Puerto de Mogán is the most picturesque town and fishing port in Gran Canaria. Located on the south-west coast, it is quite small, surrounded by mountains, with white and low buildings, a stone pier and narrow streets abundantly covered with colorful flowers beautifully shimmering in the Canarian sun. Against the backdrop of low villas overgrown with colorful hibiscus and bougainvillea, there is a port with Venetian bridges connecting the bridges of the canals. That is why Puerto de Mogán has become known as Venice of the Canary Islands. A perfect place for a summer getaway, or at least a day trip when we decide to stay in a different part of the island.
HOW YOU CAN GET TO PUERTO DE MOGÁN?
So far, Puerto de Mogán has marked the western border for the expansion of Gran Canaria’s tourism industry. You can get here by sea, e.g. by a cruise ship from the nearby town of Puerto Rico. Most people come here for a day to take a walk along the waterfront, take some pictures and spend some time in the cafes enjoying the view. At the very end of the marina there is a very nice view of the ocean. With a bit of luck, you can see whales and dolphins swimming in it. There are even special cruises to observe the water wild life.
Coming from the northern or central part of the island, we have to head south. Coming from the capital of the island, Las Palmas, we need to take the highway in the direction to Telde, then Vecindario, then Arguineguin and then finally Mogán. We can also get here by buses and the journey should take us just over an hour. Map below for the reference.
Before we get to Puerto de Mogán itself, we will see very picturesque landscapes on the way. Near the town of Mogán, going further inland there is a gorge (Barranco de Mogán). This part of the island has always been considered very fertile, so there are many plantations of not only Canarian bananas but also mangoes, avocados and other fruits. After traveling this several-kilometer-long road through the gorge, you reach Mount Guirre and the town of Mogán at its foot.
PUERTO DE MOGÁN ATTRACTIONS
A STROLL
First, a stroll. What is alluring about this place is how well it combines a fishing village, a yacht marina and a resort. It is an extremely picturesque place and a must see for lovers of beautiful sunsets. The cliffs at the end of the harbour are a great spot to take beautiful pictures and admire the sunset. If you do not have so much time, you can come to Mogán for an afternoon walk ending with the sunset and then stay for dinner in one of the coastal restaurants.
As soon as you arrive at Puerto de Mogán, your attention is quickly drawn to beautiful and very colorful flowers, practically in every narrow street, strongly contrasting with the white buildings. They have become an indispensable element of the landscape of this place. A walk among such scenic streets is just a good idea to spend the afternoon.
Following these narrow and colorful streets in Puerto de Mogán’s old town, we come to another local attraction, the harbour. Lots of sailboats and expensive yachts moored here. It is a very famous place on the nautical world map and ships from all over the world arrive here. At the same time, the water is so clean that you can see swimming fish by the shore, and further into the depths of the ocean you can see even dolphins.
SPORT
If you are looking for a more active form of spending time, in Mogán you have several attractions to choose from, such as a submarine cruise, a sailing boat or diving. The underwater world in Puerto de Mogán is truly impressive. It is here that, thanks to the rich fauna, famous submarine photography competitions are organized. When you choose a sailing trip, it is very likely that you will meet a whole pod of dolphins. By going for a submarine cruise, you can see the wreck of a long sunken ship located in a unique underwater landscape. A nice option for those who have never dived and would like to explore sea bed from a slightly different perspective.
Puerto de Mogán is also a good place for fishing lovers. A good fishing is not difficult here at all. About 15 minutes from Puerto de Mogán there is a clubhouse and a golf course for golfers. It’s called Anfi Tauro Golf.
BEACHES
The best beaches on this part of the island are outside of Puerto de Mogán. In the town itself, there is a a beach well known among tourists. Not far from Puerto de Mogán, there is also a beach called Playa del Taurito, a tourist resort with high rise hotels situated on very steep gorge walls. An architecturally interesting view, although the atmosphere of the place itself is completely different than that of Puerto de Mogán itself.
Another and perhaps least known to tourists is Patalavaca beach, located north of the town of Arguineguin. You will not find too many tourist attractions there, rather just the sunbathing itself remains the main attraction, which makes it a much calmer beach than the previous ones.
SHOPPING
Puerto de Mogán was until recently the only tourist destination on the south coast that still did not have its own shopping complex. Mogán shopping center was opened in this part of the island at the end of 2019. However, it is located closer to the bustling and highly touristic Puerto Rico. The best day for shopping in Puerto de Mogán is Friday. It is then, when there is a local market, where you can find many local products, souvenirs and food.
PUERTO RICO
On the map of the province of Mogán there are two main towns, Puerto de Mogán, although it is quite popular, it retains its local atmosphere and charm. An alternative to Puerto de Mogán is colorful and much more touristy Puerto Rico. An ideal place for those who look for of loud parties and clubs. In addition to many bars, it is also hot spot for those looking for shopping.
CAÑADA DE LOS GATOS
Finally, something extra for archeology, history and old tales lovers. Not far from Mogán there is a place commemorating the former inhabitants of the islands – the Guanches. It was here that one of their cities was located, before the capture of the islands by the Spaniards. The stone buildings of the former village have survived to this day. You can visit this place by following specially prepared tourist routes.
Puerto de Mogan is definitely one of those places in Gran Canaria that you will remember. Although it is not a typical tourist destination, it is undoubtedly a place full of positive atmosphere, good cuisine and a nice option to relax. You will not be disappointed when visiting this place.
If you have questions about Puerto de Mogán, or other places in Gran Canaria or the Canary Islands, feel free to write in the comments.
