"An oasis of peace on the south western coast, pretty Puerto Mogan lays on the charm as well as its delicious, dark-sand beach."
The first thing that strikes you about Puerto Mogan is its peace and quiet. In contrast to most places along Gran Canaria's southern shores, this charm-filled resort operates at a delightfully calm pace that'll have you de-stressed in no time. With picture-postcard looks that'll whip your breath away, it's sheltered by dramatic rocky cliffs and fronted by a lovely harbour and marina. And both its old and new towns have much to offer. Enjoy a potter around the old town's tangled alleyways and whitewashed cottages, which snake their way up steep hillsides. Then descend to the new town, where you'll find the same village atmosphere. With a romantic canal spanned by Italianesque footbridges, it's nicknamed Little Venice and has a maze of bougainvillea-draped streets crying out to be wandered around. Explorations over, Puerto Mogan's palm-fringed harbourfront is ideal for relaxing in the sunshine. Order some chilled wine and tapas and gaze out over the boat-flecked waters. And while you're here, check out the amiable bars and restaurants to decide on the night's venue for dinner and drinks. Summer evenings here are as laid-back as the days, so don't expect pulsating nightlife. Duly refreshed, saunter along to the yacht-filled marina and then find the hushed Church of St. Andrew to view its ornate carvings and statues. Or cast your net wider by hiring a jeep and discovering the hidden Gran Canaria of solitary coves, cacti-speared gorges and sparkling white villages perched on cindery rocks. And of course, don't forget Puerto Mogan's beach. A lovely crescent of dark volcanic sand kissed by bright blue seas and hot Canarian sun, it's an absolute treat, whether you're intent on sunbathing, swimming or even a session of sandcastle building.
The main resort also has a village-like appeal with buildings emblazoned with bougainvillea and overhanging geraniums lining the narrow streets. Aptly named 'Little Venice', a canal runs through the resort, spanned by a criss-cross of enchanting footbridges, while the harbourfront simmers with quayside restaurants and bars.
Find the cheapest late deals to Puerto Mogan leaving in the next six weeks.
Our hotels and apartments in Puerto Mogan include Cordial Mogan Playa and Cordial Mogan Valle Apartments.
Looking for holidays in Gran Canaria? Our Gran Canaria holiday destinations include Amadores, Bahia Feliz, Campo International, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa Del Ingles, Playa Taurito, Puerto Mogan, Puerto Rico, Salobre Golf and San Agustin.
Sheltered by high cliffs, Puerto Mogan boasts a small, gently shelving beach whose striking black volcanic sands spill out into turquoise seas.
Puerto Mogan's harbourfront overflows with restaurants, many selling locally caught fish. For a real taste of the Canaries, try 'morena frita', fried morena fish served with 'papas arrugadas', wrinkly potatoes baked in their skins with salt. Another popular dish is 'sama frita', fried pieces of sama drizzled with 'mojo verde', a green sauce made from oil, coriander and garlic.
While Puerto Mogan is home to a host of waterfront bars, generally speaking it's a fairly quiet resort. Most evenings are spent enjoying a good meal or a quiet drink out along the quayside as the sun, streaked with red and gold ribbons, drops below the horizon for another day.
Head down to the marina where you'll find a host of boutiques and souvenir shops. However, for a day of real retail therapy it's well worth heading up to Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, where you'll find a host of shops and shopping malls selling everything from inexpensive gifts to international haute couture.
North of Puerto Mogan lies the small town San Nicolas de Tolentino. Nestled amid a fertile, green valley surrounded by dramatic mountains and ravines, it's home to a popular tourist attraction called 'La Cactualdea'. This cactus park plays host to thousands of cacti imported from Mexico, Madagascar, Guatemala and other places around the world and makes for a fascinating day out.
10km to Puerto Rico
1.5 to 2 hours