Peniscola plays the same role for Costa Azahar as Benidorm for Costa Blanca and Gandia for Costa Valencia. This place is a capital resort of “the coast of orange blossoms”. The ancient moors and the Spanish kings thought that the sea-coast near Peniscola was part of the paradise. Nowadays thousands of Europeans who come to spend holidays in Peniscola are of the same opinion.
Knights Templars were among the first who enjoyed the beauty of Peniscola. The knights, who became famous during crusades, founded one of the best fortresses and citadels in Spain beautifully named El Macho. Let’s do justice and say that the Templars were able to build the fortress which is at the same time impregnable and very beautiful. In the Middle Ages a famous religious figure Pope Benedict XIII, known as Pope the Moon, hid in this fortress saving himself from the Inquisition.
In modern Peniscola El Macho plays an important role. It is a favourite walking place for tourists. The main entertainments of the citizens are near the fortress. The second popular place there is the sea-front near the beach of Playa Norte. At the same time most of the hotels of Peniscola are situated far away from the noisy local disco clubs and it is comfortable both for tourists with families and children and for those who like having a jolly good time at night.
To spend holidays in Peniscola means to see all the best things in Costa Azahar. Besides the architectural masterpieces and lovely beaches there is a good opportunity to spend time actively and to know more about this region. You can go on an excursion to the desert but very picturesque Columbretes Islands. The cutters set off regularly there. Those who like tracking will enjoy the Sierra de Irta, the mountains near Peniscola. Yachtsmen will always be welcomed in the port of Peniscola. There is a special moorage for them there. If you like extreme situations you will be able to get a doze of adrenalin while going water skiing with the help of a plane.
Despite the fact that Peniscola is considered to be a summer resort, very interesting events happen there all the year round. Festivals of Medieval and classical music are held in El Macho. Fairs of folk handicraft are regularly held in the districts of the old part of the town. Every April the literature contest for the best story in Spanish is held in Peniscola. Every June they organize a festival of comedy films in which many European film stars take part.
