Peñíscola is the jewel in the crown. It has endless beaches, a postcard-perfect old town, and a castle that watches over the Mediterranean. But beyond the Instagram photo, this city hides secrets that escape the eye of the common tourist.
Did you know that our name is a geographical description? Or that we have a “dragon” breathing under the rocks?
If you stay at Hostal Xulos Peñíscola, you will be sleeping on centuries of history. So that you enjoy your visit like a local expert, here we tell you 7 secrets that will make you see the city with different eyes.
The Pope who gave rise to a popular saying
It is impossible to talk about curiosities without mentioning our most illustrious neighbor Papa Luna (Benedict XIII). He was one of the three popes that existed at the same time during the Western Schism. He took refuge in our Castle of Peñíscola and refused to resign his position until his death, constantly repeating “I am Pope, I am Pope”.
Historical curiosity It is said that the famous Spanish expression “Mantenerse en sus trece” (To stick to your guns) was born from his obstinacy, since he insisted on being the legitimate Pope Benedict XIII.
Peñíscola is a name that says it all
The name of our city is no coincidence. It comes from the Latin “Paene Insula”, which literally means “Almost Island”.
For centuries it was called “Peniscola” (with a Latin i), until the mid-20th century when the “ñ” was made official to adapt it to modern Spanish. A name that perfectly describes our unique geography, the same one you can see walking from our privileged location.
Before we were an island (for real)
Today you see a paved road that connects the Castle with the new city, but it was not always like this. In the past, Peñíscola was connected to the mainland only by a narrow isthmus of sand (a tombolo).
When there were strong storms, the water covered that sand and Peñíscola became an impregnable island. This explains why it was such a coveted place and easy to defend by templars and kings. Nobody could enter if the tide went up!
El Bufador
Right in the old town, between white houses and souvenir shops, hides an impressive geological crack El Bufador.
It is a natural tunnel in the rock that connects with the sea. On calm days, you can hear the “breathing” of the waves. But when there is a storm… Be careful! Water and air shoot upwards with a spectacular roar (snort).
Xulos Tip You can check the state of the sea before going up. If there are waves, the show is guaranteed. Ask us at the reception when you do your check-in and we will tell you how the sea is that day.
Walls signed by a royal engineer
They are not just piled stones. The Renaissance walls you see today were commissioned by King Philip II in the 16th century. For this, he hired the most “top” Italian military engineer of the time Juan Bautista Antonelli.
The result was a defensive system so advanced and solid that it has defined the profile of our city until today. If you look closely, the walls have a special inclination to deflect pirate cannonballs.
The legend of the Moor’s Rock
If you walk along the extensive North Beach, which is a step away from Hostal Xulos, look at the sea.
You will see a rock formation known as La Roca del Moro. Its silhouette resembles a human head emerging from the water. Local legend says it is a petrified Moorish warrior, punished to eternally watch the city he could not conquer. A magical detail that goes unnoticed by many bathers.
Light of artists From Sorolla to Hollywood
Peñíscola has a special light, and artists know it. The painter José Sorolla García (son of the famous Joaquín Sorolla) spent long seasons here trying to capture our blues and whites.
That same light is what attracted film directors to shoot El Cid, Calabuch, or Game of Thrones. Walking around here is walking inside a canvas (or a movie).
Come see the secrets in person
Peñíscola is not only sun and beach, it is living history, legends, and wild nature. From the roar of the Bufador to the stones stepped on by Papa Luna, every corner has something to tell you.
To explore these secrets, you need a base camp that measures up. At Hostal Xulos we offer you a familiar, modern atmosphere right in the heart of the action.
Ready to explore the “Almost Island”?
Do not let them tell you, live it. Check availability in our rooms and book directly with us to get the best conditions.