Beyond the Bar: Adventures Away From Shellderado.
There’s something very special about our little garden bar—the clink of glasses, the soft buzz of laughter, our favourite music playing in the background, and the overall comfort of familiar surroundings. But every now and then, we trade our cozy corner for something a little different: the open road, finding hidden gems, new tastes and experiences, all to make special memories. This blog is where we share the stories of our adventures away from the bar. From weekend escapes to road trips, join us as we explore the world beyond our backyard, one destination (and drink) at a time.
Peñiscola.
A Motorhome Adventure to Peñíscola.
There’s something exciting and liberating about being on the road with your home on wheels. No fixed itinerary, plans, or hotel check-ins, just the freedom to roam and do what you please, when you please. Our latest motorhome trip took us to one of Spain’s most picturesque coastal towns: Peñíscola, a historic gem tucked along the Costa del Azahar.
Glimpse of the Sea and more.
After winding through the scenic backroads of Castellón province, the shimmer of the Mediterranean finally greeted us. Peñíscola appeared like something from a movie, perched dramatically on a rocky peninsula, crowned by its iconic 13th-century Templar castle, which looms over whitewashed houses and cobbled streets.
A place to lay our heads.
We parked the motorhome at Camping Eden, a place we have stayed before over 20 years ago, and just a short walk from the beach and town centre. The site offered everything we needed; spacious pitches, clean facilities, and even a pool for cooling off after a long day of exploring.
Medieval Castle.
Peñíscola Castle, also known as Castillo del Papa Luna, is steeped in medieval history and once served as the stronghold of Pope Benedict XIII. The views from the ramparts are breathtaking: waves crashing against the fortress walls, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, swallows and gulls sweeping down so close you can almost touch them. The narrow alleys of the old town stretching out below, boasting quaint little shops selling handmade ceramics and local olive oil, beautiful looking restaurants and cafes, offering Tapas and cold drinks under vine-covered terraces.
Sun, Sand, Sea and Sangria.
Of course, no coastal trip is complete without beach time. Peñíscola boasts a wide, sandy beach that runs parallel to the town’s historic core. We spent lazy afternoons swimming, sunbathing, and watching kite surfers ride the breeze. There’s a promenade perfect for cycling or evening strolls, and we used this to cycle into the main town, with even more shops, bars and restaurants. There are chiringuitos serving up fresh seafood, cold beer, and, of course Sangria. It would have been rude not to try them out!
Motorhome Moments
Traveling in our motorhome certainly brought with it lots of laughter, mostly when trying to navigate into tight spaces, whilst the rest of the campsite watched on. However we always managed to get settled without any hiccups.
For fellow road trippers, Peñíscola is a fantastic destination, with some well-equipped campsites to accommodate, tents, campers and motorhomes, with easy access to both nature and culture. Whether you’re chasing history, beach days, or simply the joy of open-road living, Peñíscola delivers.
Game of Thrones.
Peñíscola gained international fame when it was featured as a filming location in HBO’s Game of Thrones. In Season 6, the town’s historic old quarter and iconic Templar castle were transformed into the city of Meereen, one of the key locations in Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline. If you are a fan of the show you can walk the same alleys where Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys once plotted, adding a cinematic layer to this enchanting coastal town.
Time To Leave.
As we packed up and rolled out of Peñíscola, there was that familiar tug of reluctance. and sadness. As always, wanting one more beach day, one more castle climb and one more Sangria, but it was time to make our way home.
Peñíscola, we’ll be back. Until then, the journey continues.