Puerto de Mogán is part of the municipality of Mogán, on Gran Canaria’s south-western coast – one of the island’s hotspots. Visitors come here in swathes in all seasons, lured by beautiful beaches and good weather. This fishing village may be small but it has plenty of reasons to visit. The village is nestled against a mountainous landscape and you’ll be captivated by its charming white houses and the colourful gardens adorning pedestrianised streets.
The village has earned the nickname The Little Venice of the Canary Islands on account of its small canals and bridges. It’s a slight exaggeration of course. Even so, the canals linking the fishing port with the marina add a unique touch of character to the place. In Puerto de Mogán, fishing vessels bob alongside yachts and pleasure boats. The calm waters and golden sand make for a perfect swimming spot. Everything about this place creates a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Mogán: deep ravines and pretty beaches
Mogán, the second largest municipality on Gran Canaria, is 93 kilometres from Las Palmas. It’s a place where deep ravines crack open the interior landscape and stretch all the way to the sea.
The most impressive such ravines are Veneguera and Mogán, not to mention other natural wonders such as the Southwestern Massif and the Ojeda, Inagua and Pajonales Natural Park. The best way to enjoy the landscape here is by walking through it.
The coastline on this part of the island has several pretty beaches and a selection of popular tourist destinations. There are plenty of places to choose from: Arguineguín-Patalavaca, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Tauro, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and of course, Puerto de Mogán. Water sports fans and fishing enthusiasts will feel right at home in any of these locations, each of which has its own character. Puerto de Mogán – undoubtedly one of the prettiest and most unique villages on the Canary Islands – stands out for its seafaring culture and family-friendly atmosphere.
Puerto de Mogán: canals and bridges
Puerto de Mogán holds its own on the tourism scene. A series of small canals linking the marina with the fishing port are a unique sight on the Canary Islands, and you won’t see a building here over two stories high. Instead, the old white fishermen’s houses cling to the dark mountainside that meets the sea. The rocky landscape defines the environment both in and around the village. The newer houses skirting the edge of the port are particularly pretty with their colourful doors, windows, balconies and bougainvillea adorning the outside.
The fishing port retains much of its traditional feel and you’ll get the sense you’ve travelled back in time watching seafaring folk touching up the paint on their boats and repairing fishing nets. Everything about this place feels authentic, and the friendliness and calm demeanour of the locals is contagious. This is a place for the most demanding travellers looking to get off the beaten track.
Playa de Mogán, perfect for families
To the east of the fishing port is the sheltered beach called Playa de Mogán, protected on one side by the port and on the other by a breakwater. The beach is perfect for family days out – here, the waters are clear and calm, there are no stones and the sand is golden and fine. It’s also great for snorkelling and there are both trips for spotting cetaceans. You can even head beneath the waves in a yellow submarine to discover the secrets of the marine world or enjoy a spot of deep-sea fishing.
Playa de Puerto de Mogán has a promenade with terrace cafes and good restaurants, not to mention ice cream stands where you can cool down while waiting for the sunset. Make sure to take a leisurely stroll through the fishing port and marina. It has 225 berths and is a popular meeting place for sailing enthusiasts on Gran Canaria.
Puerto de Mogán and the surrounding area
Wandering around the village streets and soaking up the traditional port atmosphere is a joy in itself, but there are also other things to do in the nearby area. Those looking for more culture should head to the village of Mogán, situated just 12 km from the coast. This is where you’ll find the most outstanding historical monument in the municipality: the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua. The church displays a blend of traditional and Neoclassical styles and has several interesting features, among them a beautiful carved wooden coffered ceiling. It was built in the early 19th century with the financial backing of Matías Sarmiento, a native of the village who made his fortune in Havana. The area around the church also has several traditional buildings.
On the way back to Puerto de Mogán, take a trip to the Molino Quemado, Gran Canaria’s largest windmill. It was raised in the 19th century and once stored grain for the whole area.
If you happen to be in town on a Friday, treat yourself at the street market. It sells a selection of local craft products and food.
Where to eat in Puerto de Mogán: good food with a sea view
The seafood restaurants in Puerto de Mogán are popular among the locals. Grilled tuna, limpets in a mojo verde sauce and fish soups are just some of the speciality dishes to choose from. You can enjoy views of the sea while you sample the cuisine in establishments such as Restaurante Playa Mogán on the beach, or Bar Marina next to the port. The popular and welcoming Taberna Mar Azul is another great place with a terrace, and Beach Club Faro has lovely views of the port with a varied menu to boot. And of course, there’s the Cofradía de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Guild) serving great fresh fish and seafood.
