Puerto de Mogan

Prepare to be completely enchanted by this chic little seaside resort on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. A winning combination of magnificent marina and contemporary holiday accommodation mingled in with the more traditional houses and the mood of manyana in the air, Puerto de Mogan is a delight that visitors have been anxious to keep to themselves. Find out why by booking yourself a week or two in one of our Places to Stay in Puerto de Mogan and enjoy a restful break in this pretty holiday paradise.

The town of Puerto de Mogan huddles at the foot of rocky cliffs with views over the North Atlantic ocean. The bold purples and reds of Mediterranean flowers are striking against the whitewashed walls of the two-storey, cube-shaped, buildings and the fanning fronds of palms lend more than a touch of Moorish magic to the landscape. Once a thriving fishing village, its tourism potential was realised when accommodation, shops and restaurants were built on land reclaimed from the sea at the junction with the wide but steep-sided Mogan Valley; the original shoreline is today the Avenida de la Castillete. Originally, the village known as Playa de Mogin was made up of a jumble of houses sliced through with narrow passageways and, before today's thriving port existed, the town fishermen kept their nets in huts on the shore, launching their boats direct from the beach each morning.

The inlet of sea water flowing through the town has created a natural canal system whose sides are cobbled together with a series of attractive little bridges, earning the resort the nickname Little Venice. And you can't miss the marina which dominates the view, enclosed by an arc of rock jutting into the sea like a come-hither finger. Crowded with yachts bobbing in the sunshine, it's a centre of attraction in the town. Much of the area around the harbourside has been pedestrianised, making it ideal for a stroll around the shops or the popular Friday market, perhaps with a leisurely lunch in one of the fabulous fish restaurants which profit from each day's plentiful catch. And, as dusk gives way to a mesmerising sunset, yet more customers are eager to relish the tranquil atmosphere of the harbour over a cocktail or two as night falls. Jazz clubs and piano bars offer their appreciative customers a sophisticated evening out - there are also occasional traditional jazz weeks throughout the year, held at the bandstand in the plaza by the marina, and several bars and restaurants have live rock and blues music on certain nights of the week. You won't find rowdy crowds of young people here, however, though there is a disco if you like to dance after dark.

That is no doubt the reason Puerto de Morgan is so popular with families and couples, young and old. That, and the admirable stretch of golden sand, imported from the Sahara desert, alongside a calm, clear sea. The waters are home to a wide variety of colourful fish ensuring that snorkeling is a popular activity, though you don't have to get wet to get a glimpse; a yellow submarine offers fun rides below the surface and pedaloes and canoes are available for a more sedate trip around the bay. But if fishing is what really floats your boat, you can spend time aboard a deep-sea vessel and test your angling skills against the weight of tuna or marlin to be found a little further out to sea.

When it comes to where to stay, choose between the attractive and popular Cordial Mogan Playa Hotel where you'll find great facilities and a warm welcome, and the excellent value Cordial Mogan Valle Apartments if you fancy trying out your culinary creativity with the luscious local produce. Both are clean and comfortable, have inviting swimming pools, and are situated close to the harbour. You can't go wrong.

Puerto de Mogan is favoured by families and couples who love its peaceful picturesque setting and appreciate the excellent range of leisure facilities on offer.