Boat Trip Along the Sierra de Irta Coast

What it is

The Sierra de Irta was declared a natural park and marine reserve on 16 July 2002. It protects 7,743 hectares south of Peñíscola and a marine strip with about 12 km of undeveloped coastline, one of the last such stretches on the Mediterranean. Its highest point is the Campanilles peak, at 572 m. In July and August, Golondrinas Clavel runs an hour-and-a-half outing from the port to see that coast from the sea, with a stop to swim in its clear waters. It is a comfortable way to get to know the park without walking, and works well with children.

Price, season and booking

The "Peñíscola Irta Natural Park" outing is made on the golondrina Olimpia only in July and August. It lasts 1 h 30 min and costs €20 for adults and €10 for children; the website doesn't publish a pensioner rate. It doesn't publish departure times either, so you need to book and ask the time by phone, on 666 114 851 or 639 693 938, or by email at [email protected]. The website doesn't give a pet policy or the boat's accessibility: ask when you book.

It leaves from the Peñíscola port, south of the rock, next to Playa Sur. Wear your swimsuit, and bring a towel, cap and sun protection: the swimming stop is out at sea.

What you see

Irta's coast is cliffs and unspoilt coves, with no buildings. On one of the highest cliffs in the Comunitat is the Badum tower, an 11 m watchtower declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985; the boat company doesn't detail the exact route, so ask whether it can be seen from the boat. Inland are the Ebrí tower and the castles of Xivert and Polpis, of Arab origin and later Templar, which can't be seen from the boat but can from the walking routes.

If you prefer to go by land

The park can also be explored on foot and by bike. The Badum tower circular route links Mas del Senyor, the tower, the Clot de Maig and the Pebret dunes, in almost 15 km. In summer, to drive in along the coastal track you must book on the GVA Parcs Naturals app. Inside the park, wild camping, flying drones without authorisation and lighting fires outside the designated areas are not allowed.

If it feels like too little, the same boat does a 30-minute loop round the rock all year: see the boat trip around the rock.