ISTAN
Close to the coast
above Marbella
Its proximity to the coast and the richness of its aquifers led to the appearance of a human settlement at the time of Muslim domination. The foundation of the current town was in the mid-15th century, when Christian troops attacked the fortress of Arboto under the command of Saavedra Urdiales.
COMBINING HIKING WITH THE BEACH
Istán has with a population of approximately 1400 people. It lies beneath the Sierra Blanca, in the valley of the Rio Verde, about 15 km to the northwest from Marbella and the Mediterranean coast. It is situated on the southern slope of the Sierra de las Nieves.
Its proximity to the coast and the richness of its aquifers led to the appearance of a human settlement at the time of Muslim domination.The foundation of the current town was in the mid-15th century, when Christian troops attacked the fortress of Arboto under the command of Saavedra Urdiales.
Torre de Escalante is considered to be one of the watchtowers that constituted the defense of Marbella from the north; at the same time it was used as a farmhouse tower witha double mission - both defensive and shelter for the neighbours.
Istan was originally a Moorish settlement and survived largely because it was away from the coast. The moorish influence can still be seen in the town:the Acequia del Chorro water channel, for example.
HIKING ROUTES
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK