South of the Ebro Delta lies our beloved Peñíscola, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Spain. And that’s thanks to the medieval Peñíscola Castle and, above all, its incredible stretches of sand—which is exactly what we’re here to talk to you about today.
We’re going to list the best coves in Peñíscola and tell you what they’re like in great detail so you can choose yours.
The five best coves in Peñíscola
Before you head out, you should know that almost none of these coves have services—no lifeguard, no beach bar, no shade—so bring everything you need for the day. We’re talking water, sunscreen and, above all, water shoes, because the seabed in many of them is pebbles or small rocks.
#1 Cala del Moro
Cala del Moro is a tiny, pocket-sized stretch of beach—about 40 meters long and 10 wide—with extremely clear water and pebbles on the bottom.
And the best part is you don’t need to overthink how to get there: it’s just a few minutes by car from the center, with a small parking area—unattended, though—right next to it.
It has a cleaning service, but note: there’s no lifeguard, so swimming is at your own risk. Another point in its favor? From the water you get one of the prettiest postcard views of Peñíscola, with the Papa Luna Castle right behind you.
#2 Cala Puerto Negro
Follow the Sierra de Irta road a bit further south and, in just 15 minutes, you’ll reach Puerto Negro, another member of the list of best coves in Peñíscola. Rocks, grey pebbles, and vegetation that grows almost down to the water’s edge. Here you really will feel like you’re far from everything… even if you’re not actually that far.
It’s tiny—barely 230 meters long—but with an intense blue water you only see in little-visited coves like this. It’s also the locals’ favorite for nudism.
#3 Cala Puerto Azul
A stone’s throw from Cala del Moro—literally, because they’re only separated by a small rocky outcrop—is Puerto Azul. Here you won’t step on a single grain of sand: the cove is all pebbles and about 30 meters long.
Small, yes, but full of charm—especially if you like getting sun pretty much all day. And here’s a key detail: Puerto Azul is one of the few coves in the area—there are more dog-friendly beaches in Peñíscola —where you can bring your furry friend.
#4 Cala l’Aljub
You can only reach Cala l’Aljub on foot or by bike, so when you finally get there, it feels like you’ve truly earned the privilege of being here. What makes it special? Beautiful blue-green water, sand mixed with rock, and Mediterranean vegetation framing the cove on all sides.
Our advice? Take advantage of a hiking or cycling route through the Sierra de Irta and stop here halfway for a dip.
#5 Cala Argilaga
We wrap up the list with the cove farthest from the center: Argilaga, almost on the edge of the Alcossebre area. And yes, the journey is a bit longer, but it’s absolutely worth getting to know it.
Here you’ll find caves, rocky formations, and enviably clear water. You can play explorer among the grottoes or simply use them to shelter from the sun. The shoreline is sand and gravel in whitish tones, and here there are basic services—signage, supervision, and cleaning—as well as a small parking area by the road.
Other coves you can also explore
If the five coves in Peñíscola above aren’t enough for you, the Sierra de Irta still hides a few more that are smaller and less well-known:
- Cala Ordí: it’s between Puerto Azul and l’Aljub. It’s very narrow—about 50 meters long and 10 wide—and made up of gravel and pebbles. To get down to it, you’ll have to navigate around some rocks. The good part? The water is very clear, great for snorkeling.
- Cala del Volante: it’s next to l’Aljub and is about 32 meters long, with a seabed that’s practically all pebbles. Unlike other small coves in the area, it does have signage, supervision, and a cleaning service.
- Cala Cubanita: a very small, natural little cove, located next to the Irta Lighthouse and Font de la Parra, practically right by Cala Argilaga. No services.
- Cala Badum: it’s next to the famous Torre Badum, a medieval watchtower that crowns the cliff. It’s about 35 meters long and access is one of the most difficult on the whole list, which makes it one of the most solitary and quiet.
And if you’re looking for something with space to lay out your towel and with comforts without leaving this area, keep in mind that next to these coves you’ll also find larger beaches like Playa de las Viudas, Santa Lucía, el Russo, or la Basseta—technically classified as beaches and not coves—.
How to get around the coves in Peñíscola and what to keep in mind
All these coves are along the same road that runs alongside the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, signposted from the south of Peñíscola. The farther you get from town, the more solitary and unspoiled the coast becomes—but you’ll also find fewer services. So if you’re planning to spend the day out, bring everything you need: water, food, an umbrella, and suitable footwear for the water—don’t forget your water shoes!—.
And note that Cala Argilaga, Cala Cubanita, and Cala Badum are already within the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, and for several summers now the Generalitat Valenciana has restricted vehicle access to the park’s coastal track during the summer season—approximately from June to September, between 8:00 and 19:30. To go by car or motorbike, you need to reserve a parking space in advance through the official GVA Parcs Naturals app at least a couple of days beforehand.
Cala del Moro, Puerto Azul, Ordí, Puerto Negro, l’Aljub, and Volante, on the other hand, are just outside this restricted area and you can reach them by car without booking.
And if you also want to make the most of Peñíscola’s great weather—remember the sea ranges between 13 and 26°C depending on the time of year—June to September are the most recommended months for swimming, while in spring and autumn you’ll find these coves—and also the best beaches in Peñíscola—much quieter, with temperatures just as pleasant for walking or cycling.
Which cove in Peñíscola will you go to first?
The coves in Peñíscola are a true wonder for switching off from routine, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and connecting with the wildest nature of the Costa del Azahar.
If you can’t wait to set foot on them and spend the summer of your life here—also enjoying the old town of Peñíscola, the Jardín del Papagayo, its street market, and its cuisine at the best restaurants in the area—at Orange Costa we have exactly what you need. Take a look at our selection of vacation apartments in Peñíscola and book your base of operations now to start exploring this Mediterranean paradise.
