The Charming Village of Ojén
February 10th, 2011
For a petite village of just 2,000 inhabitants, Ojén packs a punch when it comes to celebrities. Spain’s most-loved crooner, Señor Julio Iglesias, has a long-standing relationship with the Andalucian village and owns a lavish country estate on its outskirts.
Lucky locals occasionally spy the 260 million worldwide record seller and his relations enjoying a cool drink in one of Ojén’s many hostelries tucked into the labyrinthine streets and it’s easy to understand Iglesias’ fascination with the area.
Although a mere 10km from Marbella, less than 15 minute’s drive, the Moorish delight of Ojén has very little in common with its coastal honeypot neighbour and instead remains pure undiluted Andalucia. Like a fistful of white sugar cubes thrown onto the verdant forested mountainside, Ojén is a postcard-perfect pinup for the Costa del Sol yet manages to slip into obscurity due to its location on a loop road that serves the town and the town only.
The asymmetrical whitewashed townhouses cloaked in colourful bougainvilleas have barely changed through the years and cluster around a stunning 15th century Church square bustling with pavement cafes and bars, rhythmic fountains, children at play, the elderly observing and a fresh produce market on a Saturday morning.
On the outskirts of vibrant Ojén pueblo-life lies untainted countryside infused with the fragrance of orange and lemon blossom, jasmine and dense pines. Must-visit ‘Refugio de Juanar’, once a private hunting lodge, is a comfortable hike up in the hills revelling in the company of Ibex, wildcats and eagles with mesmerising vistas of Marbella’s beaches below.
Given Ojén’s credentials, it’s unsurprising that a wider audience has fallen for the village’s charm. British gardening detectives Rosemary and Thyme filmed against an Ojén backdrop for a 2006 episode and luxurious Spa brand Champneys has chosen the area for their first retreat outside of the UK. If it’s good enough for Julio …
With thanks to writer Sarah Drane, Director of Purple Cake Factory – Marine, Travel and Real Estate PR
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