Ojen
Lying between the Blanca and Alpujata ranges is the locality of Ojen, a mountain village whose cube-shaped houses with their flat roofs offer the typical image of an Arab’s settlement. However, these architectural elements are not characteristic of the area’s most typical dwellings, with their sloping roofs and high chimneys, rather they are a more recent innovation.

In contrast to the other villages in the area, the bases of the houses are not dark in colour, they are completely whited-washed. The huge differences in the levels of the streets give rise to some highly picturesque nooks, what is without doubt one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the province of Málaga.

DETAILS

PLACES OF NATURAL BEAUTY
Sierra Blanca looms above Ojen from Cerro Nicolas (1,100 m.) to the peak of Tajo Negro (1,060 m.) with its gullies and steep slopes. The new Velez to Marbella road, which traverses the area, offers a spectacular panoramic view. Behind these slopes lies the El Juanar Valley, which rises up from Los Llanos de Pulas to the sanctuary of the same name, crossing as it does so an area of great beauty, and later revealing the coast from the viewpoint known as “Puerto de Marbella”.

FAIRS & FESTIVITIES
Festivities take place during the second week of October, in honour of San Dionisio Aeropajita, festival of flamenco song (first week in August) and the procession of La Virgen del Pilar. In the second week of May there is a romeria (an open air party) and on 28th February there is a carnival.

CUISINE
Cuisine is based around game, especially partridge and rabbit. Also traditional are fennel with rice and chestnut soup during Holy Week. Churros mojados (a type of sweet fritter), muscatel wine and famous Ojen aguardiente (a very strong liqueur) should also be tried. The santuary of El Refugio del Juanar, near the village, also offers excellent food.