Refugio de Juanar Summer walks

Trying to stay reasonably fit throughout the summer, without collapsing with heat exhaustion, can be something of a struggle. I try to fit in early morning dog walks at the weekends before the sun is too high in the sky, and there is still some cool air to be had. One of my favourite places for walking throughout the year is the Refugio de Juanar close to Ojen. The actual hotel of the same name is situated within a nature reserve, and the local countryside and wild flowers are stunning. We like to get up here around 9am in the summer as Refugio de Juanar is only a 15 minute drive from Marbella (Ojen road from La Cañada Commercial Centre). There are lots of trails and climbs you can attempt from the hotel area, but in the heat of summer, we prefer a gentle stroll to the Mirador de Marbella which overlooks the town itself and offers some of the most amazing views you will find on the Costa del Sol. The walk is about 1.5 kilometres, and although slightly uphill on the way, unless you are majorly unfit, it is a pleasant stroll through the mountains. We did once climb to the top of La Concha (now that hurt), but I wouldn´t recommend it during the summer (not sure I would recommend it any time really but that´s another story). The Mirador de Marbella offers a superb viewing platform, where you can see much of the coastline and the Mediterranean below. After a gentle walk back to the hotel, we enjoyed coffee and breakfast on the shaded patio area, which was so quiet - all you could hear were the birds. Many Spanish residents spend a month or two at El Refugio to escape the hustle and bustle of summer on the coast, and it is easy to see why. The peace and quiet, and the magnificent scenery bring this calm oasis to life. The hotel is open to non- residents, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To get there take the Ojen road from close to the La Cañada Shopping Centre. Pass all signs you see for Ojen on the right and approx. 6 kilometres from Marbella you will see a sign on the left for El Refugio de Juanar. Two kilometres down here you will find El Refugio.