"Ojén a white village" Ojén by Beach_dog

Ojén Travel Guide: 29 reviews and 71 photos

The town

Ojén has a population of 2000, but it has not attracted the attention of wealthy expatriates. It has somehow conspired to remain relatively unspoiled in spite of its accessibility and the madcap whirl around it.

On the road to Ojén.

It is situated beside the Almadán stream above the valley of the rio Real at an altitude of 650ft, hemmed in by the sierras Blanca and Alpujata. In that, we may have a clue to the Moors' determination to stay in spite of their apparent antipathy, for both ranges of mountains have long been known as rich sources of talc, nickel, iron and lead. This mineral wealth put the area in the forefront of the Spanish industrial revolution of the 19th Century.

Of more interest to the visitor is the old part of town which spreads down the mountainside. Here the cobbled streets are narrow and well served by welcome drinking fountains. But Ojén used to be famous for something a little stronger than water. The production of the anise liqueur, aguardiente, which many Spaniards take each day with their morning coffee, once played a major part in the town's economy.

Walking in the hills around Ojén

Marbella viewed from the Mountains near Ojén.

Close by, in the Serrania de Ronda, is the Refugio de Juanar. Originally the private hunting lodge of the wealthy Larios family, and a favoured retreat of King Alfonso XIII, this is now a hotel popular with tourists and hunters. For the Serrania is still very much a hunting reserve where ibex, wildcats and eagles abound. It is also a favourite with ramblers and hikers who come to relish the pure mountain air and the stunning views of Marbella and the coast 3000 feet below.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Totally unspoilt.
Cons:Not the prettiest of the white villages.
In a nutshell:Well worth a visit.

Last visit to Ojén: Oct 2002
Intro Updated Nov 14, 2002
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Reviews (9)

Museo de Vino Malaga Things to Do (4)

Museum of Wine. An old distillerie now used as a museum for local wines, and winemaking implements. Entrance is free... more travel advice

Museum of wine 2 Things to Do (4)

Inside the museum I love the decoration and colors. more travel advice

Andalucian tiles showing country scenes. - Ojén

Museum of wine 3 Things to Do (4)

I also liked these typical Andalucian tiles, showing historical scenes from Agricultural life. more travel advice

Museum of wine 4 Things to Do (4)

Another scene in the museum. more travel advice

Favorites (5)
See All View of the town from the approach road.

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Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 14, 2002

8 photos

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Comments (5)

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Gerhard_Beer Jun 26, 2003 at 3:08 AM

I will come back to Ojen in two weeks. Thank you for your information about the wine museum. I never heard about it before. In every case I will visit it. Thanks a lot
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herzog63 Apr 26, 2003 at 10:12 AM

Ojén looks very beautiful to me! It looks so awesome set up on the hill! Very nice page!!
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daarth Jan 12, 2003 at 8:27 AM

I didn't know about the wine museum there!
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cbeaujean Jan 3, 2003 at 3:20 AM

and,mainly(???),julio iglesias residence!!!
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Carmela71 Nov 15, 2002 at 3:29 AM

You should look information about the licour called ojen lol also Great views... see?? I told you :-)