As soon as you leave behind Puerto Banús traffic and its frenzied ambiance, sweep past the Concepción lake - the reservoir that supplies the Coast's drinking water - out of nowhere, the final bend reveals Istán before it, away from the madding crowds below. The road to it is a twisty incline though it's well surfaced and safe and the view along the way is beautiful. Then there's the scenery, the lifestyle, the seclusion and the laid-back atmosphere...

The unspoilt Pueblo Blanco (white village) dates back to the 16th Century, is nestled within the protected Biosphere of Sierra de las Nieves. There are whitewashed houses lining silent streets all around you, mountain ridges beyond and searing sunshine above; timeless doesn't even begin to cover it, and it's truly a awe-inspiring sight, stepping directly into living history.

There is a range of small shops and a local market on Saturdays. Horse riding is available for trekking the surrounding hills and the lake open wide the possibilities of “green” and relaxing activities such as kayaking, paddle surf, fishing, trekking, amongst others…

Understandably Istan neighborhood offers a limited range and quantity of properties: within the village some aged whitewashed townhouses and apartments bursting of the local charm, and just outside the village some recently developed urbanizations of luxury villas and townhouses with breathtaking views and surrounded by dramatic natural scenery.