Why Peniscola?
Known locally as ‘The City in the Sea’, this popular resort in the province of Castellón is surrounded by water on all sides and its history as a fortified seaport is fascinating. There are plenty of opportunities to discover more about Peñíscola’s Iberian and Greek roots, and the castle, built by the Knights Templar between 1294 and 1307, is a breathtaking sight. There’s no shortage of things to do here, from sipping Caipirinhas in stylish cocktail bars to hiring bikes and cycling through the Sierra de Irta nature reserve.
Families will love the choice of spacious villas in Peñíscola, while couples might prefer an apartment in the center of the action. Whatever type of rental you’re looking for, we have plenty for you to choose from.
Historical sights
First stop: the castle. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, it might look familiar to you as the scenes in Meereen are filmed here. Stroll along the cobbled streets and browse the independent shops before taking in the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most popular landmarks in Peñíscola is the Antipope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna) monument near the castle. This beautiful sculpture is a work of art and taking time to stop and simply admire it is a pleasure. The Casa de Las Conchas on Principe Street is a beautiful sight so well worth a visit. And the sculptures on the Peñíscola promenade are also a treat for the eyes.
A city of culture
Every year, the Peñíscola hosts some amazing festivals, from comic films to Baroque music. As you’d expect from a seaport, the restaurants here are brimming with delicious seafood and traditional Spanish cuisine. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting at Easter, the fiestas in the city will have to dancing in the streets until the early hours. A vacation in this atmospheric resort will leave you with countless happy memories.
Zahara de los Atunes
If it’s a beach retreat in sunny southern Spain you’re after, then look no further than Zahara de los Atunes. This laid-back seaside escape encourages you to enjoy the simple things in life from lazing on the beach to tucking into a fresh tuna salad. Don’t expect to spend your days rushing from one attraction to another; the pace of life here is blissfully relaxed. However, if you’ve got the stamina, you’ll find a huge range of thrilling watersports at the beach. And in the evening (if you’ve for the stamina) dance the night away with the locals at a ‘chiringuito’ on the beach.
From villas with sea views to modern apartments, you’ll be spoiled for choice when looking for accommodation in Zahara de los Atunes!
Food & drink
For an authentic experience, stock up on some fresh veg, meat and fish at the Mercado de Abastos food market and recreate a local dish back at your self-catering rental. If you don’t feel like cooking, the options for dining out are huge. Zahara life revolves around food and it's no surprise when it tastes this good! Grab a bite to eat from a food stall where you can sample everything from roast chicken to empanadas. For a traditional meal out, try El Castillete for tasty tapas and raciones. And for local specialties, visit Cerro Currita on the beach where you’ll find simple but sensational rice dishes and much, much more.
As the sun sets, settle down for cocktails in one of the lounge-like bars. Some notable hangouts include the popular La Malvaloca serving affordable seafood tapas, El Ultimo Gato with its gorgeous garden and Taberna Trasteo where you can easily while away hours chatting with friends.
At the beach
This unspoiled and uncrowded beach is a firm favorite in southern Spain. The rock pools will keep children entertained for hours and the long stretches of sand make it idea for romantic strolls at any time of the day. It’s also known for its fantastic waves so if you enjoy surfing or bodyboarding, you’ll want to return day after day. To top it all off, the nearby cafés are well stocked with tapas, ice cream and cold beers so you never need to worry about going hungry!
