Peniscola in spring: discovering the old town and magical corners

Hello, dear readers!

This is my third (and last) post dedicated to Peniscola, a charming Spanish town on the Mediterranean coast. The previous posts are here and here.

We will wander together along narrow streets up and down, watching the charm of small details and feeling the vibe of the town.

I’ve hardly seen much of Spain, mostly because I’m usually working. Since I work remotely, I’ve had the chance to go on a “workation” — staying with a friend in a small seaside town, working during the day, and enjoying the sea once the heat eases off. June here is already very hot, and yet it’s only the beginning of the summer season.

I first came here in March 2025. One weekend, my friend decided to show me Peñíscola. I had no idea I’d fall in love with it so quickly.

Spain is an incredibly hot country — at least from a Ukrainian’s point of view. Yet despite the heat, Spaniards seem to truly love their plants. I’ve never seen such a variety of succulents in my life. If you look closely, you’ll recognise some as the same types we grow back in Ukraine, but here they’re lush, thriving, and often in bloom.

Beyond succulents, you’ll find huge rubber plants, towering cacti, plenty of palm trees, and vibrant flowering shrubs. Balconies and windowsills are filled with greenery too, and it’s clear that all of this beauty needs daily care — especially during the summer months.

This photo shows the entrance to a house. Whitewashed walls, a striking blue door, and a delightful collection of small ceramic tiles — each with its own unique pattern or design. I could have stood there for ages, just taking it all in.

Aww, this smiling sun is my favorite! 💙

I don’t speak Spanish, so I can only guess that this might be a bookshop or a library.

Santa Maria Parish Church (Parròquia Santa Maria)

The church was built in the early Gothic style with a Baroque extension. It was rebuilt after a major fire in the first half of the 15th century.

Benches with the image of the city's coat of arms.

Calle Mayor o Rampa de Felipe II

For “Game of Thrones” fans – there are five filming locations in Peñíscola. I’ve already mentioned the Artillery Park, but this is the main street or Felipe II Ramp. In the past, merchants would bring their goods up this slope to the town and the castle.

This is the very ramp that Tyrion and Varys walk down while discussing a play. Along the way, they give alms to a woman breastfeeding her child.

Paseo de Ronda

There’s a plaque here with a description of the location and the scene from the series. By the time Tyrion and Varys realise what’s happening, it’s already too late... They walk along the seafront, watching the city go up in flames.

This 'embankment' is actually the outer wall of the old city.

This is a very nice place to walk and explore the medieval city.

Plaza de Santa María

In one of the scenes, Tyrion and Varys continue their conversation as they walk past what seems to be an abandoned market.

At last, we make our way down the multi-level descent, pass through a narrow neck of land, and suddenly find ourselves outside—on a wide, open beach. There's so much space here. It's impossible not to fall in love.

Wide beaches, lots of air, the sea, clouds - all this freedom, which I really missed.