Day 9 - Exploring Peñiscola
The town is known for its beautiful beaches, its medieval castle, and its historic old town
Peñiscola is a coastal town in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is located on the Costa del Azahar, about 100 kilometers north of Valencia. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, its medieval castle, and its historic old town.
We arrived in the picturesque town of Peñiscola on day 9. As Peñiscola is a touristic town that we knew we wanted to explore, so we decided to stay in a secured parking area called La Brisa. The area provided a sense of safety, complete with a shower and toilet facility. Although it was a paid area, our five-day stay cost under 50€. It meant that we could leave the caravan in the safe compound of the parking area without fear of anyone trying to break into our home on wheels.
The first couple of nights in Peñiscola we slept with the caravan swaying in the wind. The days were no different. As there is either visiting the beach or visiting the old town in Peñiscola, under the circumstances, we decided to do the latter and explore the old narrow streets up to the historical castle.
The castle is situated on a crag overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, at an altitude of 64 metres (210 ft) above sea level. The current form of the castle is essentially that developed by the Knights Templar, who planned to develop a kingdom centred on Peñíscola. James II of Aragon gave the castle to the Templars in 1294, together with the nearby castles of Pulpís and Xivert. The Templars began work that year, demolished the Muslim fortifications, and completely rebuilt the castle; the work was completed in 1307. In common with other Templar fortifications, the castle was laid out around an inner ward and possessed a chapel. Architectural features included barrel vaulting and round arches.
The castle was taken over by the Crown of Aragon in 1319, and was later used as a papal palace by Pope Benedict XIII (a.k.a Papa Luna), who lived there from 1411 until his death in 1423.. After Benedict XIII's death, the castle was used as a military garrison and a prison. It was restored in the 19th century and is now open to the public and now known as Castillo Del Papa Luna (Castle Of The Papa Luna).
The castle offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is also a popular filming location, having been used in several films and television shows, including Game of Thrones.
Unfortunately, going inside the castle wasn’t pet-friendly, but the narrow streets leading up to the castle are a winding maze of cobblestones and whitewashed walls. The streets are lined with shops selling souvenirs, tapas bars, and cafes.
As you walk up the streets, you can feel the history of the place. The walls of the castle loom over you, and you can imagine the knights and soldiers who once defended it. You can also imagine the pilgrims who once came to the castle to seek the blessing of the pope.
As you reach the top of the hill, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. The castle stands on a promontory, and it offers stunning views in all directions. You can see the city of Peñíscola below you, and the blue waters of the sea stretch out to the horizon.
The narrow streets leading up to the castle are a magical place. They are a place where you can step back in time and experience the history and culture of Spain. They are a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Luckily for us, the wind soon subsided for the following days, which meant we could visit Peñiscola’s vast promenade, which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately for us, it was surprisingly busy for the time of year, which meant Chewie couldn’t get a photo by the beautiful and eye-catching Peñiscola sign, which he was very upset about.
The promenade in Peñíscola is a beautiful stretch of coastline that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the fresh air. The promenade is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to explore and find something to eat or do. It is lined with palm trees and benches, and it offers stunning views of the castle. The promenade is also home to a number of bars and restaurants, so you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat while you enjoy the stunning views.
Next Stop
With our minds eager for more exploration, as much as we enjoyed Peñiscola, we soon started planning for our next stop. Ever since seeing it on the map, I’ve wanted to visit this place ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
So that is where we’re heading to next, on our way to Kucavanasfest! So if you want to join us for some beautiful sea views, fun, and frolics, subscribe to get our adventures in your inbox.
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