"Ojén a white village" a Ojén Travel Page by Beach_dog

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.

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.

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.