Guide to Ojen

'One of Andalucia's prettiest 'pueblo blancos', picturebook Ojen is all flower-festooned streets and cool forests - and glittering beaches are within easy reach.'

Laid out like delicate white lacework on the lushly-wooded foothills of the Sierra de Las Nieves mountains, Ojen is pure, undiluted Andalucia. One of the province's famous white villages, its exquisite old quarter is a vision of sparkling white houses. All decked out with vividly-coloured bougainvillea, terracotta pots and pan-tiled balconies. Follow one of the narrow winding streets and you'll come to Ojen's pretty main square, overlooked by a delightful 15th century church. Step inside and admire its simple interior to see the original Arabic ceiling and bell-tower minaret - both legacies of Ojen's Moorish past. Stroll a bit further to see the famous Los Chorros water fountain, spouting crystal-clear spring water still collected by villagers and used to irrigate the surrounding lemon and orange groves. And then sit at an open-air cafe, lingering over a coffee or chilled wine and wondering when to visit the interesting little wine museum to sample and perhaps buy some local vintages. When you're not enjoying Ojen's charms, strike out into the hinterland, its air scented with jasmine and orange blossom. Lose yourself in a cool forest, watching for the pinsapo, a rare tree found only in the Sierra de las Nieves. Or venture into the rugged Serrania de Ronda, where a web of walking trails take you into countryside populated by eagles, ibex and spectacular vistas over the distant Mediterranean. And talking of the sea, don't forget – when you want to feel the sand beneath your feet, the golden beaches of Marbella are only a short drive away.

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