Find information on Periana in our Travel Guide covering sights, foods and nightlife plus more...
Periana is a very pretty village sixty kilometres north east of Malaga and thirty kilometres from the coast. It is a typical inland village, where whitewashed walls and red tiled roofs gleam in the many long hours of sunshine. The panoramic views enjoyed by Periana include mountain ranges, the waters of Lake Vinuela and the coast to the south. Periana is only a half hour drive to the beaches enabling holidaymakers to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village as well as having days at the sea. A Periana holiday offers relaxation in a beautiful area of Spain, a guarantee of summer sunshine and a warm welcome from locals.
Periana lies in an area benefitting from one of the best climates in Spain with an average of three hundred and twenty days sunshine each year. It is a fertile area and in spring the air is filled with the scent of blossom from fruit trees and meadows filled with wild flowers. Those who enjoy an outdoor life surrounded by beautiful nature will find much to occupy their days. There are many picturesque trails for ramblers and riders, and the nearby lake offers a variety of water sports. The beach is less than thirty minutes by car for those who want a day with sand and sea.
A Periana holiday appeals to a variety of ages and interests with the exception of young singles looking for lively evenings, and families with small children who usually prefer to be closer to the sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol. Ramblers can enjoy many beautiful walking trails and those with an interest in the past can explore the many historic sites littering the area.
Periana is a year round holiday venue with hot summers and warm winters. Early and late season are popular times for walking holidays.
Periana is a small village with a population of three thousand five hundred. It is a fertile agricultural area situated less than thirty minutes from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by distant mountains, with Lake Vinuela to the south and the coast beyond, Periana has truly stunning vistas. The village suffered an earthquake in 1884 but was rebuilt in traditional Moorish style with steep cobbled streets and narrow winding alleyways. Periana dwellings are typical of the region with whitewashed walls and tiled roofs. Many of the houses have ornate balconies and window grills and the narrow streets are adorned with vibrant pots of flowers. The Church of San Isidro, rebuilt after the earthquake, is an impressive building with three naves. La Lomilleja Square offers wonderful views over the lake. The village has supermarkets for essential provisions and a good number of bars and restaurants. Located away from the bustle of the popular coastal resorts yet close enough to enjoy a day by the sea, Periana offers the best of both worlds. Here you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the village, explore the many historical sites in the vicinity as well as sampling the golden sands and the warm water of the Costa del Sol with its range of water sports.
Those with an interest in ancient history can explore the prehistoric sites and settlements that have been unearthed by archaeologists. There are sulphur baths at nearby Banos de Vilo which are said to have healing properties.
The most important fiestas in Periana take place in May and August when there are celebrations with processions, music and dance.
To make the most of your Periana holiday car hire is recommended.
The nightlife in Periana is fairly low key with evenings spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food.
Periana has good shopping facilities with supermarkets for essential provisions as well as the many small shops hidden among the narrow winding streets. Popular buys include traditional handmade items such as hand carved kitchen utensils, pottery leather goods, embroidered linens and articles woven from grasses.
Periana has some fine restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes as well as international cuisine. Traditional local dishes include a bitter orange soup with cod, garbanzo stew typical of the mountainous regions, as well as paella, tortillas, tapas and chorizo. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Desserts made from the locally grown fruits are popular as are local sheep and goat’s cheeses. Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
