PueblosBlancosDiscoveryTours: Sierra Blanca, Ojén

A Hike to the peak "Cruz de Juanar"

Prologue:

When you look towards the mountains behind Marbella (Costa del Sol), you will notice a pointed peak of the Sierra Blanca, east of La Concha, this being Cruz de Juanar. Belonging to municipality of Ojén, a village just 10 minutes from Marbella town, Cruz de Juanar (1178) is also one of the very few peaks I know of in southern Spain which has a cross placed on it's highest point.

The legend behind it is that many years ago some sailors set out from the then fishing village of Marbella, when they came into a heavy storm. and through the thick clouds and heavy seas, they lost their orientation. They crossed themselves and asked the Virgin Carmen, the patron saint of sailors, for a miracle as they had lost all hope, when, out of the clouds appeared the 1178 meter high peak of the Sierra Blanca, this saved them. They promised themselves, that if they ever set foot on Marbella soil again, they would climb the peak and place a cross on it.

Thereafter, at the beginning of May every year, a pilgrimage takes place to visit the cross and a mass is held in honour of the Cross of Juanar.

The Sierra Blanca (white mountain) is so named because of the pale grey limestone rock which forms the massive. La Concha (the Seashell) 1270 m. is the emblematic peak which overlooks Marbella and the Costa del Sol. It is the 2nd highest summit of the Sierra Blanca mountain range. Pico Lastonar (1275 m) is the highest followed closely by Salto de Lobo (1225 m) and Cruz de Juanar (1178 m).

A great variety of flora and fauna can be found in the valleys and on the slopes. Cabra Montes (Spanish Ibex) roam the higher rocky slopes, many types of birds can also be found here including Bonelli eagles, Buzzards, Kestrels and many more.

Directions:

From Marbella A-7 you drive in direction Ojén A-355 and then on towards Coin.
After approx. 10 km you turn left towards Refugio de Juanar
The hotel Refugio de Juanar is about 5 km from the crossroad.
The hotel has a car park or you can drive further up until you come to a gate and you are able to leave your car there.

Click on link: Wikiloc: Cruz de Juanar, Ojén

The Hike to Cruz de Juanar is at approx 6,5 km circular route moderate to difficult depending the terrain. The last stretch of the path towards the peak is very rocky an at times hard to see, but the panoramic views which await you compensate you fully. The altitude difference we covered from the Refugio 820 m to the top 1178 m is about 340 meters.
Note: Wear appropriate shoes and carry water with you. It is also advisable to carry a windproof jacket with you, as at this high altitude, it can be a few degrees cooler than on the coast, and clouds can also appear as if from nowhere.

Hotel Refugio de Juanar used to be the hunting lodge of the Marqués de Larios at the beginning of the 20th century, and is just 1/2 hour from Marbella and the Coast.

Many prominent visitors have chosen to stay in el Refugio de Juanar and to enjoy the peace and tranquility in these privileged natural surroundings. King Alfonso XIII was invited to hunt on one occasion and General Charles de Gaulle finished writing his memoirs here in 1970.

So we left the car at the roadside and walked through the gate.

This road takes you to various hiking trails in the Sierra Blanca.

The first stretch is an easy walk along a farm road,

which leads you through a forest and an olive grove.

Ahead of us the peak of Cruz de Juanar.

A view across the olive groove.

After we had passed an olive grove and an old farm house, we reached a crossroad, there we turned right and followed a track sign posted La Concha.

If you would carry on to the left you would come to the viewpoint Macho Montes.

At first we walk through a mature pine forest.

This sign points us towards Cruz de Juanar,

which is also part of the trail of the 3 peaks (PR. A 431)

In front of us the 1178 meter high summit of Cruz de Juanar.

As we reach higher altitude, we look back at the area we came from.

A view towards the viewpoint Mirador de Macho Montes.

The path becomes considerably steeper and rockier the higher we walk.

Deep down we glimpse the Mediterranean coast by Marbella.

A view east and towards Tajo Negro.

The rocky slopes are full of herbal bushes like

Rosemary - Lavender - Rockroses - Broom and many more...

A view across the plains of Juanar from whence we came.

On clear days you are able to see the snow topped mountains of Sierra Nevada.

We take it step by step along the rocky path.

Through this rocky maze it is hard to see the path at times.

The painted arrows on the rocks, help you to stay on track.

Even so, they are fading away.

Amidst pure nature!

A panoramic view towards the east.

Deep down, the Mediterranean coast.

The summit is not far off now.

Just a final climb.

In the distance the Guadalhorce valley.

A wonderful panoramic view.

This view is towards the north.

The suns rays reflecting on the Mediterranean sea.

A birds eye view of the town of Marbella, just stunning!

Panoramic views south.

Only plants which can withstand the harsh conditions, grow at this altitude.

Hot and very dry summers, freezing temperatures and even snow in the winter.

We have reached the summit, and are happy with our achievement.

A breath-taking 360º view awaits you.

A shrine in honour of the Virgin del Carmen, the patron of sailors.

The emblematic cross which gave this peak it's name.

Our eyes follow the coast, from Marbella to Fuengriola.

Enjoying the marvellous views whilst having our well deserved picnic.

Below us the western part of Marbella

To the left the bay of Fuengriola and Mijas

The vegetation is very sparse up here, but even in the smallest crannies you see plants growing.

Various types of succulents and lichen are found here.

Sweet Alison or Sweet Alyssum, (Lobularia maritima)

We are making our descent down the west side of the peak.

You find the first 50 meters or so steep and rocky,

and it might be difficult to see the right path at first.

Autumn colours amidst the greys and greens.

A lonely butterfly at this height.

We reach again the tree line.

A huge pine tree, we wonder how old it must be.

Black pine can grow up to 40 m tall, and grow at an altitude from 500m - 1800m.

The cones are small with short stalks and they appear to sit on the branches.

The tree seems well protected by its thick bark.

A view back to the summit.

We take the route downwards leading towards the east.

A unique tree branch which serves as a nice bench.

Entering a forest of very tall Monterey pines.

As you walk through the lush forest you hear the wind whispering in the branches.

The Monterey pines (Pinus radiata)can reach a mighty height of 50 meters, but not being a native tree on the Iberian peninsula, you might not find them more than 25 meters high. They grow from sea level up to 800 m altitude and the needles of 7- 15 cm long are grouped in sets of three.