Ojén: An Authentic Refuge Just Minutes from Marbella
One of Andalucía’s most enamoring qualities is its charming white villages, with 18 of them gaining the title of “Pueblos más bonitos de España” (Most Beautiful Villages of Spain), based off criteria such as number of inhabitants, certified architectural and natural heritage and care of flowers and green areas. There are just over one hundred that hold the title in the whole of Spain, with 5 of them located in the Málaga province, and 3 of them in the neighbouring province of Cádiz.
It’s hard to distinguish the award-winners from the rest of the quaint Spanish villages, all of them having their unique sites, natural surroundings, historic relevance and traditions to be appreciated. Near Marbella, you have the villages of Benahavís, Istán, Ojén, Monda and Mijas Pueblo, with the closest being Ojén. Situated just 4.2kms North of Palo Alto, one of Marbella’s most prestigious new developments, and 9kms inland from Marbella’s town centre, the village of Ojén provides the perfect day trip to experience Andalucía's rural authenticity with minimal travel time.
Ojén, the Best-Kept Secret of the Sierra de las Nieves
Sitting at a height of 309m above sea level, Ojén is located within the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, perched between the two sierras of Sierra Blanca and Alpujata. The panoramic vistas from the village are really quite spectacular. Not only are you surrounded by breathtaking mountains, but you also get a view of Mijas to the east and the blue tones of the Mediterranean sea on the south horizon. Due to its privileged position, Ojén has evolved into a sought-after residential destination just minutes from Marbella, offering residents the perfect blend of natural surroundings and coastal proximity.
Top things to do in Ojén
Now that we know where Ojén is located, let's see how we can enjoy this wonderful village in the Sierra de las Nieves.
1. Soak up the atmosphere in the Plaza de Andalucía
The village's cobblestoned streets and narrow alleys are a maze of whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies. Walking through its historic streets is an experience in itself. The Plaza de Andalucía, in the heart of the village, is a great place to sit and soak up the local atmosphere
The church of Our Lady of the Incarnation in the main square, the Plaza de Andalucia, on the corner of Calle Ojen
2. Visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación & the Fuente de los Chorros
The village’s 16th-century church is a key historical landmark, built on the site of an old mosque and featuring a beautiful Mudejar-style ceiling. To think the church was first constructed over 500 years ago, having gone through centuries of renovations, really puts Ojén’s heritage into perspective. Right next to the church, you’ll find the Fuente de los Chorros, (Fountain of the Jets), a cascading fountain built in brick in 1905 which features five water spouts. Throughout the village, there are also plenty of other fountains to appreciate, with the reassuring sound of running water being a constant background soundtrack as you explore
Part of the “Museo del Molino”
3. Visit the Olive Oil and Liqueur Museum – Museo del Molino
The ground floor of the museum features a fully restored, fully operational olive oil mill from 1800, complete with its original machinery. Visitors can witness the traditional process of extracting olive oil, often referred to as "liquid gold." On the upper floor you will find the Liqueur Museum, with much significance, as Ojén was once famous for its aguardiente, a strong anise-flavoured liqueur that even Picasso reportedly enjoyed.
4. Enjoy the views from the Mirador del Corzo
For the best panoramic view of the village and surrounding mountains, head to Mirador del Corzo, (Roe Deer Natural Viewpoint). It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, providing a gorgeous perspective of the Andalusian landscape, particularly early on in the year.
Natural caves in the uper part of the village
5. See the caves of Ojén
These natural caves in the upper part of the village are perhaps the most distinctive attractions of Ojén. The karst landscape has sculpted the rock into formations that resemble the consistency of fairy sandcastles. Enhancing this effect is an intricate staircase, built to provide access to the caves’ elevated nooks and crannies. Historically, the caves served as shelter for both people and livestock. Following extensive restoration, they have been repurposed as a unique venue for cultural and social events.
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Walk among the animals and learn about the wildlife
6. Hike in the Sierra de las Nieves
Surrounding Ojén is the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are many trails for hikers in the area, often connecting villages such as the PR-A 167 Ojén – Istán trail, which takes you through the ravines on the slopes of Sierra Blanca. All trails in this area offer stunning views, rugged terrain and the chance to see animals such as the Golden Eagle, Spanish ibex and Spanish goat, as well as tree species like Spanish fir and cork oak.
Flamenco dancing is celebrated at Ojén’s annual festival
7. Experience the village’s annual festivals
Throughout the year, Ojén hosts lively fairs, religious processions, and traditional festivals. One of the most notable is the Romería de San Dionisio in October, a celebration of the town’s patron saint with music, food, and a pilgrimage through the countryside. In August, they also host the Festival Flamenco Castillo del Cante. This annual event brings top flamenco artists to the village for an unforgettable night of music and dance under the stars.
The views from Palo Alto, halfway between Marbella and Ojén
Palo Alto, the new development in Ojén, equidistant from Ojén and Marbella, was designed by two distinguished local architects and features contemporary luxury apartments which also benefit from sweeping vistas of Marbella and the Mediterranean. Set on a 50-hectare plot, with 40% dedicated to green spaces, these residences combine premium finishes with exceptional amenities.
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