Ojen lies north of Marbella on the road towards Monda on the Costa del Sol. It is a small town benefitting from an elevated position and surrounded by olive groves and orchards. Although close to Marbella, Ojen is a quiet traditional village largely untouched by tourism. An Ojen holiday offers peaceful relaxation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It benefits from being a short car ride from the coast with its golden sand and warm clear water.
An Ojen holiday offers peace and relaxation in a beautiful inland village in the foothills of the Sierra de la Nieves. Here you can enjoy a traditional atmosphere basking in the warmth, not only of the sun but in the welcoming hospitality of the local people. You can choose between exploring the surrounding countryside, playing a round of golf at a nearby course, or enjoying the beaches with their golden sands and warm clear waters providing a variety of water sports.
An Ojen holiday appeals mainly to couples. Although there are beautiful beaches within a short drive, families with small children usually prefer to be nearer the sea. The area is very popular with walkers, cyclists, horseback riders and golfers.
Although Ojen is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time with guaranteed sunshine. Many choose to visit Ojen in the winter in order to escape the dreary, dark days at home.
Ojen is a small hillside village with a population of fewer than three thousand. At an altitude above six hundred feet, it enjoys stunning views of mountains and the distant coastline. It is a pretty Andalucian village, typical of the region, with whitewashed walls gleaming in the daylight and tiled roofs glowing like embers in the dying sun. The old village centre is very picturesque with narrow winding streets, wrought iron balconies and window grills. Doorways are filled with pots of brilliant red flowers and blossom cascades from the balconies. The architecture of the fifteenth century church in the main square reflects the Moorish influences in the village.There are supermarkets supplying holiday essentials as well as craft and gift shops. Restaurants provide a good range of menu and serve mainly traditional food. The village is noted for its Aquardiente, a very strong alcoholic drink which translates as ‘fire water'. It is a popular addition to coffee.
The village has good road links with the coast and is increasing in popularity. Although only a short distance from Marbella, Ojen is an oasis of peace and tranquillity unspoiled by tourism where visitors are warmly welcomed by the locals.
Those who enjoy the great outdoors will find many good walking routes through national park and into the hills. There are opportunities for mountain biking and horse riding. The reservoir near Monda permits wind powered water sports.
The beaches in Marbella have lovely thick golden sand perfect for the construction of castles or other more complex sculptures. Water sports including jet skiing, sailing, fishing and scuba diving are all available. Many people come to this area for the golf and there are a number of excellent courses close by. Remember to bring your handicap certificate as this is usually a course requirement.
In order to make the most of your Ojen holiday, car hire is recommended.
The nightlife in Ojen is very low key reflecting the popularity of the resort with couples. Evenings are spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food. If livelier nights are required, drive to Marbella and experience its clubs, discos, show bars and casinos many of which remain open until the early hours of the morning.
The narrow streets of Ojen have small supermarkets for essentials and the usual tourist gift and craft shops. Popular purchases include pottery, embroidered linens, basketry and jewellery. Those looking for a wider choice of goods can take the short journey to Marbella. Here, the renowned Golden Mile is full of elegant boutiques where you will find the latest fashions. The tiny shops in the narrow streets of the old town delight shoppers with their range of often unusual goods. Puerto Banus is also known for its excellent shopping opportunities.
Ojen has a number of good restaurants serving mainly traditional food. Fish features prominently on menus as well as pork and chicken. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
