While many tourists head to Barcelona during the summer, there is much more to explore in the area than just the city, which is cracking down on visitors. One town on the same stretch of Mediterranean coast sits further south, and it’s being called one of Spain’s best hidden spots.
Peñíscola is a historic town on the Costa del Azahar, about 130 miles south of Barcelona. It can be reached by car in just over two hours or by train to nearby Benicarló, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. The town is built on a rocky headland and is best known for its old castle, narrow streets, and long sandy beaches.
Despite its location on the same coastline as Barcelona, it has remained mostly overlooked by international tourists.
One of its most visited landmarks is the 14th-century castle, once home to Pope Benedict XIII.
The whitewashed houses and cobbled streets around it lead down to the sea, where visitors can find quiet beaches with clear water and soft sand.
Playa Norte is the main beach and stretches for around four miles along the coast.
It’s wide, clean, and has calm waters that are popular with swimmers and families. Nearby coves like Cala del Pebret are also praised for being quiet and unspoiled.
According to many travel blogs, Peñíscola is “a day trip more people need to do” from Barcelona.
They describe the town as a peaceful place with great views, good food, and much smaller crowds than other tourist areas.
The town has also been used as a filming location, including for Game of Thrones, and hosts music festivals throughout the year.
But many visitors say the real highlight is the coastline.
One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “The beaches were empty, clean and sandy with clear and warm waters.”
Another reviewer added: “A beautiful castle with its small cobbled streets, the dream in the sea and the best place to observe the sea and its beautiful landscape.”
A third reviewer said: “I was stunned. The beaches are unbelievable and go on forever and the views from the old town are just incredible. It’s so peaceful compared to other places.”
As another person put it, Peñíscola is “a Spanish beach town that you’ve probably never heard of, but should have”.