el Manantial de la Costa del Sol, Istán, Andalucía

## Overview Nestled in the charming white village of Istán, high above the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, el Manantial de la Costa del Sol is a public drinking spring that draws its water from the pristine Sierra Blanca mountain range. Istán has long been known as the "water village" of the region, thanks to its abundance of natural springs, mountain streams, and the nearby Río Verde — one of the most important waterways in the western Costa del Sol. The town's fountains have historically been fed by these sierra springs, and the area serves as a critical water source for much of the Costa del Sol coastline below. The Sierra Blanca, a dramatic limestone massif rising above Marbella and the Mediterranean coast, acts as a natural filter and reservoir. Rainwater percolates through layers of marble and dolomite rock before emerging at springs like this one, a process that has supplied the region's communities for centuries. Istán itself sits at roughly 300 meters above sea level, surrounded by pine and cork oak forests, and the village retains a distinctly Moorish character — a legacy of the centuries of Al-Andalus rule that shaped much of southern Spain's water infrastructure, including its intricate systems of acequias (irrigation channels) and public fountains. Visitors have historically regarded the spring water here as exceptionally clean and refreshing, drawn directly from the mountain aquifer. Many of Istán's public fountains continue to flow year-round, and locals have long used them as a primary drinking water source. ## Directions 1. From Marbella, head north on the A-355 road toward Istán. The drive is approximately 15 kilometers and takes about 20 minutes, winding uphill through scenic mountain terrain. 2. Follow the road into the village of Istán. The spring is located within the town itself — look for one of the traditional public fountains near the center of the village. 3. GPS coordinates: **36.543107, -4.950171** — use these for precise navigation, as the narrow village streets can be tricky to navigate. 4. Parking in Istán can be limited in the old town center; consider parking on the outskirts and walking in. ## What to Expect Istán is a quintessential Andalucían pueblo blanco (white village), with narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with flower pots, and sweeping views of the Sierra Blanca and the Mediterranean coast below. The public drinking spring is one of several traditional fountains scattered throughout the village, many of which still flow with mountain spring water from the sierra above. The water emerges cool and clear, fed by the limestone aquifer of the Sierra Blanca. Flow tends to be strongest during the wetter months (autumn through spring), though many of Istán's fountains run year-round. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities, including trails along the Río Verde gorge and up into the Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The village itself is worth exploring — Istán has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, with a handful of local bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Andalucían cuisine. The drive up from the coast is scenic and rewarding, offering panoramic views of the reservoir (Embalse de la Concepción) that supplies water to much of the western Costa del Sol. Visiting in spring brings the added bonus of wildflowers and lush green hillsides.