The name Iznate is derived from the Arabic Hisnat (castles) or Hisn Aute (Aute Castle) and this small town is presumed to have been founded during the Arab occupation of the area. According to one historian, it is not far from here that the famous Morisco rebel Omar Ben Hafsun was born. (see Famous Andalucian Bandoleros).
Iznate was captured by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487 and was one of the main centres of the 16th century Morisco rebellion which resulted in the definitive expulsion of remaining Moors from the Axarquia. After the revolt, the town lay abandoned until 1574 when it was repopulated by families from other areas. A Book of Foundation kept at the Town Hall has a list of the 59 families who originally came to the town with details of their names, ages, place of origin etc.
Statistics
Area: 7 square kilometres
Altitude: 303 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 900
Distance from Nerja: 35 km
Driving Time; +/- 40 mins
Location
Places of Interest
16th century Iglesia de San Gregorio VII
Fuente de Palsonada
Fuente Árabe
Fuente Del Encime
Fuente Los tres Deseos
Fuente Moguera
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with almonds, bread, oil and vinegar), Potaje de Garbanzos con Acelgas (hot egg soup seasoned with vinegar or lemon), Hornazos, Tortillas de Bacalao (cod omelettes), Sopa de Maimones, Sopa de Ajo. Muscatel wine is the local tipple. Tends to be sweet.
Local Festivals
Three Kings (January 6th)
Carnival (February)
Virgen de los Dolores (Friday before Easter)
San Antonio de Padua (June 13th)
Fiesta de la Uva Moscatel (First Saturday in August)
Las Candalarias (September 8th)
Fiesta del Invierno (December)
Useful Info
Tourist Office
calle Vélez 20
297792 Iznate
Tel: 952509776
Fax: 952509798
[email protected]
Where to Stay
Apartmentos Puerta La Martina
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509839
Casa Rural La Noria
calle Portillo 25
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509780
Fax: 952509780
Casa Rural Enrique
calle Pilar 35
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952535642
Casa Rural El Chorillo
29792 Iznate
Tel: 902100075
Casa Rural Ana Mari
calle Portillo 35
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952535642
Cortijo las Claras
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952540914
Cortijo La Panzona
29792 Iznate
Tel: 902100075
Cortijo Jacamón
calle Pilar 4
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509825
Where to Eat
Restaurante Andalucía
calle Vélez s/n
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509926
Puerta La Martina
29792 Iznate
Tel: 620952809
El Peke
calle Alhóndiga s/n
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509847
Hermanos Tejada
calle Vélez 15
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509814
Venta La Loma
Ctra Iznate-Cadiz km3
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952115779
José
calle Enmedio s/n
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509660
Paco´s
Puerta La Martina
29792 Iznate
Tel: 952509839
Internet access
Mesón Los Callejones
calle Viñeros
29792 Iznate
Tel: 616392672
Tel: 626362363