With a population near to 3.500 inhabitants, Periana is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by smooth elevations where there is an abundance of water. Possessor of a splendid microclimate for agricultural functions (it is noted for is famous peaches) and due to its privileged enclave within the district of La Axarquía, it has attracted, from time immemorial, settlers to its lands just as the remains found in “El Cerro de la Alcolea”, in the Neolithic sites of “El Cerro del Fuerte” and of “Marchamonas” vouch for. At a little more than two kilometres from the town is located the spa of “Los Baños de Vilo” whose sulphurous waters have been used for medicinal purposes since the time of the Arabic occupation.
The town as such, just as we know it, originates from the end of the Eighteenth Century, becoming independent from Vélez. After the earthquake of 1885, the Parish Church of San Isidro was built; at present, the most important building in the town and in the whole of the surrounding district.
The festive calendar of Periana starts towards the end of March with the celebration of “El Día del Aceite Verdial”. The Fair of San Isidro, the town´s Patron Saint, takes place in mid- May and the popular “Feria del Melocotón” takes place on the third weekend in August. Its cuisine is characterised, above all, for it stews: “sopas cachorreñas”, esparragus soup, “gazpachuelo”, besides other delicious dishes such as “la ensaladilla cateta”, “las migas” and “los morretes” a dish with an esparragus, mushrooms, potatoes and almond sauce base.