Property in Peñiscola is another option on the Costa Azahar.

30 kilometres north up the coast from Alcossebre, with almost nothing but virgin coastline in between, is the picturesque town of Peñiscola, dominated by its medieval castle, built by the nights templar in the thirteenth Century. Peñiscola was the headquarters of Pope Pedro de Luna (Benedict XIII) during the schism with Rome, and its walled old town and castle on a headland is one of the prettiest sights in Spain.

The north beach of Peñiscola is being developed in a way that is unlikely to excite British buyers. But south of the town, close to the Sierra d’Irta natural park, the blocks of flats are low-rise, and there are more detached and semi-detached properties.  The coast here is made up of rocky coves, and small beaches, and much of the land has not yet been developed. Semi-detached properties on the south side of the town, with a garden, and communal pool start from 250,000 Euros, according to Saborit. Good sea views come as standard with properties here.

The north beach of Peñiscola extends several kilometres up to the town of Benicarlo, with unremarkable blocks of flats hugging the beach all the way.  Properties here are mainly lock-and-leave-holiday apartments, empty all year except for the high season. Beyond Benicarlo there is just the small town of Vinaros before you reach the magnificent Ebro River Delta, on the border with Catalonia, which marks the northern end of the Costa Azahar.