The laid back resort of Puerto Mogan on the south west coast of Gran Canaria is an ideal choice for a relaxing holiday. Its beach, Playa Mogán, is a great spot to pass the day and there are plenty nice restaurants for the evenings. The village of Mogan is about 5km inland and is well worth a visit. Puerto Mogan is known locally as “Little Venice” because of the fact that it is criss-crossed with archway bridged canals. The white-washed houses covered with bougainvillea in the most vibrant of colours, the palm tree lined streets and bird of paradise flowers are a pleasure to behold.
Puerto Mogan Beach
The small and sheltered beach of Playa Mogan is of fine, clean, pale sand with stunning shallow blue water – a safe bathing haven for all the family. There are canoes and pedalos for hire on the beach along with sun beds and parasols. The promenade separates the beach from the recently built up area immediately behind the front line of souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.
Puerto Mogan Accommodation
The choice of accommodation ranges from one bed-roomed apartments usually above or attached to bars and restaurants to the luxury of the newly constructed Cordial Playa 4* hotel offering all inclusive and full board tariffs.
The Marina and Port
Running adjacent to the beach is the marina, known as Puerto Mogan, providing excellent facilities for yachts and cruisers. There are pleasure and fishing trips available daily from the port and a good one for all ages is the Yellow Submarine. This dives underwater, as you would expect of a submarine, and you are taken out to sea, passing a shipwreck and viewing all kinds of marine life – it’s fascinating.
Puerto Mogan Shopping
Mogan has all the usual souvenir shops associated with a seaside town, a fabulous shoe and leather goods shop and plenty of choices for cosmetics and perfume. There is a new shopping centre as you enter Mogan which has a few new retailers and businesses.
Every Friday Mogan Port holds a massive market where you can purchase pottery, clothes, leather goods, fruit and vegetables and a wide selection of African artifacts. The market can be reached by the ferry boat from Puerto Rico or by the number 1 bus, but please note, the bus ride is not for the faint-hearted – sheer drops on the winding coast road, usually at great speed – don’t look!
Puerto Mogan Restaurants and Bars
There are several restaurants and bars in the marina and beach areas of Mogan. Overlooking the harbour or the sands the view of the Atlantic Ocean is absolutely fabulous. Try the Indian, German and Chinese eateries or the Canarian bars where you can sample a wide selection of tapas, fish, steaks and salads, but if you want the best breakfast in town go along to the Marina Bar. The “full Irish” will keep you going for the rest of the day. If you have a car or are happy to ride the bus (number 84) take a trip about five miles inland to the village (pueblo) of Mogan. As you enter the village you will see the very popular Acaymo restaurant – sister of the Guantanamo restaurant in Tauro. Nearly all the cooked food is prepared on a coal fuelled grill, the prices are right and the staff just cannot do enough for you. Although this typically Canarian restaurant is a bit off the beaten track it is well worth a visit.
Puerto Mogan Nightlife
The nightlife in Mogan centres around the evening meal with a few bars providing live entertainment but it is not a “late night” resort so if you are a party animal you would have to venture to one of the other resorts such as Puerto Rico or Playa del Ingles, both of which are easily accessible by the local bus or taxi service. Evening excursions such as the western theme park at Souix City, or the Legends Cabaret Dinner Show and Casino in Meloneras are available to book through your tour operator or local travel agency.
Puerto Mogan is an ideal holiday resort for couples and families. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with a laid back attitude and stunning views of sea and mountains this is definitely the place for you.
