Ojen is a charming municipality located in the province of Malaga, just 8 kilometres north of Marbella and west of Mijas Pueblo. This picturesque white village, nestled between Sierra Blanca and the Alpujarra, reflects the Arab legacy in Andalusia, with its typical white houses and narrow streets.
The mountains of Ojen are a true natural treasure, hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among the most notable species are the Spanish ibex and the Golden Eagle, both emblematic of the region's rich biodiversity.
The history of Ojen dates back to the middle of the Paleolithic, with evidence of human presence in the area. However, the first settlement that is known dates from the Neolithic. Although it is believed that there may have been some settlement during the Roman Empire, no evidence of this has yet been found.
The existence of a population in Ojen is first documented during the Moorish rebellion in the territories occupied by the Christians in Al-Andalus. This rebellion was provoked by the religious persecution suffered by the Arabs and Jews after being conquered, many of whom were killed or enslaved. In 1569, a great battle took place in Ojen, resulting in the victory of the Christians and the expulsion of the remaining Moors, who mostly dispersed throughout the peninsula, while a few fled to Africa.
In 1906, the palace of Juanar was built, which on one occasion housed King Alfonso XIII. Today, the palace is a national parador.
Ojen is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the places of interest you can visit:
Ojen's firewater is a spirit that has played a significant role in the history and culture of the region. This sweet liquor, which began to be produced in 1830, quickly became one of the main demands of the region, being appreciated by both locals and visitors for its distinctive taste and exceptional quality.
The production of firewater in Ojen reached its peak in the 19th century when the local factory became an economic pillar for the community. However, in 1920, a devastating plague swept through the vineyards of Malaga, leading to the closure of the factory and marking the end of an era.
Despite this setback, the legacy of Ojen's firewater endures to this day. The drink remains an integral part of Ojen's cultural identity, and its history is celebrated in local festivals and events. Although the original factory is no longer in operation, the recipe for the firewater has been preserved and continues to be produced on a small scale, keeping the tradition alive.
The old town of Ojen is a place full of charm and history. We invite you to stroll through its narrow streets, which follow the original Arab layout. The white houses, typical of Andalusian villages, stand proudly on the slopes of the mountain, creating a unique urban landscape.
One of the most notable points of interest is the castle of Ojen. Although only ruins remain today, this Arab-origin castle was an important fortress in its day. From its remains, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the castle, the old town of Ojen has several viewpoints that offer spectacular views. From them, you can appreciate the beauty of the Andalusian landscape, with its mountains covered in olive trees and its blue skies.
The old town of Ojen is also famous for its festivals and traditions. Throughout the year, numerous events and festivals are held that attract visitors from all over. From the festival of San Juan to Holy Week, there is always something interesting to see and do in Ojen.
More information about the Old Town of Ojen
The Church of the Incarnation is one of the most emblematic monuments of Ojen. Built in the 16th century on the foundations of an ancient mosque, this church is a testament to Ojen's rich history and cultural diversity.
The church features architecture that combines elements of different styles, reflecting the influences of the various cultures that have left their mark on the region over the centuries. Its robust structure and elegant interior design make it a place of interest for both history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Inside the church, visitors can admire a series of religious artworks of great historical and artistic value. These include several altarpieces and sculptures representing the Virgin Mary and various saints, as well as a series of frescoes and mural paintings of great beauty.
More information about the Church of the Incarnation
The Fountain of the Chorros, recently built, showcases the abundance of water in Ojen, and is considered one of the symbols of the municipality.
More information about the Fountain of the Chorros
The Museum of the Oil Mill in Ojen is a place of great historical and cultural interest. This old mill, dating from 1800, has been fully restored and now serves as a fascinating museum.
The museum offers a display of how oil was extracted in past times. It is accessed through a portico that leads to the courtyard of trojes, where the fruit of the olive was deposited waiting for the milling turn. The machinery, the stones and the press received the driving force of the water, abundant in these places.
The original machinery of the mill has been preserved and is occasionally started up to do demonstrations. These demonstrations allow visitors to better understand how olive oil was produced, often referred to as "liquid gold", in the past.
In addition to its function as a museum, the oil mill is also used as an exhibition hall. Here, art exhibitions and cultural events are regularly organized, making the museum an important cultural center in Ojen.
More information about the Museum of the oil mill
The caves of Ojen are a tourist attraction that you cannot miss. There are two main types of caves in the area: the traditional caves and the "new" caves.
The traditional caves are located in the Chorros, which can be accessed through a narrow street. These caves, although small, are well preserved and offer a fascinating insight into the history and geology of the region.
The "new" caves are located on the Carretera. One of them is an interior cave that offers a cool and shaded refuge, ideal for escaping the heat of the day. The other cave is located in an elevated position and offers panoramic views of the village of Ojen and the sea, making it a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves, declared a National Park in 2021, is a natural treasure of incalculable value. Located in the heart of the province of Malaga, this protected area covers an area of 22,979.76 hectares and is recognised for its exceptional botanical and geological richness.
The park is famous for its diversity of landscapes and ecosystems, thanks to its complex geology and the special climatic conditions to which it is exposed. The presence of Spanish fir forests stands out, a botanical relic of the Tertiary coniferous forests, endemic to the Serranía de Ronda, and which has in this protected natural space its largest distribution area worldwide.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, the park offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and hikers. From the summit of Pico Torrecilla, the highest point in western Andalusia, to the GESM chasm, the deepest in Andalusia, visitors can enjoy a wide range of hiking routes and stunning panoramic views.
The Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also a place of great cultural and historical interest. The first human vestiges of prehistory overlap with Phoenician, Iberian, Roman, Visigothic and, above all, Muslim legacies, who left an extensive network of farmhouses, castles, towers, fortresses and citadels, as well as important agricultural transformations.
More information about the Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves
The Juanar Refuge, built in 1906, is a building of great historical importance in Ojen. This palace, which once housed King Alfonso XIII, is a testament to the rich history of the region and its connection with the Spanish monarchy.
The palace was originally owned by the Marquises of Larios and was used as a hunting refuge. Its privileged location in the Sierra Blanca of Ojen, surrounded by an impressive natural landscape, makes it an ideal place for hunting and enjoying nature.
Today, the Palace of Juanar is a national parador, which means it has been converted into a luxury hotel. Visitors can enjoy its historical architecture, its elegant rooms and its excellent service, all in a natural environment of great beauty.
In addition to being a place of accommodation, the Palace of Juanar is also a popular destination for hiking and nature lovers. From the palace, several trails can be explored that run through the Sierra de las Nieves and offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
More information about the Palace of Juanar
Ojen, located in the Sierra de las Nieves, is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts due to its impressive natural beauty and its diversity of hiking routes. Here are some examples of hiking routes in Ojen:
This circular route of approximately 6 km offers impressive panoramic views and passes through an enchanted forest and several viewpoints. It is ideal for enjoying the beauty of autumn in the region. (Map)
This hiking route of 14.46 km runs entirely along the Sierra Blanca ridge, touching its highest peaks. (Map)
This 8.38 km hiking route takes you to the viewpoints of Corzo and Macho Montés, offering spectacular views of the Sierra Blanca. (Map)
This 12.92 km hiking route takes you to Pico La Concha, the highest point of the Sierra Blanca, offering impressive panoramic views. (Map)
This route takes you through beautiful natural landscapes and offers stunning views. (Map)
Ojen is known for its vibrant fairs and festivals, which reflect the rich culture and traditions of the region. These events, which are celebrated throughout the year, offer a mix of music, dance, gastronomy and activities for all ages, and attract visitors both locally and from other parts of the world.
The Feria de San Dionisio, patron of the municipality, is one of the most outstanding events on Ojen's festive calendar. Celebrated at the beginning of October, this fair offers a wide range of activities, from live music concerts to traditional games and sports competitions. The highlight of the fair is the procession in honour of San Dionisio, an event that brings the entire community together in a celebration of faith and devotion.
The Fiesta del Tostón is one of the most traditional and popular celebrations in Ojen. This festivity takes place on the first Sunday after All Saints' Day and is an occasion to celebrate the chestnut harvest.
The event, which began in 1992, originated from the chestnut gathering that took place in the places of Juanar and the Port of Ojen. The Fiesta del Tostón recreates the tradition of roasting chestnuts, accompanied by good Ojeneto brandy, raisins in brandy, good bacon and traditional pitanzas. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, marking the beginning of autumn and the prelude to winter.
The Fiesta del Tostón is not only a gastronomic celebration, but also a social and cultural event. Every year, multiple parallel activities are organised, such as tourist and hiking routes, popular games and panda de verdiales. The festival attracts more than 800 people, who gather in the streets of the village to enjoy not only the gastronomy, but also the music, dance and camaraderie.
In addition to the Feria de San Dionisio, Ojen hosts a series of popular festivals throughout the year. These include Holy Week, with its impressive religious processions; the Night of San Juan, a celebration of the summer solstice with bonfires and fireworks.
The gastronomy of Ojen is a reflection of its rich culture and its privileged location in the Sierra de las Nieves. The typical dishes of the region are based on the fresh and seasonal products that are grown in the local orchards, as well as the game meats from the area.
Local products play an important role in the cuisine of Ojen. Seasonal vegetables and fruits, olives, almonds, cereals and legumes are some of the ingredients that are used in the preparation of the dishes. In addition, the region is famous for its goat cheeses and its olive oil, which is used as a base for many recipes.
Among the most representative dishes of the gastronomy of Ojen are the Jervia soup, the broth soup, the rabbit, the partridge stew and the roasted chestnuts. The salmorejo, a cold soup made from tomato and bread, is another typical dish of the region. In addition, you cannot miss the “churros mojaos”, a unique specialty of Ojen.
To get to Ojen from Malaga, there are several options available:
If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can take the A-7 highway towards Marbella. You will see the exit to Ojen well signposted. The distance between Malaga and Ojen is approximately 54 kilometers and the travel time is around 46 minutes, depending on traffic. There are car rental companies available in Malaga if you need to rent a vehicle. You can find car rental offers in Malaga online.
Another option is to take a taxi from Malaga airport. The travel time is similar to driving your own vehicle. Make sure to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey to avoid surprises.
You can also get to Ojen by bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. You will need to take the bus from Malaga to Marbella and then change to another bus that will take you to Ojen.
Town Hall: C/ Carreras, 5 - 29610.
Phone: 952 88 10 03
Official Website: Ojen Town Hall
Credit cards accepted
