In the picturesque village of Iznate, located in the beautiful province of Málaga, you will find a perfect combination of tradition, history, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in its white streets and let yourself be captivated by its authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Discover what this charming corner of Andalusia has to offer!
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History of Iznate
The first findings discovered in Iznate belong to the Muslim era, so it is considered that it is from this period that the history of the village begins. The Arabs called it “hisnat,” which means castle.
Throughout the centuries, Iznate has gone through different stages, from Arab domination to the Christian reconquest in 1487. It was then when the Catholic Monarchs occupied these lands after the conquest of Vélez-Málaga due to its strategic location with other municipalities.
During this period, Christians built significant monuments such as the Church of San Gregorio. Subsequently, there were major conflicts between Christians and Muslims, which left Iznate completely uninhabited.
Years later, in 1574, 59 families from the municipalities of Antequera and Estepa settled in present-day Iznate. It was then that the vitality of these lands began to re-emerge, becoming a major center for wine and raisin production.
What to See and Do in Iznate
Today, its architectural heritage reflects these cultural influences, with monuments and historic buildings that tell the story of the region.
Places to See in Iznate
To discover Iznate, the best option is to take a pleasant stroll through the old town and explore a variety of places of interest that will transport you to the past along its narrow white streets. There, you will find two original fountains from the Muslim era: the fuente de la Noguera and the fuente de los Tres.
If you enjoy ancient architecture, you must visit the Church of San Gregorio VII. It boasts a beautiful structure and valuable religious artworks. The original structure dates back to the 16th century, although it was renovated in the 20th century.
We recommend parking your car on the outskirts of the village, as many of its streets are steep and narrow, making access difficult.
On the façade, you will find different emblems and the coat of arms of Pope San Gregorio VII. Its interior houses interesting works of art such as the wooden carved image of the Virgin of the Immaculate, adorned on a large pedestal, and an oil painting of San Francisco de Paula.
You can also visit the Mirador de la Loma de Barcos, located at the highest point of the village. From here, you can contemplate breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra de Almijara, the neighboring towns, and even the coast of Morocco on clear days.
Nature and Hiking
Nature and hiking lovers will find a paradise to discover through lush and picturesque landscapes in Iznate.
Loma de Barcos Route
This 5.17-kilometer route is a good option if you’re looking for a family or friends’ outing. The journey starts at the town hall of the village and leads to Loma de Barcos.
During the route, you can explore Iznate from the inside to the outskirts and reach the highest point of the hill. You can also do the route by bike, although it is much more enjoyable on foot.
Iznate – Benamocarra Circular Route
This route is one of the most popular for exploring the surrounding areas of the village. It starts at the cemetery of Iznate and, after almost 4 kilometers heading northeast, you can reach the town of Benamocarra.
The entire route covers almost 9 kilometers and allows you to discover the different natural landscapes offered by the surroundings of these two villages, including undulating green hills with fruit trees.
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
Iznate is known for its traditional festivals, which reflect the joy and folklore of the region. The Feria de Iznate, celebrated in honor of its patron saint, San Gregorio, is a perfect opportunity to enjoy music, dances, and delicious local cuisine.
Another popular festival is the Day of the May Cross, where every May 3rd, residents and visitors gather at the river of Iznate to eat and spend a day surrounded by family and friends. On this day, the Hornazo Day is also celebrated, and it is very typical for Iznate families to prepare this delicacy.
If you are a wine enthusiast, this is one of the towns with the highest grape production on the Costa del Sol, which is why the Moscatel Grape Festival is celebrated. This popular festival takes place on the first Saturday of August and marks the beginning of the Cultural Week of Iznate.
During the week, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as performances by rociero choirs, flamenco dancing, exhibitions, and workshops. Additionally, you can indulge in their culinary art through the tapas route starting at 8 in the evening.
As for its gastronomy, the Hornazo is very popular, an exquisite olive oil cake that you can taste in its pastry shops. Additionally, you must not miss the typical tapas, such as tortillitas de bacalao (cod fritters), sopa de maimones (garlic soup), or ensalada cateta con naranjas (orange salad), all accompanied by a good local muscatel wine.
How to Get to Iznate
Getting There by Bus
To get to Iznate by bus from the center of Málaga, the best option is to take the bus heading to Vélez-Málaga operated by the transport company Alsa. Once there, take the bus to Iznate. The journey takes about an hour and a half and costs between 5 and 9 euros in total.
Getting There by Car
If you prefer to travel by car from Málaga Airport, the recommended route is to take the MA-20 motorway to reach the A-7 road in the direction of Vélez-Málaga, then join the E-15 and take the exit towards Almayate-Iznate.
Then, follow the signs to Iznate. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes and will allow you to enjoy the beautiful views of the Axarquía coast, a marvelous subtropical region.
When visiting Iznate, renting a long-term car at Málaga Airport will provide you with the flexibility and convenience to explore the surrounding areas and discover other charming nearby villages such as Almáchar, Totalán, or Rincón de la Victoria.
Map of Iznate
Below, you will find a map with all the highlighted places in Iznate marked, so you can easily plan your routes and make the most of your visit.
Come to Iznate and immerse yourself in the essence of an authentic white village on the Costa del Sol! Discover its history, marvel at its natural surroundings, and enjoy its tranquility and gastronomy. An unforgettable experience awaits you in this hidden treasure of Málaga.
Relevant Information
Best time of year to visit: Between May and August.
Can’t miss: Attend some of its popular festivals and discover the exquisite delicacies of Iznate.
Nearby dining options: Any of its restaurants is a great choice, although our favorite is Hermanos Tejada Restaurant in the town center. Another good option is to go to La Loma Restaurant, which, although located on the outskirts of the village, is one of the most visited places due to its excellent flavor.
For more information about the village, you can visit the official website of the Iznate Town Hall: https://www.iznate.es/
