Arguineguín is a charming fishing town in the south of Gran Canaria and one of the island’s most-visited destinations. Despite its popularity, it hasn’t lost its identity. It is the largest town in the municipality of Mogán, a cliff-lined corner of Gran Canaria that hides a multitude of beautiful beaches.
The Port of Arguineguín is just like it was in the old days – think traditional fishing boats painted in cheery colours coming into port every day filled with different species of tuna. That said, the town has been savvy enough to move with the times and now combines the charm of a traditional fishing port with the facilities of a marina.
The Port of Arguineguín: prepare to be charmed
The Port of Arguineguín is a lively little place. The throngs of visitors who make their way to the Cofradía de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Association) to try soups, limpets in mojo verde sauce and all nature of freshly caught fish add to the usual hustle and bustle you’d expect from a fishing port.
Arguineguín is also considered one of the most beautiful towns on Gran Canaria on account of many other attractions that make for a wonderful holiday destination. On Tuesdays, the traditional market livens things up with an array of colours, tastes and smells. Take your time going around the stalls as you consider which fruit, fresh vegetables, cheeses and other local produce you want to buy.
The outskirts of the town are worth visiting too. The Barranco de Arguineguín (Arguineguín Ravine), surrounded by palm trees and accessible from a picturesque steep winding road, hides the largest reservoir on Gran Canaria, held fast behind the 120-metre high Soria Dam.
Nature and culture
If you love the outdoors, there’s no better way to discover the natural beauty of this part of Gran Canaria than by walking any of the trails that go as far as Parque Natural de Ojeda, Inagua and Pajonales.
If culture’s more your thing, take a wander around the streets of Mogán’s old town. Don’t forget to stop off at the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua dating back to 1814, with its splendid wooden coffered ceiling. The Parque de Nicolás Quesada, in the area known as the Rincón de Mima, has five murals depicting the traditional local dress. You might also want to take the road to Puerto de Mogán and visit the Molino Quemado, an ancient mill that once served the entire island.
Las Marañuelas, El Pajar and other beaches in Arguineguín
Arguineguín boasts some of the best weather in all of Spain, with an average annual temperature of 24 degrees making the beaches enticing all year round. Many islanders from elsewhere on Gran Canaria come here on holiday.
Playa de las Marañuelas is the main beach. This 400-metre-long cove with fine black volcanic sand is afforded some protection by one of the breakwaters at the neighbouring fishing port. The waters are calm and glassy thanks to the curved shape of the beach, making it ideal for families. If you want to snorkel, head to either extreme of the beach where the rocks provide shelter for a variety of marine life. The beach is one of the safest you’ll find. It also has good access, toilets nearby, a lifeguard service and shops within easy reach. In short, a great choice for a family day by the seaside.
On the other side of the fishing port is the more urban playa de Arguineguín, nestled against the town’s casco viejo or old town. The beach is barely a hundred metres long and its dark golden sand contrasts with the pebbles scattered at the edges.
Another great beach in Arguineguín is Playa del Pajar de Gran Canaria, where the sand is fine and pretty. You’ll find it in the El Pajar neighbourhood of Arguineguín, not to mention several traditional seafood restaurants nearby. The beach is popular with Spanish tourists and is also a favourite spot with residents of Arguineguín and the surrounding area.
Restaurants in Arguineguín
Arguineguín has plenty of restaurant options. We can split them roughly into tourism establishments with international menus and traditional restaurants more popular with the locals, where traditional Canarian cuisine takes centre stage and the real star of the show is the fresh seafood. You’ll find most of these local eateries in the area around the port, where the fish literally goes straight from sea to plate. Playa del Pajar also has several traditional restaurants nearby serving fine local fare by the seaside. If you’re at the port, head to the Cofradía de Pescadores de Arguineguín. At Playa del Pajar, try El Boya Bar Playa, a restaurant that opened its doors back in 1952 when the beach was a humble fishing community.
