Ojen

Ojen is a small Spanish town situated between Marbella and Coin. It lies on the side of the hills surrounded by the Alpujata and Sierra Blancas. Although it is close to the tourist haven of Marbella, Ojen has retained its traditional roots and rustic charm. The name of the town is derived from the Arabic word “hoxán”, which means rough or bitter. The atmosphere and friendliness of the town does not reflect this title in the slightest. Ojen is split by the highway running through it and this further splits the town into modern and old parts.

Main Tourist Attractions

Ojen is home to the Museo de Vino Malaga, a wine museum offering visitors an insight into the world of producing fabulous Spanish wine. It has displays of equipment that were used when it was a distillery and you can purchase some local Malaga region wines. The main square in the town has a 16th century church with a fine example of Moorish architecture. Above the main streets of the town there are several caves which are fun to explore. The surrounding countryside is also a great draw for hikers, walkers and mountain bikers.

Shopping Opportunities

Being a small and traditional Spanish town, Ojen does not offer large commercial shopping opportunities. Small supermarkets are dotted through the narrow streets a well as family-run businesses offering the opportunity to purchase authentic gifts and souvenirs. Local crafts and items such as pottery, baskets, linen, jewellery and leather goods can be bought in Ojen. If you are planning a blitz on your credit card, Marbella is a short journey away for some serious retail therapy.

Eating out and Nightlife

Ojen offers many cafés and restaurants to the visitor all set in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The food available is typically Spanish with fresh fish, Tapas and pork and chicken dishes feature prominently on the menus. Some of the restaurants cater for those looking for international cuisine. Many Spaniards take a liqueur named Aguardiente in their morning coffee and as Ojen used to be a major place of production for this item, you will find it widely available in the cafés. It is somewhat fiery and definitely gives you a kick start to the day!

There are no discos, bars or nightclubs in Ojen which helps to maintain its sleepy and rustic charm. Typical evenings in Ojen are spent strolling through the cobbled streets and sitting down to enjoy food, drink and company with the friendly locals. For those who simply need a more vibrant night out, Marbella’s buzzing scene is only a short journey away.