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Ojen is a charming village located near Marbella. The Sierra Blanca and Alpujata mountains surround this white-washed village. It situates in a peaceful and water-rich location. With its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, Ojen is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Our transfers to Ojen will provide you with a comfortable and safe means of transport so that you can visit this beautiful place.
We will provide you with a small guide to this beautiful village next to Marbella. Keep reading and note down your favourite places that you don’t want to miss.
Discover Ojen with things to do
We can begin our journey of discovery in Ojen by learning about its rich history and getting closer to its origins. This will give us a background to better understand its monuments and places of interest. By knowing the history of the place, we can appreciate its beauty and charm even more.
Ojen is a village with a fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Palaeolithic, when Neanderthal man inhabited it. The Pecho Redondo Cave also contains evidence of Neolithic settlements.
Ojen’s origin as a village is attributed to the Arab-Andalusian period. It was known as Oxen or Hoxan, meaning “abrupt place.” The Arab period left interesting traces in Ojen’s urban layout. Remains of the castle and traditional water use for agriculture are still present.
In 1830, Pedro Morales from Ojen founded a brandy distillery in Ojen. The name Ojen was used as a generic denomination for sweet and quality brandy.
The history of Ojen is closely linked to its monuments and places of interest. For example, the Church of the Incarnation, built in the early 16th century, is a testimony to the rich history of the village. Its bell tower takes advantage of the minaret of a mosque, reflecting the Arab influence in the region.
Museum of the Mill and Brandy
The Ojen Mill Museum is a fascinating and recommended place to visit while strolling through Ojen. This old mill, dating from 1800, has recently been restored and offers a glimpse of how oil was extracted in the past.
You can get to the Ojen Mill through an access that leads to the barn courtyard, where the olive fruit was deposited waiting for its turn to be ground. The machinery, stones and press received their motive force from water, abundant in these parts.
The Mill is fully restored and its original machinery is started up to give demonstrations. It is a must-see place to understand the popular culture of Ojen.
The Brandy Museum is on the upper floor of the Mill Museum. It offers insight into the history of famous Ojen brandy. The museum has informative panels with photographs of labels, posters, awards, and old containers from around the world. There is also one of the few bottles that still contains Ojen brandy.
Both the Mill Museum and the Brandy Museum are places full of history and culture that offer a unique experience to their visitors. We recommend checking the opening hours before visiting.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HtqrKdRYp6KrwFUx5
Ojen Castle
Atop a hill overlooking the village of Ojen is the mysterious Solis Castle, also known as Ojen Castle. Now in ruins, this ancient castle still holds secrets and stories.
Although time has left its mark on Solis Castle, some walls can still be seen standing, defying the passage of years. In the angle of the north side wall, a tower with an internal room seems to watch from above, like a silent guardian.
The castle played an important role in the history of the region, especially during the Morisco rebellion of 1569. What secrets does this ancient castle hold? What stories are hidden behind its ruined walls?
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yWiteTyyBnX6y3nc7
Charco de las Vinas Natural Pool
If you are looking for a special and charming place to cool off on a hot day, the Charco de las Vinas natural pool is the perfect place for you. Located in a stunning natural setting in Sierra Blanca, this place offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fresh and clean waters of the Arroyo del Tejar.
Imagine spending a hot day with family or friends, surrounded by the majesty of Sierra Blanca. The sound of water flowing through the stream, the singing of birds and the cool breeze on your skin will transport you to a world of peace and tranquility. There is no better way to cool off and disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle than by visiting Charco de las Vinas natural pool.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MDfUfS2NHsWmJ6x38
Discover Sierra Blanca Mountain Range
Sierra Blanca is an impressive mountain range located between the Western Costa del Sol and the Sierra de las Nieves, in the municipalities of Istan, Ojen, Marbella and Monda. If you are looking for a place to stay while enjoying this stunning natural environment, the Hotel Refugio del Juanar in Ojen is an excellent option.
Hotel Refugio El Juanar
This hotel, a renovated manor house, offers an outdoor pool, tennis court and sun terrace so you can relax and make the most of your stay. The rooms feature rustic decor with tiled floors and dark wood furniture. They equip with all modern amenities such as satellite TV and a private bathroom with bathrobe, slippers, and hairdryer. In addition, the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local food, specialising in game dishes.
And best of all, as a transfer company, we can take you to the Hotel Refugio del Juanar and bring you from the airport or wherever you need. Don’t wait any longer and book your transfer with us to make the most of your experience in Sierra Blanca Mountain Range!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FxBxEZNPHEvGYeNd9
Viewpoints and Hiking
Sierra Blanca is an impressive place that offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and discover places of incredible beauty. One of the best ways to do this is through hiking trails that you can start from the Hotel Refugio del Juanar itself, from Ojen or from Marbella.
As you walk along the paths that wind through the mountains, you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the area and discover some of the viewpoints throughout Sierra Blanca. From these viewpoints, such as the Juanar Macho Montes Viewpoint (Map) and the Corzo Viewpoint (Map), you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views.
Ojen Eco Reserve
If you are looking for an exciting adventure in nature, the Ojen Eco Reserve is the perfect place for you. This wildlife park, located just 10 minutes from Marbella, is a natural wildlife refuge for conservation and environmental education purposes.
Here you can enjoy an unforgettable experience in nature and observe deer, mouflon and mountain goats up close. In addition, the Ojen Eco Reserve offers various scheduled activities for individuals or families, with prior reservation by email.
Sierra Blanca, where the Ojen Eco Reserve is located, is an impressive place with a rich biodiversity. Explore plantations of chestnut, cherry, ferns, and olive trees, and relic fir forests in recovery. Spot golden eagles, partridges, snake eagles, goshawks, peregrine falcons, griffon vultures, genets, badgers, mountain goats, roe deer, beech martens, foxes, wild boars and rabbits.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VAmkXkCbmPhf9zzc7
Popular Festivals
Ojen is a place full of traditions and popular festivals that offer a unique opportunity to learn about the culture of this Malaga village. If you are planning to visit Ojen, there are several dates on the calendar that may be of interest to you.
One of the best-known festivals is the Toston Popular, which takes place on the first Sunday after All Saints’ Day. This tradition consists of publicly recreating the roasting of chestnuts, accompanied by Ojen brandy, bacon and traditional pitanzas. This festival has been awarded the title of Festival of Tourist Singularity.
The Ojen Fair is held from October 9th to 12th in honour of the Patron Saint Dionisio Aeropajita. This fair is held in the heart of the village and features booths, orchestras and the participation of the entire village and numerous visitors.
As for Holy Week, Ojen has the Brotherhood of Jesus and Mary which organises several processions throughout the week that wind through the steep streets of the village.
On Kings’ Day, Ojen celebrates its “Flamenco Kings” festival. Formerly called Flamenco Puchero, it is one of the most traditional in the village. The festival features almost 10 hours of musical and cultural activities, accompanied by the best gastronomy in the area.
As for Christmas, Ojen has a Living Nativity Scene, one of the most traditional events of Ojen’s Christmas. Dozens of people recreate the place where Jesus was born by adopting the costumes and customs of the time.
How to get to Ojen
If you’re thinking of visiting Ojen or staying at Refugio del Juanar, we can help. We offer information on getting there by public transport, your own vehicle, or our transfers from Malaga airport or from Marbella.
From Malaga airport
To get to Ojen from Malaga airport, take a bus to Marbella, then another to Ojen (Bus stop). The journey takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes and costs €6-€10. Prices are indicative and may vary. You can also drive from Malaga airport to Ojen, which would take you about 39 minutes.
From Marbella
To get to Ojen from Marbella you can take a bus from the Marbella bus station to Ojen. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs between €1 and €3. Another option is to walk from Marbella to Ojen, which would take you approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes.
Getting to Hotel Refugio del Juanar
To get to Hotel Refugio del Juanar from Ojen:
- Take the A-7103 road.
- Then, take the A-355 towards Monda-Guaro.
- Turn left onto the MA-5300 road towards Refugio del Juanar.
- Before reaching the Refugio, turn left onto the forest track.
- Travel about 360 meters to reach the start of the trail.
Transfers to Ojen and Refugio del Juanar
If you want to avoid complications, we can take you and bring you back when you need it both to Ojen and Refugio del Juanar from wherever you need. We have all types of vehicles that will adapt to your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check prices from our main page and remember that our prices are final, so there will be no surprises.
Do you feel like discovering the natural environment or perhaps enjoying a refreshing day in its natural pool? Do you want to discover its streets and its gastronomy or popular festivals? We’ll take you there.
