Ojén is a relatively unspoilt village of around 2,000 people situated by the Almadán stream above the Rio Real valley. It is surrounded by the Sierra Blanca and Sierra Alpujata mountain ranges where a rich source of minerals - talc, nickel, iron and lead - made it an important region, firstly to the Moors and then, later, to the Spanish during the industrial revolution of the 19th century.

Ojén gets its name from the Arabic word, hoxán, meaning 'rough' or 'bitter' place. Why such a beautiful and peaceful area got such a name remains a mystery. Maybe it was merely done to puzzle future generations!

The town is cut in half by a modern highway, the newer and more affluent half spreading upwards into the hills. In Moorish times there was, naturally, a castle dominating the skyline. The village itself survived the Christian reconquest but not the castle. A few stones remain, scattered over the hillside, but nothing worth talking about.

To the south of the highway, on the lower slopes, is the old part of the town with narrow, cobbled streets. Much more interesting. Once upon a time, the anise liqueur aquardiente was produced in the town and was the principal source of income for the community.

Nearby, in the Serrania de Ronda, is the Refugio de Juanar, once the private hunting lodge of the wealthy Larios family and a favoured retreat of King Alfonso XIII. Today it is a hotel, popular with tourists and hunters. The Serrania is still a hunting reserve for ibex, wildcats and eagles. The area is also popular with ramblers, with stunning views down to Marbella some 3,000 feet below.

LOCAL CUISINE

The gastronomy of Ojén is centered around natural products, with vegetables, game, goat cheese, milk and fruit playing an important role. Sopa Hervida and Sopa de Caldo are typical local dishes in which they use pieces of hard bread, garlic, onions, peppers and tomatoes. There is also a delicious Gazpacho soup made with grapes and almonds. On the game side, it is mainly rabbit, either with tomato or potatoes. If you go to the restaurante del Refugio de Juanar, you can also get wild goat, pheasant, quails and red deer.

GETTING THERE

Take the A-7/E-15 for 82.8km in the direction Marbella/Algeciras. There is a 23km 'toll' section which will cost about €5. Turn off at exit 185 for Ojén/Marbella (Este).

Roundabout - Second exit.

Roundabout - First exit

You should now be on the A-355 and it's straight on to Ojén.

USEFUL NUMBERS/ADDRESSES

Ayuntamiento
C/ Carreras, 5
29610 Ojén
Open: 09:00 - 14:30
Tel: 952 88 10 03 / 952 88 11 00
Fax: 952 88 12 16
Email: info@villadeojen.com

Policía Local

952 88 10 03 / 656 93 81 48
Guardia Civil

952 88 10 04
Protección Civil

656 93 81 46
Consultorio Médico

952 88 10 23
Hospital Costa del Sol

952 82 82 50
Centro Sanitario Las Albarizas

952 82 65 96
Bomberos de Marbella

952 77 43 49