Situated on the hillside, on the edge of the beautiful Serra d'Irta natural park, Villa Castellon enjoys an elevated position, assuring a splendid perspective whilst still being a short drive from the coast.
Less than a 10-minute drive from the villa, the town of Peñíscola is a popular resort known locally as 'The City of the Sea'. The pretty town is distinguished by its fortified seaport and lighthouse that sit atop a rocky headland connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Dating back to the Iberians, the town is rich in history, and you can visit the castle or wander through the charming old town with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Be sure to walk down Calle San Roque to admire the colourful doorways and balconies, which have been elaborately painted and adorned with plants and flowers, or visit the El Faro lighthouse and enjoy the view along the coast. It is also worthwhile to stop off at the beautiful Església de l'Ermitana, which is dedicated to the patron saint of Peñíscola.
The Valencian region is known for its produce, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional cuisine. Restaurants and bars are dotted throughout the town, where you will find typical plates of tapas as well as wonderful dishes of fresh seafood. Owned by a local fisherman, Taberna El Anforna is a cosy spot in the old town, where you can try local specialities such as baby cuttlefish or sea urchin tortilla or head to the popular El Caracol to enjoy a classic dish of paella. Alternatively, just a short walk from the villa, Restaurant Perla Blanca is a wonderful place for lunch, with a menu that celebrates the best local produce, which you can enjoy whilst admiring views down to the coast.
For those looking to spend the day beside the sea, the Playa Norte extends for nearly 5 km with a wonderful stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear sea that is perfect for a swim. A paved walkway runs adjacent to the beach, and there are a handful of cafés and kiosks where you can stop for a drink or enjoy an ice cream whilst looking out over the sea. To the southern end of the town, the Playa del Sur offers a smaller beach where you can rent pedalos to paddle out and explore the bay or hop in the car and head along the coast to discover some of the smaller coves.