Located about 3 km from the town, this cave chapel stands on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the mountain range, and part of its structure is set within a natural cave, inside which stands a statue of Arcángel San Miguel, the patron saint of Istán.
This rural chapel is situated in a prime location with breathtaking views of the Sierra Blanca, the Sierra Real, the Río Verde Valley with the Concepción Reservoir, and, in the distance, the Mediterranean Sea.
The site also features a rest and recreation area that takes on special significance during the celebration of La Tomillería, so named for the abundance of thyme in the area; a highly popular pilgrimage in honor of the patron saint, during which the “tomilleros” wear traditional costumes in the colors of the patron saint’s mantle; it is held on the Sunday before the patron saint festivities, which take place during the last week of September.
The chapel and the pilgrimage celebration were the result of the efforts of the town’s youth in the 1970s, as it was this group of citizens who came up with the initial idea for what is now a well-established tradition that combines faith, religiosity, and history.
Área recreativa de San Miguel, Istán
High
Medium / Yes (free)
Mancomunidad 
