Peñíscola is a destination that captivates not only for its history and landscapes, but also for its rich and varied gastronomy. The products of the sea and the land combine to offer authentic dishes, full of Mediterranean flavour, where the freshness of the ingredients is the soul of each recipe.
Traditional Peñíscola Cuisine
Peñíscola’s cuisine is based on fresh and simple ingredients. As a seafaring town, fish and seafood have always been the protagonists of its dishes, accompanied by basic products such as olive oil, garlic and potatoes. Some of the most representative dishes are:
The local pastries are equally delicious, with recipes passed down from generation to generation:
Typical Products of Peñíscola
Peñíscola prawns
Prawns are one of the most prized delicacies of the Mediterranean and have become the star dish in many restaurants in Peñíscola. Its flavour and texture are unmistakable, and you can’t get this peculiar touch anywhere else.
Characteristics of the Peñíscola king prawn:
Benicarló artichoke
Another jewel of the area is the Benicarló artichoke, cultivated on land near Peñíscola. Renowned for its flat, compact shape, its unique flavour makes it an essential ingredient in local cuisine. It is a product with designation of origin and a staple in traditional dishes.
Caragol Punxent (Cañadillas)
The Caragol Punxent, also known as the ‘cañadilla’ (Murex brandaris), is a gastropod mollusc that lives on sandy bottoms near the breakers in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. This sea snail is highly prized in seafood cuisine and is the star of several coastal towns that hold gastronomic festivals, such as those of Peñíscola. It is an outstanding delicacy in the region’s seafood cuisine.
Galeras
The galera is a malacrustaceous crustacean found in the Mediterranean, especially along the Valencian coast, where it is also known as the ‘caravel’. Its interior hides a juicy and tasty meat. It is usually grilled or broiled, with a touch of salt and good olive oil. Galleys are also enjoyed cooked in salt water, and are an excellent choice for rice dishes and seafood stews. They are especially appreciated during the cold months, when they contain roe, which makes them a real delicacy.
La Lonja of Peñíscola
The Peñíscola fish market is one of the pillars of the local fishing tradition. Organised by the fishermen’s guild, it is responsible for managing the sale of fresh fish through daily auctions. Although the auction has evolved towards more modern and computerised systems, it retains the essence of the old methods, in which fishermen would deposit their catch on the sand and the price would drop until a buyer decided to purchase the merchandise.
This fishing tradition ensures that local restaurants are supplied with high quality fresh fish every day, maintaining Peñíscola as an outstanding gastronomic destination.
Film Dish
Peñíscola has not only been the setting for major film productions, but also for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. As part of the Peñíscola de Cine project, visitors can enjoy local gastronomy in the same settings where films such as El Cid or series such as Game of Thrones have been shot. Eating in
Peñíscola is an experience for all the senses. Tourists can use all five senses in a unique and inimitable culinary experience, which ends or begins with a tour of the locations that have been featured in the films.
Peñíscola Gastronomic Product Club
Since 2012, Peñíscola has had a Gastronomic Product Club, an organisation that brings together restaurants and local companies committed to offering high quality, zero-kilometre products. This club, endorsed by the SICTED quality seal, guarantees visitors a culinary experience based on excellence.
Route of Flavour
Peñíscola forms part of the Taste Route of the province of Castellón, an initiative that seeks to highlight the most authentic and natural aspects of Mediterranean gastronomy. This route offers a unique experience, connecting visitors with local flavours, from the products of the land to the delicacies of the sea. The Ruta de Sabor also invites visitors to discover the smells, colours and textures of Mediterranean products in their purest state, promoting the authenticity of local gastronomy and respect for the environment.
L’Exquisit Mediterrani
Peñíscola is also part of the Gastro Turística CV – L’Exquisit Mediterrani network, a brand that represents the best of Mediterranean gastronomy. Promoted by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, this network connects all those involved in tourism and gastronomy, from haute cuisine chefs to local producers. The aim of L’Exquisit Mediterrani is to promote authentic, quality gastronomic experiences that combine Mediterranean tradition with local products such as olive oil, wine and fish. This initiative reinforces Peñíscola’s commitment to a gastronomic offer of excellence, based on local products and ancestral culinary techniques.
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