If you want to savour a village in a rural setting then this is the place to visit.

The stunning white village of Istán lies on the western side of Costa del Sol. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Real and is close to the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park. Originally a Moorish settlement, it is a very peaceful village, set in rugged mountain terrain, complete with vineyards and stunning woodlands.

While it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, it’s actually just 15 to 20 minutes by car from Marbella and Puerto Banús.

Istán is a small, traditional village and rather feels like you’ve stepped back in time. There are small independent shops tucked into the winding streets and you’ll find Moorish irrigation ditches and drinking fountains delivering cool water from the springs of the surrounding mountains to thirsty residents and tourists. There is a pretty church which dates back to 1505, as well as the remains of the Escalante Tower, a watchtower from the 16th century.

The village has a large municipal sports centre including a gym, indoor pool, football, basketball and tennis facilities. They run a full programme of fitness and sports classes for adults and children. There is also a primary school, library and plenty of restaurants and bars.

Most people head to Istán for the stunning surrounding scenery and nature. Sitting in the Rio Verde valley, with streams flowing down to the La Concepción Reservoir, you will find oak, fir, junipers and carobs alongside fruit trees, as well as a wide array of wild flowers, birds and animals.
There is a network of nine hiking routes starting at the village and varying in difficult and length, plus there are also six mountain bike routes through the stunning countryside.

Buyers looking for rural properties within easy reach of the Costa del Sol are in luck in Istán. There are stunning villas on secluded lots, as well as townhouses and apartments in small developments and even plots where you could build your own dream home. Properties in Istan are varied and offer everything from luxury living to great value for money, so speak to our helpful team to find out if Istán is the right place for you. 

Not to be missed: The Escalante Tower and The San Miguel Hermitage

Fun Fact: After the Christian reconquest of the Iberian peninsula in the 15th century, Arabs were barred from living within a league of the shoreline in order to prevent them from communicating with their kinsmen across the straits in Morocco. Istán, 15km inland, was allowed to remain while the coastal Arab settlements were depopulated and frequently destroyed.

Steve Wiley

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