Why move to Peniscola
Peniscola is officially one of Spain’s most beautiful towns. The setting is so dramatic, it's often used as a location in films, including an episode of Game of Thrones.
The name Peniscola is derived from the Latin word peninsular: the town sits on a rock jutting 64 metres above sea level connected to the mainland by just a small slither of sand. The ‘City in the Sea’ is famous for the Castle of Pope Luna, a medieval fortress built by the Knights Templar between the years 1294 and 1307. It’s possible to climb the weather-beaten castellations and take in vast, unbroken swathes of lapis-coloured sea and sky.
The city is a mixture of old and new, set to the backdrop of the National Park of Serra d’Irta. To the north is Playa Norte, a 5 km stretch of golden sand with Blue Flag status and all the associated amenities. To the south lies the similar but smaller Playa Sur and then further out, there are pebbled but secluded bays formed between the rock promontories within the National Park.
The centre supports over 200 restaurants, the Museu de la Mar maritime museum and hosts both the Hondarribia-Peniscola International Guitar Festival and the Peniscola Comedy Film Festival.
Community
Peniscola is quiet during the winter, but the summer is busy with international tourists. Many Spaniards visit year-round for the national heritage. Foreign residents are growing in number since the opening of the Castellon Airport in 2015.
Property
In the old town, you’ll find antique shops, artist studios and pottery workshops among the usual modern amenities.
Transport
The Benicarlo-Peníscola station connects Peniscola to Valencia, Barcelona, Castellon and Tarragona. The Castellon–Costa Azahar Airport is a 40 minute drive, but you could also use Valencia, Reus, or Barcelona airports too. There are both intercity and local route buses.
Employment
Peniscola was built on the fishing industry but tourism has recently grown to become the main economic activity offering plenty of job opportunities.
Health
The Centro De Salud De Peñíscola is open 24 hours in the old town and there’s a hospital 20 minutes away in Vinaros.
Schools
The International School Peniscola takes children from 4 months to 18 years of age.
Cost of Living
With prices to suit tourists – from campers to 5-star hotel guests – going out can vary. For Spain, this is a moderately priced area.