Many tourists only
experience of Ojen is a stop along the mountain highway
between
Marbella and Monda to see the panoramic views of the village
from one of several stop-off points on the hillside
But venture down the hill and you will find a traditional Andalucian village far removed the coastal towns nearby. There is a selection of cafes where you can stop for a drink and tapas and several restaurants in the village.
An indication of the towns age are apparent from the
stones left from a Moorish castle that was destroyed
during the re conquest.
The village itself is located beside the Almadan stream
above the valley of the rio Real at an altitude of some
650 feet, The Sierra Blanca and Alpujata that surround
Ojen were a rich sources of lead, nickel and iron and
this mineral wealth put the area was of great importance
during the Spanish industrial revolution of the 19th
Century.
The town was well known for its production of Aguardiente,
a liqueur that many still drink today in their morning
coffee.
Despite the towns close proximity to Marbella it has
remained relatively undeveloped with a small population
of less than 3000 though there is plenty of evidence
of new construction taking place.
