Gran Canaria best places

Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán, affectionately known as "Little Venice," is a picturesque seaside resort and fishing village on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. It is renowned for its unique charm, characterized by its network of canals, small bridges, and Mediterranean-style architecture, with a backdrop of rugged mountains and a marina filled with an array of boats.

Puerto de Mogán combines the beauty of its beachfront and marine activities with the quaint appeal of a traditional village. The resort offers a pleasant atmosphere, complete with flower-adorned balconies, narrow cobblestone streets, and a series of canals that have earned it its Venice-like nickname. A small but bustling port adds to the ambience with its variety of yachts and fishing boats docked in the harbor.

The climate here is sunny and temperate, making it a year-round destination. The resort is more laid-back and less crowded than some of the larger tourist spots on the island, which draws those looking for a more relaxed holiday experience.

Highlights of Puerto de Mogán:

The Marina: Puerto de Mogán's marina is both a haven for yachts and a delightful spot to stroll, dine, or simply enjoy the views. The waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafes offering local seafood and international cuisine.

The Beach (Playa de Mogán): The sheltered bay with golden sand and clear waters provides a safe and beautiful environment for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It's a family-friendly beach with good facilities.

The Friday Market: Each Friday, a large market transforms the harbor area, attracting visitors from across the island. Stalls offer a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing.

The Canals and Bridges: Wandering around Puerto de Mogán, you'll find a network of canals and bridges that create a picturesque setting, perfect for photography and romantic walks.

Diving and Water Sports: The clear waters around Puerto de Mogán are ideal for scuba diving, with several dive shops offering excursions to explore the marine life. Other water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing are also available.

Boat Trips: From dolphin watching to leisurely cruises along the coast, various boat excursions depart from the marina, providing unique perspectives on the stunning coastline.

Gastronomy: The local restaurants serve freshly caught fish and traditional Canarian dishes, as well as international fare to suit all tastes.

Accommodation: The resort caters to a range of preferences, offering everything from luxury hotels to cozy apartments and bungalows, many of which provide spectacular sea views.

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Average Temperature in Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria

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Puerto de Mogán Beach

Puerto de Mogán Beach, also known as Playa de Mogán, is a picturesque beach located in the charming fishing village of Puerto de Mogán on Gran Canaria's southwestern coast. Here is some detailed information about Puerto de Mogán Beach:

Length: Playa de Mogán is relatively small, stretching approximately 200 meters along the coast. The beach is crescent-shaped, nestled in a bay that offers calm waters for swimming.

Description: Puerto de Mogán Beach is known for its golden sand and clear, tranquil waters, making it ideal for families and visitors looking for a relaxed beach experience. The setting is visually stunning, with the backdrop of white-washed buildings, bougainvillea-covered arches, and the marina giving it a Mediterranean feel, sometimes leading the area to be referred to as "Little Venice."

The beach is well-protected from the open ocean, resulting in gentle waves that are suitable for swimmers of all levels. The water is crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and observing the rich marine life. Puerto de Mogán's pleasant microclimate often blesses the area with sunny weather, contributing to its allure as a beach destination all year round.

Facilities: Puerto de Mogán Beach offers a number of amenities to ensure a comfortable day at the beach for visitors:

Sunbed and Parasol Rentals: For those looking to lounge on the beach comfortably, sunbeds and parasols are available for rent.

Showers and Toilets: Convenient facilities are provided for beachgoers to rinse off the saltwater and for other necessities.

Accessibility: The beach offers disabled access, making it welcoming for everyone.

Lifeguards: During peak times, lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers.

Water Sports: Various water sports activities are available, including pedal boats and scuba diving, adding extra fun for adventure seekers.

Promenade and Restaurants: A lovely promenade lined with shops and restaurants runs behind the beach, offering visitors a variety of dining options with beautiful sea views and the chance to shop for souvenirs.

Parking: There is parking available in the town, though it may be limited during high season.

Accommodations in Puerto de Mogán

As for accommodation, Puerto Rico provides a broad spectrum, with everything from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, most of which are built into the hillside, offering fantastic views over the resort and the Atlantic Ocean.

Shopping in Puerto de Mogán

Shopping in Puerto de Mogán is a relaxed affair, well-suited to the leisurely pace of the town itself. Wandering through the sunny streets and marina, taking in the sights while browsing local goods, is a delightful way to spend a day or an evening after enjoying the beach or a boat trip. The entire shopping experience is enhanced by the charming backdrop of this beautiful coastal village.

Market Day : Puerto de Mogán is well-known for its market, which takes place every Friday. The market extends from the marina into the village and features a wide range of goods including local handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, leather products, and a variety of souvenirs. This is a great opportunity to find unique items and to experience the local atmosphere.

Boutiques and Shops: Stroll along the marina and the quaint streets of the village, and you'll come across an array of shops selling clothing, accessories, and swimwear. Many of these are independent boutiques offering unique items that you might not find elsewhere.

Art and Craft Shops: Puerto de Mogán has several small galleries and craft stores where local artists sell their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramic works. These pieces often reflect Canarian and maritime themes, perfect for taking home a piece of Gran Canaria's culture.

Specialty Food Stores :For those interested in gastronomy, there are shops specialising in local food products, such as Canarian sauces, wines, cheeses, and sweets. These stores often offer tastings, allowing you to try before you buy.

Jewelry Stores : Local and imported jewelry can be found in a number of shops around Puerto de Mogán. Whether you're looking for a special gift or a personal keepsake, you'll find a range of options, from casual pieces to more elegant and luxurious designs.

Puerto de Mogán nightlife

In general, nightlife in Puerto de Mogán is reflective of its tranquil harbor setting – it's a place to relax, enjoy good food and drinks, take in the night air, and appreciate the company of friends and loved ones in a stunning seaside environment. It's ideal for visitors looking to relax rather than those seeking a high-energy night out.

The evening entertainment here is centered around leisurely dining and relaxed socializing rather than bustling nightclubs and late-night partying. Here are some of the nighttime activities you can expect in Puerto de Mogán:

Restaurants and Terraces: The marina and the surrounding areas are lined with a variety of restaurants and terraces offering a perfect setting for an evening meal under the stars. There is a selection of local Canarian cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes to choose from. Many of these establishments also offer beautiful views of the waterfront, adding to the romantic and serene atmosphere.

Bars and Cafés: There are several low-key bars and cafés where you can unwind with a drink after dinner. Some might feature live music or entertainment, particularly during the tourist season. You can enjoy local wines, craft cocktails, or a cold beer as you take in the pleasant climate and often live music performances from small local bands or solo musicians.

Strolling the Marina: An evening walk around the picturesque marina and its canals is a popular activity. The area is beautifully lit at night, which makes for a scenic and romantic stroll. During your walk, you can stop at various shops that stay open late, selling souvenirs and local crafts.

Puerto de Mogán location

Puerto Rico has a prime location on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands of Spain. It's nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and offers a naturally sheltered environment that contributes to its reputation as a suntrap with very pleasant weather year-round.

In terms of distance from the main point of entry to the island:

From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA):

Puerto Rico is approximately 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) away from Gran Canaria Airport, also known locally as Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria or Gando Airport.

The travel time typically takes around 35 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and the exact route taken. The most common way to get there is via the GC-1 motorway, which runs along the east and south coasts of Gran Canaria.

Heading to Puerto de Mogán from the airport by bus?

Traveling from Gran Canaria Airport (known as Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria) to Puerto de Mogan by bus is pretty straightforward. The island has a reliable and efficient public bus system, known locally as 'guaguas', operated by Global Bus Company.

Here's how to reach Puerto de Mogán from Gran Canaria Airport by bus:

Direct Route (Preferred Option):

Route 91: There's a direct bus service, route 91, known as the "bluebird," from the airport to Puerto de Mogán. This express service has limited stops on the way and is the quickest bus route, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Puerto de Mogán.

Indirect Route (Alternative Option):

Route 1: If the direct bus's timing is not convenient, you can also take a bus to the capital, Las Palmas (such as routes 60 or 1), and then change to another bus (route 1) that will take you down the west coast of the island to Puerto de Mogán. However, this is a significantly longer journey and is generally not the recommended option unless there's no other choice.

>>> See the Global Bus Company web Site

Day trip - Worthwhile seeing: the Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural Reserve

Imagine stepping into a wonderland sculpted by the wind, a natural masterpiece where soft golden sands rise and fall like the swells of the sea. This is the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, a unique patchwork of ecosystems locateed on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.

Spanning 400 hectares, this dynamic landscape is more than just a backdrop for sunbathing or a setting for holiday snapshots—it's a living, breathing environment protected for its ecological significance and unspoiled beauty. These shifting dunes are a spectacle of nature, constantly reshaped by the Atlantic breezes, offering a desert experience right by the ocean.

Here, you'll find yourself wandering through the sands, which seem to stretch into infinity, with the iconic Maspalomas lighthouse standing sentry in the distance. The dunes give way to oasis-like scenes, where pockets of palm trees offer shade, and temporary lagoons attract migrating birds, adding to the sense of an African safari.

This reserve isn't just for those with a deep appreciation for nature—it's also an accessible slice of wilderness that attracts beachgoers from around the world. Connecting the dunes to the lively resort of Playa del Inglés, a long stretch of beach awaits, where the golden sands are perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle-building, or simply savoring the view as the waves kiss the shore.

As a protected area, the dunes also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve and respect natural wonders. They invite us to enjoy the raw beauty of our planet responsibly, leaving only footprints behind. Whether you're an adventurer ready to traverse this sandy expanse or a relaxed wanderer looking to bask in its beauty, the Dunas de Maspalomas stand as a timeless testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature, nestled right next to the vibrant energy of Playa del Inglés.

> Day trip to the Lago Taurito Water Park

Also known as "Paradise Lago Taurito," this is one of the area's main attractions, especially for families. It features numerous water slides, a lazy river, and swimming pools. The water park is part of a larger resort complex that includes a variety of amenities.

The distance from Puerto de Mogan to Taurito in Gran Canaria is approximately 4 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) along the southern coast of the island. The journey between these two destinations is quite short, taking around 10-15 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

>>> Waterpark website

Puerto de Mogán weather month by month

Curious about what kind of weather you'll find in Gran Canaria each month? Let's take a peek together at the sunny personality of this gorgeous island, all year round!