Some great scenery as you wind your way up through the hills to Periana, especially the views down to Lake Viñuela.

Many archaeological remains have been found in the municipal area, notably from the Palaeolithic period at Cerro de Alcolea hill and the paintings in Marchamonas Cave. Relics from the Lower Roman Empire have also been discovered. In Arabic times, the village’s sulphorous waters were famous for their medicinal qualities and the Vilo Baths, which were still in use until the 19th century. Periana acquired municipal status in 1761 when San Isidro Labrador Chapel became a parish church and the village ended its dependence on Riogordo.

On Christmas Day 1884, an earthquake with its epicentre in the Sierra Tejeda devastated most of the north of the Axarquia region, with Periana the worst affected by what became known as the Andalucian Earthquake. There were 58 deaths and much of the urban area was destroyed. The task of providing rescue and assistance for the victims was extremely difficult. On 10 January 1885, King Alfonso XII visited the site of the catastrophe, and helped obtain aid with which to lighten the burden of the economic ruin which had befallen many local people almost overnight.

Statistics

Area: 59 square kilometres
Altitude: 547 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 3,500
Distance from Nerja: km
Driving Time: +/- mins

Location

Places of Interest

The only monument of any note is the Neomudejar style San Isidro Church. The village is fairly modern, but still retains a special charm due to the countryside and the magnificent views.

Local Cuisine

Typical local dishes are variations of gazpacho, ajoblanco and, of course, lots of peaches.

Useful Info

Town Hall
95 253 60 95

Health Centre
95 253 61 76

Fire Brigade
95 250 05 29

Ambulance
95 253 60 16

Taxi
95 253 61 56

Guardia Civil
95 253 60 17

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