Lake Istan
Embalse de la Concepción
Lake Istan as it is commonly known was formed when the Presa de la Concepción (La Concepción Dam) and Embalse de la Concepción (La Concepción Reservoir) were constructed in 1972 to provide water for the growing population of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
The lake is located on the Rio Verde water-course which collects water from the Sierra de las Nieves mountains and flows into the sea just east of Puerto Banus. The 5km long reservoir has a capacity of 57 hm³ and a surface area of 214 ha. Together with small dams on the río Guadaiza, rio Guadalmina and rio Guadalmansa the reservoir provides water for Marbella, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Benahavís, Estepona, Casares and Manilva.
Animals found in the lake are the otter which is very rare in Malaga province, amphibians such as the marbled newt or tree frog. In the lake are fish such as rainbow trout or catfish.
Fishing and canoeing are the most popular activities on the reservoir. Motor boats and jet skis are prohibited.
Access to the lake is by descending one of the little track that leave the A-7176 Marbella to Istan village road. Descend by car as far as you can and then on continue on foot. there are no special facilities such as recreation areas so take with you everything you may need.