Do you know Puerto de Mogan? It’s a small fishing port that has become one of the most attractive destinations in southern Gran Canaria. We were won over by its unique character: neither a standardized seaside resort nor a village frozen in time, it’s a place that combines authentic charm with a varied offering. In this article, we share with you 10 reasons to visit this city.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is Puerto de Mogan worth a visit?
Absolutely. Puerto de Mogan is one of the few destinations in southern Gran Canaria that really surprised us. With its flower-filled marina, spectacular cliffs and pre-colonial heritage, it offers much more than just a beach. We recommend it without hesitation, whether you’re just passing through for a day or staying for a longer stay.
We list the reasons in more detail below, or you can check out our selection of the city’s top attractions.
Reason 1 – A unique marina, nicknamed the “Little Venice of the Canaries”.
This nickname is not usurped. Surrounding the port and its canals, the narrow streets of Puerto de Mogan offer an unexpected backdrop: white houses with colorful shutters, cascading bougainvillea and flower-covered passageways. We were struck by the coherence of the whole, in stark contrast to the large seaside resorts in the south of the island. The atmosphere is gentle, almost romantic, but appeals to all types of travelers. Don’t miss El Paseo de Mis Padres, a pedestrian walkway depicting historical scenes from the village: a detail that anchors this place in a true local identity. On Fridays, the port market, Mercadillo de Mogan, attracts a lot of people. If you like a lively atmosphere, choose this day; if not, avoid it and enjoy the village at your leisure. Access to the marina is free of charge, and you can easily cover it in 30 to 60 minutes.
WHERE TO STAY Puerto de Morgan
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In charming little Venice.
Hotel Livvo Puerto de Mogan, with view – see photos and availability
In the modern city, 5 to 15 minutes’ walk from the beach.
Radisson Blu Hotel, 5 stars – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Cordial Muelle Viejo, beachfront – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de Mogan
Reason 2 – A protected beach, ideal for swimming and water sports
Puerto de Mogan beach is a beautiful cove of fine golden sand, framed by cliffs and protected by breakwaters that guarantee calm waters. We appreciated the gradual entry into the water, making it particularly suitable for families. Kayak and pedal-boat rentals are available on site for those wishing to venture a little further afield. The beach is supervised and well-equipped, with toilets, showers, sun loungers and restaurants nearby. It’s also directly accessible from the marina, making it a natural anchorage for a full day on site. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria, not least for the quality of its setting and the gentleness of its waters. You can spend half a day or a whole day here without getting bored.
Reason 3 – An authentic village to explore on foot, from alleyways to cliffs
Beyond the marina, Puerto de Mogan reveals a more discreet face: that of an old town that climbs to the heights. To get the full picture, we recommend climbing up to the Mirador, accessible from the old town via 257 well-marked steps. The effort is real, but the reward is worth it: from this belvedere, the view embraces the beach, Little Venice, the port and the cliffs in a single panorama. We particularly enjoyed this climb in the late afternoon, when the golden light changes the colors of the rock. The Diagon Alley passes through quieter lanes, less crowded than the marina, where you get a better sense of everyday village life. Allow between 30min and 1h for this walk, depending on your pace. Access is by foot only, with no possibility of reaching the viewpoint by car.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Reason 4 – A window on Gran Canaria’s pre-colonial history
Puerto de Mogan is home to one of Gran Canaria’s most accessible archaeological sites: Cañada de los Gatos. In this fertile valley, where water and land offered favorable conditions for human settlement, an important coastal village developed over 1300 years ago. Today, the ruins of houses and burial sites bear witness to pre-colonial Guanche civilization. We particularly appreciated the opportunity to climb up the cliff to observe the village structure from above, a perspective that gives the site a whole new dimension. Next door, the more modest site of Las Crucecitas completes the visit with its funerary structures. The Cañada de los Gatos is open at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays, and admission costs 4 euros. Underground parking is available nearby. Find all the latest information on the official website here.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Reason 5 – A lively port, the starting point for many adventures at sea
The port of Puerto de Mogan is much more than just a backdrop. It’s a real starting point for exploring the Atlantic in all its forms. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins on a sea outing from this part of the island, where the probability of encounters is particularly high. Other options include a 5-hour catamaran cruise to let yourself be carried away by the waves, a submarine tour to admire the seabed in an original way, or a kayak excursion along the cliffs and into the caves. A glass-bottomed shuttle also links the port of Puerto Rico with that of Mogan, allowing you to combine marine exploration with a visit to another town on the southern coast. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Reason 6 – Some of the most beautiful sunsets on the south of the island
Puerto de Mogan’s westerly orientation makes it an ideal spot to observe the end of the day. One viewpoint on the cliffs is even officially named Sunset Point. However, we preferred the atmosphere of the marina when the warm lights change the colors of the facades and are reflected in the water of the canals. It’s a time when the village takes on another, gentler, more contemplative dimension. If you opt for Sunset Point, be aware that space is limited and it’s best to arrive early for a comfortable seat. In either case, make sure you don’t book your dinner at that time: the sunset deserves your time.
Reason 7 – A genuine culinary offer, far from tourist traps
Puerto de Mogan doesn’t rival Las Palmas in terms of volume, but the food and drink on offer is often well above the average for southern cities. Here we’ve found some of the finest dining on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. Restaurant I Love Mogan, whose name might make you think it’s a purely touristy address, turns out to be a serious table: fresh fish, elaborate desserts and warm service. Restaurant Los Guayres, set in the elegant surroundings of the Hotel Cordial Playa Mogan, offers gourmet cuisine with a focus on seafood. In addition to these two addresses, the marina is home to numerous restaurants with pleasant terraces. Here you can enjoy lunch overlooking the canals, or dine while watching the boats return to port, adding a real dimension to the dining experience. These restaurants are among our suggestions for the best places to eat in Puerto de Mogan.
Reason 8 – An unspoilt natural setting, between cliffs, valley and mountains
Puerto de Mogan lies at the bottom of the Barranco de Mogan, a valley that stretches towards the heights of Gran Canaria. As you travel up this road, the landscape gradually changes: the coastal cliffs give way to a wilder, more colorful interior. Two stops along the way are well worth making. The Molino Quemao mill, at El Molino de Viento, is one of the island’s largest mills at 7m high. Well restored, it can even be admired from the outside. Higher up, the Mirador de Veneguera offers a double perspective: westwards towards the village of Veneguera and the colorful mountains, and towards the Mogan valley after a few steps on foot. We found a real quality of silence and light, rare in this part of the island. This excursion into the hinterland is easily accomplished by car, on a two-lane road with no particular difficulties.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Reason 9 – A destination that appeals to everyone, families and couples alike
Puerto de Mogan is one of the few destinations in southern Gran Canaria that truly suits all traveler profiles. The marina’s romantic atmosphere is a real draw for couples. Families, meanwhile, will appreciate the gently sloping beach, the large central avenue ideal for children’s bikes, and the sea outings accessible to all: submarine tours, dolphin watching or catamaran cruises. The Lago Taurito water park in the neighboring Taurito valley is a further option for younger guests, open daily from 10am to 6pm. Maspalomas and Puerto Rico are only a 10-20min drive away, giving access to other theme parks if required. We found that Puerto de Mogan managed to satisfy very different expectations without ever losing its own character, which is quite rare in this region.
Reason 10 – A strategic base for expansion in Gran Canaria
Located to the west of the south coast, Puerto de Mogan is a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Puerto Rico is only 10 minutes away, Maspalomas 20 minutes, and Las Palmas 1 hour. By car, the day can be spent combining several very different destinations: the multicolored rocks of Los Azulejos, the cactus garden of Cactualdea and the seafront of La Aldea towards the west; the mountain villages of Tejeda or Fataga, the hike of Roque Nublo and the viewpoints of Pico de las Nieves towards the center of the island. To the east, the village of Aguïmes and the barrancos of Guayadeque and las Vacas offer further vistas. We highly recommend renting a car to take full advantage of this convenient location. You can also discover the Las Crucecitas archaeological site just 15 minutes away by car.
For ideas on organized excursions, see also Gran Canaria’s top attractions.
DISCOVER Puerto de Mogan
Some disadvantages of a trip to Puerto de Mogan
Friday tourist crowds
Puerto de Mogan is still a relatively unspoilt destination compared with the big southern resorts, but the Friday market changes the village’s atmosphere radically. The Mercadillo de Mogan attracts a large influx of visitors from all over the coast, crowding the marina and surrounding streets. Over the years, this weekly event has become more of a tourist attraction than a local affair. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and want to enjoy the village in its quietest version, we advise you to avoid this day. On the other hand, if you like market animation, it’s an experience in itself. In all cases, remember to book your accommodation as early as possibleespecially in high season.
Parking and driving
Puerto de Mogan is pleasant to walk around once you get there, but parking can take a bit of organizing. The small parking lot at the port, closest to Little Venice, is expensive. The Parking Mogan underground parking lot, close to the beach, has a charge but is more accessible. Free parking is available in the back of town, around hotels. Once you’re settled in, the large central avenue, bike paths and wide sidewalks make it easy to get around on foot or by bike. We recommend that you park on arrival and keep your vehicle parked for the duration of your visit.
A limited offer outside the marina
Puerto de Mogan is a modest-sized village, and this is reflected in the range of facilities on offer. Apart from the marina and its immediate surroundings, shops, restaurants and services are few and far between. For day-to-day shopping or a wider choice of hotels, Puerto Rico, 10 minutes away, or Maspalomas, 20 minutes away, offer more choice. We regard this scale as an asset for those seeking tranquillity, but it’s worth being aware of it if you’re staying for several days and expect continuous entertainment. Puerto de Mogan is more like a parenthesis than an urban base.
How to get to Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan is located on the west side of Gran Canaria’s south coast. From the airport, the dual carriageway takes you there in around 35 minutes, whether by rental car or cab. A public bus (Global Bus Route 1) also runs from the airport. From Puerto Rico, 10min drive; from Maspalomas, 20min; from Las Palmas, approx. 1h. If you’re staying in another southern town and want to discover Puerto de Mogan without driving, organized day trips depart regularly from the main seaside resorts, including visits to the Friday market or tours combining several southern villages.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
