Iznate – white streets, Muscat grapes and Andalusian culture

Iznate is characterised by whitewashed houses and winding streets that recall its Andalusian past. On a walk, steep streets adapted to the differences in terrain lead past white façades decorated with flower pots, small squares and secluded corners.

Culture

The Mudéjar church of San Gregorio VII, built in the late 16th century, stands on the main square. Its single-nave layout has a wooden ceiling; the church also contains a painting of Saint Francis of Paola attributed to the painter Zurbarán.

The water features include the Fuente del Encime, built during Muslim rule and also known as the Fuente de los Tres Deseos. The Fuente Blasonada stands on the Plaza de la Virgen de los Dolores; it takes its name from the coat of arms of the Marquesado de Campos, which adorns it. One spring in Iznate is of Arab origin; its name may possibly derive from a large walnut tree that once grew beside it. A spring in Iznate provides natural water and has been used since earlier times to supply drinking water and as a watering place for working animals.

Landscape

The agricultural landscape of Iznate includes vineyards, almond trees and olive groves. Iznate is known for its Muscat grapes. At the highest point of the town, the Mirador Iznate-Marruecos offers views of the Sierra Tejeda Almijara, the Mediterranean and the eastern Costa del Sol. On clear days, the Moroccan coast and the Atlas Mountains may also be visible from there.

Festivals

The Semana Cultural de Iznate is a week of culture and leisure with an extensive programme of events. It includes the Día de la Uva Moscatel, a festival recognised as being of provincial tourist interest, which takes place in Iznate every year at the beginning of August.

The Día de la Uva Moscatel begins with a thanksgiving mass for the fruits of the previous harvest. In the afternoon, a gastronomic route leads through Iznate’s main streets during the festival. Iznate’s patron saint festivities coincide with Holy Week and combine religious events with leisure activities.

On Easter Sunday, Iznate hosts the Búsqueda del Niño Resucitado, a performance regarded as a live reenactment. Twelve residents portray the apostles, wearing masks and robes in the style of clothing worn by Hebrews at that time. After the mass at San Gregorio VII, the procession passes through the streets of Iznate to the cemetery chapel, where the performance takes place.

Routes

The Ruta del Sol y del Aguacate includes, among others, the municipalities of Rincón de la Victoria, Macharaviaya, Vélez-Málaga, Benamocarra, Iznate and Benamargosa; at the same time, Iznate is connected with the five places mentioned.

Other places

Other destinations: Fuente De Piedra, Caleta De Vélez, Villanueva Del Trabuco, Estepona, Marina de Casares, Arriate, Bobadilla, Jubrique.

To the overarching travel overview: Málaga.