New Apartment Tierra de Irta / 1bed. - Peñíscola (Castellón, Costa Azahar)

Peñiscola is found on the Costa Azahar, to the north of the Cominudad Valencia, in a unique situation in the Med. The 79km2 area of the municipality, 17 of which run parallel to the coast, are divided equally into forestall areas and the warm Mediterranean climates, between which there is no lack of oranges, almonds or olives.

The old city, declared as the dwelling of Papa Benedicto Xlll., the controversial ´Papa Luna¨, a fourteenth century castle–fortress, occupies an imposing crag, which rises some 64 meters above the blue of the sea. Is an interesting example of medieval construction, with dry moat, parade ground, Papal quarters, flag hall, hospital and Papal Basilica, where the Papa Luna was exiled voluntarily, joined to the mainland by a spit of sand which had previously been blocked by waves during storms, transforming the city into an island.

Despite the diverse cultural history of the region, the principle structure of the city still reflects Muslim origins.

In contrast to the medieval center of Peñiscola, there is today an abundance of new streets and avenues to be found in the main tourist district. 

 

Warm waters in summer and autumn are shared between the extensive, fine sand beaches to the north of the city walls, and the beautiful inlets flanked by abrupt cliffs to the south. The beach of most importance is the playa norte, which boasts a length of 5km and width of 44m.
The coast to the south of the city is relatively untouched, and holds the Sierra de Irta natural park, characteristically steep and rocky, but sprinkled with small coves and inlets where you can enjoy the tranquility and the nature.

 

The specialty here in Peñiscola is sea food, with a wide range of fish and shellfish on offer. Below are some examples of what’s on offer;
- the “All-i-Pebre” of rape or baby octopus
- Sea Dates
- Sea Snails
- Lobster
- Las caixetes
- Mussels
- Remesclo
The typical rices, paella and fideua, are a fundamental dish too, incorporating the seafood which can be found so abundantly in this area of Spain.

A special mention is made of the restaurante-cafeteria “La Raspa”, found in the Calle Rio (opposite the Palacio de Congresos), for the best quality/ price restaurant in Peñiscola.

 

Cultural events with a local and international feeling are celebrated annually in the town:

- At the beginning of the year, a series of brief stories “Ciudad de Peñiscola”, are displayed and judged by prestigious members of the Real Academia Española de la Lengua, and include works from more than 20 countries worldwide.
- At the beginning of summer the town is converted into the stage of the week-long, Festival de Cine de Comedia, becoming the cinema capital of Spain.
- In the month of  August, we celebrate the international festival of Musica Antigua y Barroca (Baroque)
- In September, Peñiscola enjoys the annual Classical Music concerts
- 17th February: San Antonio Abad
- February: Carnivals
- The Sunday following Easter the Romiera a la Ermita de Sant Antonio takes place
- May: San Isidro (patron of farmers)
- June: San Pedro (patron to fishermen)
- 7th September: start of the Patronal Fiestas, Virgin de la Ermitana. These festivals include castles of fire which hold pride of place through the bay of Peñiscola and ranks of Moors and Christians pass through the old streets of the city.

 

Peñiscola was declared both a historic and artistic heritage site in 1972.
The site if artistic and historic interest which should be visited include
- Templar and Papal Castle
- The city walls, which clearly distinguish between three zones of architectural and military difference.
- Medieval fortification
- Renaissance fortifications
- The temple to the Virgin del Socorro
- The Ermitorio de la Mare de Déu d’Ermitana
- El Bufador
- La Sierra de Irta national Park
- The Columbretes islands
- The Maritime Museum
- The Artillery Park

 

Here you can participate in a Wide range of sports including;
- Sailing
- Diving
- Water skiing
- Fishing
- Windsurfing
- Jet skiing
- Trekking
- Horse riding
- Bike touring
- Golf

 

How to Arrive

Peñiscola is situated in the north of the Communidad Valencia, in the province of Castellon, about halfway between Valencia and Barcelona. It is accessible by national road (N-340), by motorway (AP-7, exit 43, Benicarló-Peñiscola), and from the train station Benicarló-Peñiscola, where most of the high speed trains stop. It is an easy location to arrive to from any area of Spain.

 

From Barcelona (AP-7): you pass Tarragona and continue south until exit 43 for Benicarló-Peñiscola, situated at km 365 of the motorway. From here you take the N-340 until you cross the CV-141, and from here simply follow the CV-141 until you reach the CV-140 which leads directly into Peñiscola.

From Madrid, we start on the M-30 until the autopista N-lll. Continue this direction to the autovia A-31 and then join the AP-3, and then onto the AP-7. Finally you arrive at exit 43, and take the N-340 until the crossing onto the CV-141 and the CV-140 to the center of Peñiscola.

 

From Valencia, you leave the capital and continue until the autovia A-31. The take the autopista AP-3 to arrive onto the AP-7. As above, continue until exit 43 and directions for Peñiscola.