For over a century, Peñíscola has been writing its own script in the history of film. From early black-and-white recordings to global productions like Game of Thrones and MasterChef, this walled city on the Mediterranean has captivated filmmakers with its light, heritage, and capacity for transformation.
The combination of natural landscapes, historic architecture and open sea has positioned it as one of Spain’s leading audiovisual destinations. Its international reach will be further strengthened at Shooting Locations Marketplace, taking place in Valladolid on 15 and 16 October 2025, where Peñíscola Film Office will be present to showcase the city’s full production potential to location scouts, producers, and major platforms.
Shooting between history, stone and sea
What makes Peñíscola truly exceptional is not only its beauty, but its adaptability. The old town, with its medieval layout and Mediterranean architecture, has doubled as Middle Eastern cities or contemporary European settings. Landmarks such as the Papa Luna Castle, the ancient walls, the Portal Fosc, and the Felipe II Ramp provide powerful visual elements that can anchor stories in any period.
Rising 64 metres above sea level, the city sits on a tombolo and offers a compact, accessible environment with solid infrastructure. Productions filmed here—from Berlanga’s Calabuch to El Cid, The Ministry of Time, and Game of Thrones—highlight the city’s visual richness and the far-reaching impact of its image on screen.
The Peñíscola Film Office, under the local council, manages filming permits directly, liaises with regional authorities, and provides full support with public space permits, traffic management, and access for technical vehicles. The team will attend the upcoming edition of Shooting Locations Marketplace to present its location catalogue, production services, and its ongoing collaboration with other film offices across the Valencian Community.
Untouched nature, open coastline and tailored support
Beyond its urban backdrop, Peñíscola offers 15 kilometres of untouched coastline: the Serra d’Irta Natural Park features 16 wild coves, cliffs and trails, already used in series like El Barco. The two main urban beaches—North and South—add further flexibility, offering Blue Flag quality, accessibility, and the ability to host large-scale productions with full logistical support.
The Marjal wetland, with its protected flora and fauna, expands the visual options for documentaries, fiction and environmental storytelling. All of these natural settings are available through coordinated permitting managed by the Film Office, which also oversees processes involving regional or port authorities.
Peñíscola also plays an active role in regional cooperation, working closely with the Ciudad de la Luz film studio, and collaborating with film offices from Alicante, Benidorm and Valencia. As a member of the Spain Film Commission, it integrates into a national network committed to showcasing Spain as a premier filming destination.