You arrive in Peñíscola, leave your car, and as soon as you step onto the promenade, you see the five kilometers of sand at North Beach, Castellón’s longest beach and, for many who return year after year, the reason they keep coming back.
Here’s everything you need to know before setting up your umbrella: what it’s like, what services it offers, what to do in and out of the water, and some tips to avoid wasting time looking for parking.
What North Beach is like
We’re talking about 5,000 meters long and an average width of around 44 meters, although in some sections it widens up to 90 meters.
Even better, it boasts fine, golden sand that is very pleasant to the touch and gentle waves —typical of the Mediterranean—. In short, it’s perfect whether you’re alone, with friends, as a couple, or with the little ones or older family members.
The sandy beach begins almost next to Peñíscola’s old town, right at the foot of the castle, and stretches north to the border with Benicarló. The closer you settle to the castle, the better photos you’ll get, and the further away, the more tranquility you’ll find.
Services you’ll appreciate
Peñíscola North Beach has a Blue Flag, which immediately speaks volumes about the water quality and safety. There are lifeguards, a tourist information point, showers, foot-showers, and restrooms distributed throughout the sandy area, and if you don’t feel like carrying a hammock and umbrella from your accommodation, you can rent them right here.
It also has walkways for people with reduced mobility, floating platforms, and an accessible point.
Coming with children? There are play areas scattered along the promenade, so they don’t have to spend all day on the sand with a bucket and spade or soaking in the water.
Additionally, Peñíscola’s promenade —Avenida Papa Luna— features countless terraces, ice cream parlors, and shops. A perfect alternative if you get tired of sunbathing.
How to get there and where to park your car
Being integrated into the town, you can walk to Peñíscola North Beach. It’s the best and most convenient way to get there.
If you come by car, there are parking areas near the beach, but during the summer season, they tend to fill up early —the earlier you leave home, the easier it will be—. If you’re not an early riser, it’s best to opt for the bus —L1A and L1B— or take a taxi.
What to do in the water at North Beach
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Peñíscola, with this calm sea, work wonderfully, and there are several spots on the beach where you can rent equipment if you don’t bring your own.
If you prefer more speed, on the promenade you’ll find places where you can ride a jet ski or book a boat trip along the coast. And if you’re looking for more intense thrills or fun plans to do with your group of friends or family, you can always get some adrenaline pumping by flying over the sea with parasailing or hopping on an inflatable banana boat for an involuntary splash or two!
Not your thing? Then rent a pedal boat with a slide or book a snorkeling session near the breakwaters and enjoy the Mediterranean waters in a different way.
What’s around
The Castle of Peñíscola should be one of your mandatory stops during your holidays in this area. You must learn about its incredible history —marked by the figure of Pope Luna— and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean it offers.
You can also visit the Ullal de l’Estany, a wetland with wooden walkways where ducks and storks nest, get lost in the Peñíscola Labyrinth —the largest in Spain— and try to find your way out among its hundreds of cypress trees, and spend the day in the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a protected area full of hiking trails, virgin coves, and watchtowers.
Where to eat near North Beach in Peñíscola
On the streets leading to the beach, there are beach bars with rice dishes and paella, seafood restaurants, and some places to try suquet or all i pebre, two dishes that appear on almost all menus in the area.
We recommend sitting on the terrace of Restaurant 1971 Peñíscola, enjoying the views and trying their croquettes —sometimes they have oxtail croquettes and they are delicious!— or having a paella at Restaurant Las Vegas, El Pescador Ermitaño, Arrocería Brasería Davi, or any of the top restaurants in Peñíscola; they won’t disappoint.
And for a sweet treat, you don’t have to stay in the same place. There are several traditional artisan ice cream parlors all along the promenade. Our favorite is Pieri for its variety of flavors and extra-crispy cone. However, there are almost a dozen establishments where you can order a scoop of ice cream at North Beach. The ball is in your court.
Are you coming to Peñíscola North Beach?
Besides North Beach, you can venture to discover other beaches in Peñíscola like South Beach and Playa de las Viudas, which will also surprise you, or even better, enjoy a snorkeling experience or relaxation and silence in one of the best coves in Peñíscola —like Cala del Moro or l’Arjub—. Some are difficult to access, but they are well worth it.
The choice of sandy beach will also depend on where your accommodation is located. Do you want one close to everything there is to see in Peñíscola? Then book one of the apartments, houses, studios, or villas we have at Orange Costa now and live a dream summer!
