Located against the slopes of Sierra Blanca, not far from Marbella, the village of Istán, whose name means "fountain" due to the numerous springs which flow from the village countless fountains, has a spectacular view over the Costa del Sol. The reservoir of "La Concepcion" is a beautiful artificial lake at the town foot.
The origin of the town date back to the XIVth. century when, after the capture of the Arboto castle by the Christian army, the defenders fled, setting themselves up on the site of the present Istan. The expulsion of the Arabs was a real disaster for the village, which at that time was one of the richest towns in the area, thanks to the production of silk and raisins.Its most important monument is the parish church built in the XVIth. century on the orders of the Seville Archbishop, Diego de Leza. The most typical craftsmanship in the village is the manufacturing of palm and esparto grass goods and ceramics.
During the Holy Week, there is a very popular performance of "Christ Passion" called "El Paso", on 29th. September, commemoration of the town's Patron Saint, Saint Michael, after the celebration of the mass, there is a traditional festivity known as "Tomillería", and on the 1st. of November, as in several other towns in the region, the people from Istan keep "La Tostoña" a picnic to the nearby mountains to roast chestnuts and eat them washed down with a cup of "aguardiente" ( a strong liquor like the anisette).
The municipality of Istan, together with another ten of the surrounding, has been declared by the UNESCO, Biospherical Reserve.