Peñiscola was recently turned into a trendy destinations as a filming location of Game of Thrones TV Series. Nevertheless, this picturesque town is a great place to visit in Spain all year round.

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Visiting Peñiscola, a Game of Thrones Town

Peñiscola is one of our family’s favorite small towns in Spain, and it’s just a 40-minute drive from our home, so we visit often. The town’s charming blend of history, natural beauty, and cinematic fame makes it a great destination for any traveler.

Was Game of Thrones Filmed in Spain?

Yes! In Season 6 of Game of Thrones, several iconic Spanish landmarks were used as filming locations. From the deserts of Almeria to the fairytale-looking Alcazar of Seville, Spain provided some of the most visually stunning backdrops for the series. You can check out the full list of locations in this post.

"El Castillo de Papa Luna" or the Castle of Pope Luna in Peñiscola is a must stop along the Mediterranean coast of Spain in the Province of Castellon. Located in a little coastal town with cobbled streets, an ideal white-sand beach, lots of seafood restaurants and the most breathtaking castle views, Peñiscola is a hidden gem in Spain you wouldn't want to miss. #Spain #travel #castles #Peniscola #castellon #offthebeatenpath — *Visiting Peñiscola, a Game of Thrones Town near Valencia*

Peñiscola and Game of Thrones

Peñiscola’s Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and impressive castle, was transformed into the fictional city of Meereen in the Game of Thrones TV Series. Main filming locations include:

Peñiscola Castle: This castle appears as part of Meereen, overlooking the city.
The Artillery Park: Featured in Episode 4, Season 6, when Tyrion, Missandei, and Grey Worm discuss the future of Meereen.
Calle Mayor: The spot where Tyrion and Varys walk down a ramp, discussing Daenerys’ plans.
Plaza de Santa María: The plaza where Tyrion and Varys roam the streets of Meereen.

Where is Peñiscola?

Peñiscola is a small coastal town in the Province of Castellon, the Valencian Community). It a perfect day trip from nearby cities such as Valencia, Tarragona, Reus, or Tortosa. It’s also a popular stop for those on a road trip between Barcelona and Valencia. You can easily combine a visit to Peñiscola with visiting Morella and other road trips itineraries, like Castellon road trip, Tarragona road trip, or Valencia road trip.

Is Peñiscola Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or just looking for a charming and historic Spanish destination, Peñiscola fits the bill.

Where to Stay in Peñiscola

Peñiscola offers various accommodation options, from seaside hotels, like Hotel RH Portocristo, to cute guesthouses, like Pension Mirazul. Many offer stunning views of the Mediterranean and the castle.

Top Things to See and Do in Peñiscola

1. Peñiscola Castle

The Peñiscola castle is often called of the dreamiest Spanish castles. This iconic fortress, often referred to as Castillo de Papa Luna, sits on a rocky hill with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, it became the residence of Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna) during the Great Schism (the split of the Catholic church). His legacy is steeped in legend – some claim Papa Luna was a saint, while others argue he was a lunatic. One story even tells of him losing a golden ring while escaping the castle, a treasure yet to be found.

The castle’s unique architecture and breathtaking views were featured in multiple scenes of Game of Thrones. Don’t forget to climb to the top for the best coastal panorama.

2. The Old Town of Peñiscola

Peñiscola’s Old Town is full of charming whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and scenic squares. The Old Town’s streets also appear in Game of Thrones, making it a must-see for fans. Be sure to pass through the Porta del Papa Luna, one of the town’s original medieval gates, and stroll along the old fortifications.

3. Game of Thrones Walking Tour

Game of Thrones fans can book a guided walking tour to see where the favorite scenes were filmed. Here are a few popular Peñiscola tours, including the options from Valencia:

From Valencia: Day Tour in Peniscola, Game of Thrones (check availability)
From Valencia: Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers (check availability)
Peñiscola: Castle & Walled City Spanish Guided Tour (check availability)
Secrets of Peñiscola Night Tour (check availability)
From Valencia: Peñiscola Private Walking Tour (check availability)

4. Sierra de Irta Natural Park

For nature lovers, Sierra de Irta Natural Park is just a short drive from Peñíscola. This coastal mountain range offers excellent hiking trails with stunning Mediterranean views. If you’re planning to hike, try to avoid the peak summer season, as there’s little shade along the trails. Last time I visited on a sunny day in winter and it was perfect.

5. Beaches of Peñiscola

PeñIscola is a popular destination for the fans of Spain’s best beaches. Playa Norte, the town’s main beach, is a wide, sandy stretch perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. While it can get busy in the summer, it remains less crowded than tourist hotspots like Benidorm or Costa Brava.

How to Visit Peñiscola

The easiest way to visit Peñiscola is to travel by car. The town is about a 1.5-hour drive from Valencia and a 2-hour drive from Barcelona. If you prefer public transport, the nearest train station is in Benicarlo-Peñiscola, just 8 km from the town. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Peñíscola. Several bus companies operate routes from major cities like Barcelona and Valencia to Peñiscola. It’s an affordable option, though the journey may take longer than by car or train.

Best Time to Visit Peñiscola

PeñIscola enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, making it a great destination year-round. My favorite time to visit is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild, and the town is less crowded. Summers, particularly July and August, attract many tourists from Zaragoza.

In late December, Peñiscola typically hosts a Medieval Fair. If you’re visiting in February, you can enjoy the Artichoke Gastronomic Weeks in the nearby town of Benicarlo, located just 10 minutes away from Peñiscola. This event celebrates this local-specialty product with a variety of creative dishes featuring artichokes.

Peñiscola with kids

If you are traveling in Spain with kids, do not miss Jardin del Papagayo and Laberinto de Peñiscola.

Peñíscola is a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cinematic allure. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan wanting to relive scenes from the show, a history enthusiast exploring medieval Spain, or a beach lover, Peñíscola offers something for everyone.

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The Castle of Pope Luna in Peñiscola, Castellon, Spain

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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