Peñíscola
TownPeñíscola is the star of the Costa del Azahar — a walled old town crowning a rocky headland that juts into the sea, topped by the castle of Pope Luna.
Why visit Peñíscola
Peñíscola's old town sits on a rocky peninsula almost surrounded by the sea, its whitewashed lanes climbing to a 14th-century castle where the antipope Benedict XIII — 'Papa Luna' — once lived. Long sandy beaches sweep away on either side. Its dramatic profile has drawn filmmakers, standing in for Meereen in Game of Thrones. It is the unmissable stop on this coast.
Castle of Papa Luna
The 14th-century castle crowning the headland, home to the antipope Benedict XIII.
Walled quarter
Whitewashed lanes climbing the rock, wrapped in sea walls.
Long sands
Sandy beaches sweep away on either side of the old town.
Game of Thrones
The peninsula stood in for the city of Meereen on screen.
On the map
Practical information
- Getting there: on the northern Costa del Azahar in Castellón province; reached by car or bus, with Castellón and Valencia to the south.
- What to see: the Papa Luna castle, the walled old town, the sea walls and the beaches.
- Good to know: the old town is steep and car-free at its heart — wear good shoes.
- Best time to visit: spring to autumn; summer is busy but the old town is magical after dark.
Explore more of the Costa del Azahar
Peñíscola is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, resorts, natural parks and historic towns across the whole coast.
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