn’t a train station close by – the closest one is Torreblanca.
I will let you know the moment I hear something Val.
Thanks
Jackie
Thankyou
Hi Val,
You’re welcome. I still haven’t heard anything, although I can see this company for car rental now, and am going to include that on this page, so others can see. I promise to let you know more when possible.
https://www.66rentacar.com
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Val,
The announcement has been made a short while ago today, that there will be a bus shuttle that will be timed to be there for these Ryanair flights. There will apparently be 2 routes, which are as follows:
Alcossebre, Peñiscola, Benicarlo and Vinaros
Oropesa-Benicà ssim-Castellón-Valencia
Enjoy the trip
Jackie
Thank you so much Jackie, I have really enjoyed your site and look forward to visiting some of the places you mention. Looking forward to a good holiday. Thankyou again.
My pleasure Val 🙂 When are you visiting, I don’t think you mentioned your dates as far as I remember? I am glad that the site has been of some help, it is still very much a work in progress. Plus in the background we are working on an e-magazine for the province of Castellon. Have a wonderful time Val 🙂
Hi Jackie, I came to let you know about the bus line, but I see you are really good and fast! …http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/castellon/linea-autobus-unira-aeropuerto-municipios-turisticos-norte_950720.html
I am Spanish myself and would like to thank you for the nice words about our towns and villages…My wife and son are English and we are going to Peñiscola the 26 sep. for 2 weeks…I promised them I would take them here, as PeñÃscola has been my summer holidays since the 80´s with my parents and I haven´t come back since 2000…I know it has been raining the last few days, but it seems good weather is coming back…hopefully till the 10th October! hahaha…Any nice restaurant you recommend apart of Carmen Guillenot?…nice fish, calamari, patatas bravas, sepia….
Hi Oscar
Thanks so much for firstly thinking to let me know and secondly for your kind words. I am enchanted by the idea of someone like yourself going back to Peñiscola – the holiday destination of your family when you were a child. I would love to hear from you (jackie@staging.pura-vida.info) when you are back, even a paragraph or two, about your comparison from those days to now. I would really like to add something like this to the information here. I do understand if you don’t feel like doing it, but anyhow I thought I would ask.
Another restaurant that I think you should enjoy and is more fish and rice orientated than Carmen Guillemot is http://xn--casajaimepeiscola-pxb.com/
Have a wonderful time and thanks again,
Jackie
hi Jackie, thankyou once again for all your help. we are travelling this Sunday 20th until the 30th September. We are really looking forward to visiting the places you have mentioned. Many thanks.
Hi Val,
It has been my pleasure. I hope you have a wonderful time, do drop a message to let me know how you got on.
Happy hols
Jackie
Hi Jakie,
Very interesting info on your web site. We would like some info: We will be only visiting Peniscola for one day sometime between 18thOct till 23rdOct2015. We will be arriving with a rented car. My question is. 1. Next to a sandy beach the one to the south, which is very close to Peniscola there is a very large parking is that for residents only or is it a paying parking (what are the fees per hour?) or is it free? Also is there anywhere else where we can park our rented car for the day(from 9.00am till 18.00pm)?
Appreciate any feedback
Hi Saviour,
Very glad you’ve found it interesting. Good question, re parking – the parking you are talking about is public, and they do some offers for x amount of days etc. https://sites.google.com/site/parkingvoramar/
I think by the time you arrive filming of Game of Thrones should be over, although the weather right now may be a bit challenging for the crew 🙂 In terms of other parking, we always use the big parking, just for peace of mind. If we are only there for a couple of hours and happen to spot on street parking we take it. So I am not sure of other alternatives.
Have a lovely trip
Jackie
hello Jackie,
II would like to know how do I get from Madrid to Peniscola
we are arriving the 13 In Madrid staying a few days than to Peniscola
I would like to take the train
Hi Lea,
Madrid is a wonderful city, make sure you get into Park Retiro and if the weather allows take a rowing boat out on the lake 🙂 By train, from Madrid you need to go first to Valencia. If possible, work in a night of your itinerary to stay in Valencia, and then you will get a train from Valencia Nord to Peñiscola-Benicarlo station. This station is not central for Peñiscola town, but it’s a short taxi ride to get there. Have a lovely trip,
Jackie
Hello there,
I would like to know if the is an high speed connection for internet in Peniscola
or which company is to have a Dish.
thank you for your response
Hi Lea,
As far as I know the only company that can provide high speed is Telefonica, which is the national service. The only way to tell if you can get it, is to go to their website and put in the address you have for the area, and then it should tell you.
Sorry I don’t have heaps of info on this subject, but I think that should be what you need.
Thanks
Jackie
thank you Jackie for your reply…
.
You are very welcome Lea 🙂
Hi Jackie, I suppose you are one of those mysterious people who sit for hours in a coffee house thrashing away on a laptop keyboard and I wonder, ‘are they working or just social networking’. well here’s my question, three wrinklies enroute to Barcelona from OIvera and thence to Bilbao for ferry back to Portsmouth and just one day in Peniscola. Are there any events we may look in to?
Hi Bernard, thanks for your comment, which has made me smile a lot. 🙂 I will contact you by email, as you don’t mention dates. With 1 day in Peñiscola, I would say it is enough to enjoy the old town, Castle and so on. Time on the beach, if you’re that way inclined, and food at Carmen Guillemot for sure 🙂
Such a great web site,thanks. My wife and I, along with a number of other couples are taking a river cruise out of Bodeaux and I talked my wife into driving down to Peniscola where I bought a timeshare for a week. We have never been to France or Spain and we thought it was time to go. Do you think the drive is that easy, google says it’s 8 or so hours,which is no problem. We will be there in late April We can change and take a train but I would like to be able to go see other places and not set in one spot. After we leave Peniscola we plan on taking 2 days to get to Paris where we will spend 5 days One of the benifits of being retired is having time on your hands.
Love your blog, thanks
Bob
Hi Bob,
Your kind comment is very much appreciated. 🙂 Thank you. Firstly let me say that I am a horrible long distance driver 🙂 It’s just not my thing. However yes I think 8 hours there or thereabouts should be around right. On your route back up to Paris, you will most likely head in the direction of Barcelona, so if you have time do check out Tarragona – amphitheatre by the sea, and lots more.
Mostly because of my driving “style” I would take the trip back up to Paris a bit slower than 2 days, but of course that is a personal thing for sure Bob. Two days is achievable, but you will need to do an average of around 385 miles per day.
I would love to hear back from you after your trip. So glad to hear you have time to enjoy some of Spain & France, both wonderful countries.
Wishes for a fabulous trip to you and the rest of your party 🙂
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
I just got back from Spain and Portugal and I miss it already! I visited Pensicola just for a day and went into a ceramic shop on Calle Porteta, I think.
Do you know the name of the shop? I bought some beautiful bowls from there and the stamp on the bottom says Ivanros Pensicola Made in Spain.
I am wondering if they have a website, but can not seem to find it. I have a feeling I can only buy in Spain. Oh well, I will cherish those bowls forever and
the memories.
Thank you for your help,
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
So glad to hear you had a lovely time, my partner is Portuguese so I also love Portugal as well as Spain. 🙂 There are a few shops in Peñsicola that sell ceramics, and I doubt many of them have websites, in all honesty. Take a look at http://artesaniaivanros.com/ and http://peniscola.salir.com/ceramica_yvan – maybe it is one of these? One has a website, but I think you would need to contact them to see if you could buy, and the other doesn’t have a website.
I think you may just have to come back again Cheryl 🙂
Thanks
Jackie
My interest in Peniscola began earlier this year during the Vuelta a Espana where the tour passed through. On seeing this place I immediately booked an apartment for two weeks in Aug 2017 and worried about how to actually get there afterwards!
I’ve been gradually gathering information together to piece together an itinerary (not that it has to be rigidly adhered to in any way). We may end up on the beach a lot of the time!
I’d just like to thank you for your guide to the area and look forward to experiencing all that it has to offer when we arrive next year.
Hi David,
Thank you so much for your comment. I hope you let me know how you get on after your trip in August 2017. August is of course very busy there, as you would expect. I have no idea of what is on your itinerary, but if you rent a car, do try also to get inland to Morella, which is another of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and under an hour’s drive from Peñiscola.
I’m guessing from your comment that you have already found a way to arrive, but just in case you are still researching, Ryanair flies into Castellon Airport, which is the closest and there are shuttle buses from the airport to a variety of spots along the coast, including Peñiscola.
Have a wonderful time, and thanks again
Jackie
Great site, very informative and well done, thank you. We’re visiting in September 2017 and looking for weekly bike rentals. Anything in the immediate areas and how do the hotels address storing the bikes?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the positive feedback, it’s very much appreciated. Apologies for the delay in coming back to you, we’ve been out working on some routes for Hertz, so keep an eye out over the next few weeks for them. 🙂 This seems like the best option for you: http://bicispeniscola.com/en/index.php In terms of how the hotels deal with it, I actually don’t know. Do you know yet which hotel you will stay in? I can help you if/when you know, or you have whittled it down to 2 or 3. Just let me know.
Warm regards,
Jackie 🙂
Hi there Jackie,
I was wondering if you would be able to offer me a little advise. Myself and my husband and our three kids are thinking about packing up life here in Ireland for a couple of years and taking some time out and moving to this part of Spain. I have lived in Galicia for a number of years previously and speak Spanish. It’s obviously a lot different now with three children and I am finding it difficult to know where to start when it comes to a move like this. If you had a moment at some point to give me any information that you might be so kind as to share I would really appreciate it.
I suppose I’m wondering about 1)schools, I have emailed an international school there for primary school age and am waiting their reply. But do you know are kids eligable to be enrolled in schools there? Is there a criteria they must meet? They are 5,3 and 1 and don’t speak Spanish. 2)My husband doesn’t speak Spanish, but I wondered would there be many opportunites for him to seek part time employment in the tourism industry that requires english perhaps? I teah English and would plan on doing this. The third query would be about long term rentals, we would hope to live outside of the town, in a rural location but would be looking rentals for around 12 months at a time. Do you know of any agencies that might be able to help us with this?
Thanks for your blogs, you’ve a lovely style of writing and I have loved reading your pieces on this part of Spain. If you did find time, my email is
many thanks
Sinead x
Hi Sinead,
I’ve replied to this by email.
Warm wishes,
Jackie
Could you tell me what it would be like visiting the first week of November please.
Hi Gareth,
The beginning of November is a little unpredictable. You could be lucky and have lovely weather, or not ….as we move into November it because less stable, but can easily be gorgeous as well. Peñiscola, for now, will be a lot quieter once we reach the end of October, as the tourism tends not to be all year round, so a certain percentage of the businesses shut down.
Warm regards,
Jackie
Our first trip to Peniscola was in 1987, it was in the days when tour operators did package holidays here, but on a small scale. We love it as much today as we did then, and although it has expanded considerably over the years, it has not been spoilt. Unfortunately we won’t get back this year, but hopefully next year.
Hi Jackie,
good day to you, I was going through your site for details on Peniscola and really find a trove of information, many thanks for putting in the hours of effort to get all of this information in one place.
I am planning my first Spain trip in December (we are from Asia) alongwith my wife and 7yr old kid, need some information from you.
1. We will be travelling first week of December, how is the weather in general in Peniscola during the time ( i have checked on the net and average looks to be around 10 deg C). Looks like it will be off season, so does it become really quiet or ghost town in winter?
Answer: Yes it is very quiet at this time. The weather is variable, there are many Christmas days that we’ve been outside in the sun enjoying temperatures of 17 to 20 or so degrees c.
2. We will be travelling from Barcelona to Peniscola (2days stay at Peniscola, then further on to Valencia), am really lost on how to get there – private car hire or bus. I got the below bus option, do you have any idea if this is reliable?
https://www.omio.com/search-frontend-weaver/results/LC3A33774B4EA4D018D8B9959B9648820/bus?locale=en
Do the bus stop in city centre or near the beach?
Answer:
Both bus and train service are pretty good. So I would choose either. The bus might be a bit easier with a child, and it brings you into Plaza Constitucion.(Linked to Google Maps)
Here are the links to the bus and train companies.
Bus: http://hife.es/en-GB
Train: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html
3. Do I get any private taxi or bus service for Peniscola -> Valencia ?
Answer:
I normally take the train, but that is not to say the bus is not good. I just haven’t tried it for that particular route. 🙂 The train takes you into Estacion Nord – North Station, which apart from being a good location, the station is impressive architecturally. The only downside for the train is it is a short taxi ride to the station.
4. My hotel is Apartamentos Tamarindos Peñiscola
Avenida Papa Luna, 168
12598 Peñíscola
Would you have any feedback on this like location etc.
Answer:
Avenida Papa Luna is a long avenue that runs by the coast in Peñiscola. Your apartment complex is situated there a few kilometres from the Castle. Please click on the map here to see what I mean. I have done a search for your apartments and our favourite Indian restaurant, Goa. That restaurant is quite near where the bus stops from Barcelona.
Thanks in advance if you can kindly help me with the queries
Hi SD,
Thanks for your kind comments about my writing. The answers are below each of your questions. If you like Indian and decide to go to Goa, please ask for Manny the owner and tell him that Jackie from Orange Blossomers told you how good his restaurant is. I don’t get any money or anything ….we just wanted to help out the business as their food is so good.
If you are on Facebook, you can join our group Orange Blossomers – this covers a fair bit of the area around here.
The group is mostly aimed at those living here or wishing to move to the area. But we do welcome people like yourself also. 🙂
Have a great trip,
Jackie
Hey Jackie, thanks for all the info. We used it to visit Peniscola this summer. We enjoyed the city, but found it a bit busy with too many touristy shops and restaurants that took away from the beauty of the simple white walls. Our plan’s to go back in the winter when it’s empty.
Have you been to Serra D’Irta just south of town? We loooved it there. A relaxing slice of coastal nature after walking around the busy town.
Hello
I first went to Peniscola in the 60’s
When it was a small fishing village
Even rode the horse that c h rode in the film el Cid.
I loved it and despite It growing past all recognition I am so pleased to read all the glowing reports as next year I am planning a trip to paint
And would be grateful for any recommandation re areas and accommodation in or around.
Many thanks
I