The Phoenician, the Greek, the Carthaginian, the Byzantine and the Arabs appreciated the security of the town as a fortress. Under the name of Banáskula, the Muslims took over the castles of Cervera and Polpís, the farms of Beni ar-Rus (Vinaròs), Beni Gazló (Benicarló), Irta and even Peñíscola.

A fortified town in Visigoth times, James I the Conqueror conquered it in 1233.
In 1250 it was granted the “Carta Puebla” under the Valencian jurisdiction. Around 1319 Peñíscola was changed to the Montesa Order and was given by usufruct to the cardinal Pedro Martínez Luna, who several years later would be paid tribute to as Benedixto XIII or Pope Luna.

Historical and artistic collection
Peñíscola’s fortress includes the castle and its walls. Its adaptation to the crag’s relief contributes to the legend about it having been an impenetrable fortress. The walls are divided into three different areas of architectural and military structures. There are fortifications from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and several modifications from the 18th century. The most interesting walls are those built under Philippe II between 1576 and 1578 by the Italian architect and engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli.

A town by the sea
Norte beach is Peñíscola’s main beach. It is approximately 5 km long and 44 m wide on average. There are sandy areas and some areas with rocks. The water is quiet and the beach is beautifully equipped. At the marina there are countless coffee shops, restaurants and shops. The southern coast is uneven and rocky. Minute beaches and cliffs forming coves are scattered throughout. They are ideal for scuba diving or for fishing with lines.

The last virgin mountains
On the southern coast is Irta mountain range, a line of mountains with a maximum height of 573 metres and 15 kilometres long looking out over the sea. Irta can be reached through recently renovated paths and a specific system of sign posting. There you can visit the 16th century Sant Antoni chapel.

A cultural town
Peñíscola hosts major international cultural events. The year starts with “Ciudad de Peñíscola” Short Story Award, with a jury formed from members of Spain’s Royal Language Academy. In the summer the town becomes the capital of the cinema thanks to the International Festival of Cinema Comedy. The International Festival of Ancient and Baroque Music with the world’s first class stars is held in August. In September the Series of Concerts of Classical Music takes place. Also, in the summer the castle organises a comprehensive agenda of cultural activities.

The sea’s pleasures on the table
Some of the traditional dishes from Peñíscola’s native cuisine are: monkfish “allipebre”, “polpets” (little octopus) or fish “suquet”. Other typical ingredients are: seafood, date shells, “caracols puntxents” (whelk), mussels, “caixetes”, crawfish, etc. The visitor must also taste the succulent rice dishes with fish, as well as the paella and “fideuà” noodle paella.