Living in Peñíscola: a complete guide

Nicknamed the “City in the Sea” for its unique location, with the old citadel and castle standing on a rock that juts out into the Mediterranean, Peñíscola is an idyllic destination for anyone drawn to Spain.

Its golden beaches, ideal climate, food, stunning natural setting and affordable property make it a timeless place with an exceptional quality of life. Life is sweet in Peñíscola, and many foreigners have noticed. If you would like to settle there too, read on.

History, geography and population of Peñíscola

Geography

Located on the Costa del Azahar, in the province of Castellón, in the north of the Valencian Community, Peñíscola is a favourite with aficionados of nature. Its name comes from the Latin for “peninsular” (peninsularis), and the town does seem to rise out of the Mediterranean. Its spectacular location, 65 metres above sea level, gives it an almost island-like atmosphere.

The Costa del Azahar stretches along about 120 kilometres of coastline, from the town of Vinaròs in the north to Almenara in the south. This poetic name, which means “orange blossom coast” in English, refers to the many orange trees grown in the region and the heady scent of their blossom in spring. The coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, quiet coves, lively resorts and rich historical and cultural heritage. Peñíscola could be its emblem.

A brief history

Here are 3 key dates in the town's history:

• 13th century, the founding of the town of Peñíscola. It was during this period that the Catholic order of the Knights Templar built the famous castle the town is known for today, on top of an old Arab citadel.
• 14th century, the fortification of Peñíscola. It marks an important stage in the development and consolidation of the town.
• 1411-1423 saw Peñíscola gain national fame for hosting the Avignon Pope Benedict XIII, also known as Papa Luna. He established his papacy there during the Western Schism, making Peñíscola Castle his residence.

Population of Peñíscola

According to the latest INE data (Spain's National Statistics Institute), updated in 2023, the town has nearly 8,500 inhabitants over about 80 km². But the population rises significantly in the summer months, and the town, quiet in winter, takes on a different face.

Peñíscola blends Spanish tradition with international influences. The area attracts visitors all year round for its heritage (more than 320,000 people visited its famous castle in 2023), and the town's population has been growing steadily since 2015, when Castellón de la Plana airport opened.

Caption: population growth in Peñíscola.

Source: INE / Epdata

If you are looking for a second home in Peñíscola, or want to retire there, contact us. We can support your project from start to finish.

The advantages

Why choose to settle in Peñíscola? There are plenty of reasons.

Sun and sea

Sunshine all year round, 17 kilometres of coastline, beautiful family beaches, secluded coves, a peaceful way of life, etc. Peñíscola is ideal for families or retirees who want to live outdoors all year, close to nature, in a village atmosphere and without suffering too much from cold or heat.

Meteoblue's maximum temperature chart for Peñíscola shows that the town is indeed neither stifling hot nor too cold.

Caption: maximum temperature chart for Peñíscola (number of days per month reaching certain temperatures)

Source: Meteoblue

Quality of life and cost of living

Peñíscola's residents enjoy a high quality of life. They feel safe (the safety index is around 70), their healthcare is good (the health care index is 62.5), they enjoy ideal weather, as we said (climate index of 94), they are not regularly stuck in traffic jams and do not suffer from pollution. The sea air keeps the pollution index very low (33). Another important point, which we will explore in our property section: the ratio between income and housing costs is low. The index measuring this ratio stands at 3.4.

In Peñíscola, the cost of living is moderate for Spain and much lower than in major cities such as Madrid. For precise figures, you need to look at the largest city in the area, Castellón de la Plana. The crowdsourced online platform Numbeo shows that:

• Consumer prices, including rent, are 40% higher in Madrid than in Castellón de la Plana.
• Rents are 102% higher in Madrid than in Castellón de la Plana.
• Restaurant prices are 34% higher in Madrid than in Castellón de la Plana.
• Grocery prices are 15% higher in Madrid than in Castellón de la Plana.
• Local purchasing power is 9.5% higher in Castellón de la Plana than in Madrid.

In other words, you have everything to gain by living there: a pleasant and inexpensive daily life.

If investing in Castellón de la Plana is one of your goals, contact us. Our specialist advisers can handle your project.

We can also help if you are thinking of buying in Madrid. Book a call online with us.

Peñíscola's foreign community

More and more international residents are moving to Peñíscola. This group has grown especially since the end of the COVID period. In 2023, the INE counted more than 1,350 people of foreign nationality, 546 of them from the European Union.

Caption: foreigners per 100 inhabitants

Source: INE / Epdata

If you are thinking of settling in Peñíscola for good or finding a second home nearby, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a fully secure transaction. Book a call online with our team. It is free and with no obligation.

Food in Peñíscola

In Peñíscola, as in many coastal areas of Spain, the cuisine is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean. Here are the delicacies that define the town's cooking:

• Fresh seafood and fish: being close to the sea means plenty of fresh seafood and fish in the local cuisine.
• Arroces (rice): rice is a pillar of Peñíscola's cuisine, as it is throughout the Valencia region. Besides the famous paella, you will find variations such as arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) and arroz negro (black rice, coloured with cuttlefish ink).
• Local produce: Peñíscola's cuisine also showcases local products such as olives, almonds and citrus fruits, found in many dishes and desserts.
• Desserts: those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed. Treats such as tarta de almendra (almond tart) or churros with hot chocolate are enjoyed every day at merienda time (the afternoon snack).

Here is our selection of local restaurants:

• Casa Jaime, an institution in the town. Its suquet de peix (a fish stew typical of the Catalan and Valencian coast) is a benchmark.
• Puerto Mar, a restaurant with the unusual feature of being inside Peñíscola's fish market. Freshness guaranteed!
• Muvabeach, with a menu as delicious as the sea view.

Drawbacks of living in Peñíscola

• Jobs are the first drawback: traditionally centred on fishing, Peñíscola's economy has shifted towards tourism, which has gradually become the main source of employment. The vast majority of residents have an economic link with tourism and services (restaurants, shops, accommodation). If you do not want to work in these fields, be aware that finding a job locally will be harder. That said, the job market is starting to change: more and more businesses are being set up in the town (over 600 now).

If you are a freelancer, work for a foreign company or are a digital nomad, you will be happy here.

If you work remotely and are hesitating about moving to Spain, our article “Spain, a paradise for digital nomads” should convince you.

Tourism is the second: if you do not like crowded places in summer, Peñíscola is not for you.

The Peñíscola property market

Property prices in Peñíscola in the first quarter of 2024

Sea-view properties, flats in the heart of the old town, secluded villas, etc.: the Peñíscola property market is varied, and prices are more affordable than in Spain's big cities.

While the national average price per square metre stood at €2,056 in March 2024 (a 7% rise in one year), the average in the “City in the Sea” does not exceed €1,780 and the curve is fairly stable, which makes it an attractive option for international buyers.

Caption: change in the purchase price per square metre in Peñíscola

Source: Idealista

Most of the town's neighbourhoods are close to their historic highs, except Playa Norte. It is now 14.6% cheaper than in 2012, which means the potential for growth is huge and that buying in this area is a good idea if you want to build assets that will gain value.

Caption: Playa Norte, Peñíscola

Source: Google

Rental market and yields in Peñíscola

In 2022, rents picked up again after a slight dip. Renting a property now costs an average of €7.5/m², €5 less than the national average (€12.6 per square metre in March 2024). A 100 m² home therefore rents for €750 on average. For a pretty little seaside town, that is very affordable.

Caption: change in rent per square metre in Peñíscola

Source: Idealista

Locally, average rental yields are around 6 to 7%, but they can reach 7 to 10% depending on your project and if you work with a professional.

Thanks to its tourist appeal, buying a property in Peñíscola can be a profitable rental investment, especially in the summer high season.

But be careful, we cannot say it often enough: to be allowed to rent your home to tourists in Spain, you need a specific licence. In some “pressured” areas of Spain, this is almost no longer possible (Barcelona's old town, for example), but that is not yet the case in Peñíscola. Rocio, our local specialist, does warn that the town hall does not grant licences in the area around Peñíscola Castle.

You will find all the information on this subject in our article: “Tourist rental licence in Spain: the complete guide”.

Infrastructure

Peñíscola is well served in terms of infrastructure, with easy road access and local services including schools, hospitals and shops, for a comfortable life with no compromises.

Health

The Centro de Salud (health centre) of Peñíscola provides ongoing medical services in the old town, and there is a public hospital in Vinaròs, a small town 20 minutes' drive to the north.

• Centro de Salud, Peñíscola (address: Carrer Ullal de l'Estany, 12598 Peñíscola, Castellón de la Plana).
• Hospital Comarcal de Vinaròs (address: Avinguda Gil d'Atrosillo, s/n, 12500 Vinaròs; phone: +34 964 477 101).

For more specialised care, you can also go to the medical facilities in Castellón de la Plana, the largest nearby city, about an hour's drive away. It offers a wide range of health services.

• Consorcio Hospital Provincial de Castellón de la Plana (address: Avenida del Doctor Clarà, 19, 12002 Castellón de la Plana; phone: +34 964 37 60 00).
• Hospital Universitario de La Plana (address: Carretera de Vila-real a Burriana, km 0.5, 12540 Villarreal, Castellón de la Plana; phone: +34 964 39 97 75).
• Hospital General Universitario de Castellón de la Plana (address: Avenida de Benicàssim, 128, 12004 Castellón de la Plana; phone: +34 964 725 000).

There are also several private facilities in the area, for example:

• Hospital Vithas Castellón de la Plana (address: Carrer Santa Maria Rosa Molas, 25, 12004 Castellón de la Plana; phone: +34 964 72 60 00).

For more information on healthcare in Spain, see our practical guide: “The Spanish healthcare system: our complete guide”.

And to start your search in Peñíscola, book a call online with our local specialists.

Education

To be honest, Peñíscola does not have a lot of schools, but you will find schools for your children at every stage of their education. Here are the ones to know, according to the specialist platform micole.net:

• Colegio Jaime Sanz de Peníscola is one of the best rated for children aged 3 to 6 on micole.net. It is public, secular and free. Address: Carrer de les Marjals S/N, 12598 Peñíscola, Castellón. Website: https://portal.edu.gva.es/ceipjaimesanz/
• Instituto Alfred Ayza de Peníscola takes pupils up to the end of secondary school. It is also public, free and secular. Address: Carrer Tramuntana 5, 12598 Peñíscola, Castellón. Website: https://portal.edu.gva.es/alfredayza/

There is also a high-quality international school that appeals to expats living in the area.

• International School Peníscola takes pupils from 4 months to 18 years old; it is secular and co-educational. Note that it is private and fee-paying: expect between €300 and €700 a month depending on the options you choose (extracurricular activities, transport, canteen). Teaching is in English, Spanish and Valencian. Address: Carretera Vieja Peñíscola-Benicarló, km 3, 12598 Peñíscola, Castellón. Website: https://www.colegiosisp.com/

To understand the Spanish education system, which may differ from the one you know, we recommend this article: “The school system in Spain”.

Transport

Benicarló-Peñíscola station has connections to major cities such as Valencia, Barcelona, Castellón and Tarragona, while Castellón-Costa Azahar airport is only 40 minutes' drive away. It opened in 2015, as mentioned above, and in 2023 it recorded the best figures in its history, with 283,259 passengers and 9,780 aircraft movements.

Bus services are also available, both within the town and to nearby towns.

If you are looking to settle in the Peñíscola area, book a call online with our specialist advisers. They can guide you and find the property that best suits your needs.

Must-see places in Peñíscola

Peñíscola is a marvel in itself. Year after year, the town features on the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It has a lot to offer. Its narrow, picturesque streets, imposing castle and spectacular sea views even won over the producers of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. Since Peñíscola was turned into a slave city in the sixth season of the series, which has tens of millions of fans, it has grown in popularity.

Top 3 must-see places in Peñíscola

1. Peñíscola Castle (Castillo de Peñíscola): also known as Papa Luna's Castle, this 14th-century fortress offers stunning views of the sea and the town. Steeped in history and legend, it is a must-see in Peñíscola. The fortress was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in 1931. A magical visit that takes you back in time costs only €5. You can buy tickets on the official website.
2. The old town takes you back in time. Stroll through its narrow streets: the white walls, colourful doors and bougainvillea are enough to transport you.
3. The Serra d'Irta Natural Park lies right next to Peñíscola, partly within the town's municipality, and offers wild landscapes, hiking trails and secluded coves. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, hikers and cyclists, who are numerous in the area. Thirty minutes away by car, it covers 12,000 hectares north of Alcossebre. With its white limestone cliffs that seem to plunge into hidden coves, the view is simply breathtaking. To find out more, visit the website of the Serra d'Irta Natural Park.

Top 3 beaches in Peñíscola

The town stretches along 17 kilometres of coastline, dotted with many beaches and coves. Many of them hold the prestigious environmental Blue Flag award. The old town splits the coast into two distinct areas: to the south, rocky coves with plenty of vegetation; to the north, the huge Playa Norte with its fine sand and wide range of services.

1. North Beach (Playa Norte) is a long fine-sand beach, ideal for families, with plenty of services and shallow water. It is easy to reach from the town centre.
2. South Beach (Playa Sur) is quieter than Playa Norte and popular for its calmer atmosphere and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
3. Cala Pebret is a real gem for a more intimate experience: this small cove in the Serra d'Irta Natural Park is ideal for escaping the crowds and enjoying an unspoilt natural setting.

Top 3 places to visit around Peñíscola

1. Morella (an hour and a half's drive from Peñíscola) is a medieval hilltop town famous for its walls, castle and cobbled streets. Its historic charm makes it an unforgettable day trip.
2. The Ebro Delta (Delta del Ebro) is a unique natural park and one of the most important wetlands in Europe. A paradise for biodiversity, it is ideal for outdoor activities (birdwatching, cycling, kayaking).
3. The Coves de Sant Josep (about an hour from Peñíscola) are home to the longest navigable underground river in Europe. The boat trip through spectacular limestone formations is a magical experience.

Where to live in Peñíscola

Where to live in Peñíscola with a family

• The historic centre: for families who want authenticity and history and like to do everything on foot.
• Las Viudas is an ideal area, close to schools. There are many parks, perfect for children after school and at weekends.

Where to live in Peñíscola when you retire

• Las Atalayas: a residential area close to the town centre, ideal for a peaceful yet central daily life. It offers unrivalled tranquillity and panoramic views.
• Playa Norte: a dream come true for retirees who want to live by the water.

Ready to start your property project in Peñíscola? Book a video call with us. It is what we do. The video call is of course free and with no obligation.

FAQ

What makes Peñíscola such a unique destination in Spain?

Nicknamed the “City in the Sea”, Peñíscola stands out for its spectacular location on a rock jutting into the Mediterranean. With its golden beaches, ideal climate and rich heritage, it is a charming and timeless place, perfect for anyone drawn to Spain.

Is it easy to find a home in Peñíscola, to live in or for holidays?

Yes. If you are looking for a second home or a place to retire, Peñíscola offers plenty of options. Our specialist advisers can support your project from start to finish, with a fully secure transaction.

What should you know about property in Peñíscola?

The Peñíscola property market offers a variety of properties, from sea-view homes to flats in the old town, at more affordable prices than in Spain's big cities. In the first quarter of 2024, the average price per square metre in Peñíscola was €1,780. Average rental yields are around 6 to 7% and can reach 7 to 10% with a well-designed project and professional support.

What are the main activities in Peñíscola?

Peñíscola offers a range of activities, from walks around its old citadel and castle to cycling and exploring its beaches and coves, not to mention its rich local food and, for nature lovers, the nearby Serra d'Irta Natural Park.

What is the climate like in Peñíscola?

Peñíscola enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, with sunshine almost all year round and hot summers made bearable by the sea breeze. Winters are mild, so you can live outdoors all year.

Is Peñíscola a cosmopolitan town?

Yes. The town has a growing international community, especially since the end of the COVID period. In 2023, the INE counted more than 1,350 residents of foreign nationality, 546 of them from the European Union, creating a cosmopolitan and welcoming environment.

What are the potential drawbacks of living in Peñíscola?

The main drawbacks may be the difficulty of finding a job outside tourism and services, and the influx of tourists in summer, which can make the town very busy. However, this also creates investment opportunities in property.

Can you send your children to school in Peñíscola?

Although Peñíscola does not have a lot of schools, there are options for every stage of education, including an international school.

Why choose Peñíscola for your retirement?

The town is calm, its natural beauty is striking and its history fascinating. The weather is good all year round, ideal for an outdoor lifestyle. Nothing is better for your health! Healthcare is good, with a public health centre and several hospitals (public and private) a short drive away.

Conclusion

Choosing Peñíscola as a place to live or invest in property means choosing an exceptional setting that combines history, nature and modern living. A peaceful retirement, a fresh start with your family or a buy-to-let investment: Peñíscola can meet your expectations.

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