Sometimes, all it takes is a short detour to discover a completely different way of life. Leave Marbella behind and follow the road into the mountains. Within minutes, the asphalt narrows and a village with a slower pace emerges. Ojén, a whitewashed gem in Málaga, is a small, tranquil town rich in history, caves and hiking trails.
It’s no wonder The Times ranks it among the 50 best places in the world to live – a sentiment quickly understood by anyone who visits.
Why is Ojén one of the best places to live?
Just ten kilometres from Marbella, nestled in the Sierra Blanca, Ojén stands as a tranquil haven among Andalusia’s iconic white villages.
This mountain retreat is more than a tourist stop – it’s a town in Málaga where quality of life takes centre stage. Life here moves at a gentle pace, with friendly neighbours, tourists unwinding, and children playing freely in the streets.
Find accommodation in Ojén and discover one of the best towns in the world to live
A church, a fountain and echoes of minarets
In the historic centre of the town stands the 16th-century Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation. Its tower, once a Muslim minaret, houses a clock crafted by the same artisans responsible for the famous clock at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
At its foot lies the Fuente de los Chorros, built in 1905 from red brick and featuring five spouts that continually flow with fresh water.
Hiking, viewpoints and the Charco de las Viñas
Ojén is also ideal for hikers, with well-marked trails of all levels starting directly from the town centre – no car required:
- El Cerezal circular route: An easy two-hour walk through nature, leading to the El Cerezal botanical park.
- From Ojén to Marbella Beach: A three-hour trail that crosses the river several times on the way.
- Hike up to La Concha: This 1,215 m peak in the Sierra Blanca rewards experienced hikers with views of Morocco, the Mediterranean, the Sierra Nevada and Gibraltar.
For a more leisurely escape, Charco de las Viñas is a natural spring perfect for a refreshing dip amid lush vegetation. Visit early in summer, as the spot is both small and highly popular.
Caves, cultural shelters and viewpoints
Perched at Ojén’s highest point are natural caves, once used as animal shelters and now transformed into cultural venues hosting concerts, exhibitions and workshops.
Even without an event, the Cuevas Altas viewpoint is worth a visit, offering panoramic views of the town, the Marbella coastline and the surrounding mountains.
The legacy of aguardiente at the Ojén Mill Museum
This white village in Málaga preserves the tradition of aguardiente, an anise-flavoured liqueur once enjoyed by the Spanish Royal Family and exported across the Atlantic. Production stopped in 1974, but its legacy lives on at the Ojén Mill Museum, housed in the former distillery and oil mill.
Upstairs, original bottles are displayed alongside the story of Pedro Morales, the master aguardentero who brought international fame to the drink.
Below, the oil section showcases 19th-century machinery, illustrating the traditional production process before modern technology arrived.
Where calm and nature meet
Ojén is easily reachable from Málaga city by car or public transport. While there are rural houses and small guesthouses, the village’s main appeal lies in its tranquillity and relaxed pace of life.
Close by is the Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offering climbing spots, caving areas and an Eco Reserve where children can learn about the local flora and fauna.
Neighbouring towns such as Ronda, Coín, and Guaro complete the route for those wanting to explore the true essence of Málaga. Many visitors come for just a few days – and leave feeling as though they’ve discovered their perfect escape.