La Playa de Mogán holidays

How to reach Puerto de Mogán

• Flight time: There are no flights to Puerto de Mogán, but flights to Gran Canaria Airport take around 4 hours 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: The most convenient method to reach Puerto de Mogán is by taxi or shuttle service; the journey takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, bus service 91 takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Puerto de Mogán costs approximately €80–€100. The bus is much cheaper, with tickets priced at around €6.50 per person.

Best time to visit Puerto de Mogán

Despite being a year-round resort, timing your holiday to Puerto de Mogán should be planned around your preference for weather and crowd levels.

• March to May is a perfect time to visit, with warm temperatures averaging 20°C to 25°C, 8 to 10 hours of sunshine a day and little rain. This is a good time to explore the island while still enjoying beach time with fewer holidaymakers.

• June to August attracts visitors that love the heat and don’t mind crowded beaches, attractions and restaurants. Temperatures soar to 30°C and you can rely on the sun shining most of the time.

• September to November is when the crowds begin to thin out. Temperatures remain very warm – between 24°C and 28°C – and the sea is still perfect for swimming. Rainfall is slightly higher, but there will still be 8 to 9 hours of sunshine a day.

• December to February are popular months to escape from the UK’s colder weather. It is still mild (19°C and 23°C) and the sun shines around 6 to 8 hours each day, with minimal rain.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language of Gran Canaria is Spanish but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Eating out in the evening generally happens late on the island (around 9 pm). Early afternoon siestas are customary, when shops may close. Dressing inappropriately when away from the beach is frowned upon.

• Currency: The Euro is the currency used in Gran Canaria. Credit cards are accepted in the majority of places and ATMs are readily available.

• Getting around: Local buses are an efficient way to get around; a single ticket starts from about €1.40. Taxis are reasonably priced and reliable, and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230 volts, using two-pin plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Gran Canaria operates on Western European Time, the same as GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán, a picturesque harbour and quaint fishing village, is a delightful place for a relaxing holiday. This delightful destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries or partake in outdoor adventures.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mirador de Puerto de Mogán: It’s quite a hike up to this viewpoint but it’s worth it for breathtaking views over the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean.

The best districts

• Puerto de Mogán: The original old settlement is a jumble of buildings that appear to be heaped on top of one another, rising up the cliff face. Through the labyrinth of small passages and flights of steps, you get views over the rest of Puerto de Mogán.

• The harbour: Whitewashed pueblo buildings adorned with bougainvillaea line the picture-perfect narrow streets of the harbour area, while a network of canals are crossed by Venetian-style bridges. Soak up the bustling atmosphere and watch the boats from any number of waterside cafés or restaurants.

Historical monuments

• San Antonio Chapel: In Pueblo Mogán, 8km up the spectacular Barranco de Mogán, is this charming chapel dating back to the 19th century.

Day trips in the area

• Puerto Rico: Just a short drive away, this lively town offers beautiful beaches and a variety of water sports.

• Maspalomas: Famous for its stunning sand dunes, Maspalomas is a must-visit. The dunes are a protected nature reserve and offer a unique landscape to explore.

• Las Palmas: A visit to the bustling capital city of Gran Canaria reveals more about the island's history through sights such as the old Vegueta quarter and the majestic Cathedral of Santa Ana.

Activities for families in Puerto de Mogán

Whether it's frolicking in water parks, playing on the beach or sightseeing, Puerto de Mogán holidays are sure to be a fun-filled vacation for the whole family.

• Water parks: Just down the road from Puerto de Mogán, the Lago Taurito water park is fun for the whole family, with thrilling water slides and mini slides for younger children.

• Boat tours: The yellow submarine tour that heads out from Mogán harbour is a unique adventure for kids and adults alike. Take the ferry from Mogán harbour to Puerto Rico for an inexpensive boat ride – it’s more enjoyable than driving there.

• Theme parks: In nearby Puerto Rico, Angry Birds activity park is full of fun games and attractions based on the popular video game, including bag jumps, climbing walls, pedal cars and zip lines.

Free things to do in Puerto de Mogán

If you plan your holidays to Puerto de Mogán well, you don’t have to spend over your budget. Look around and you’ll discover things to do without spending any money.

• Beach days: It doesn't cost anything to spend the day unwinding, swimming and soaking up some rays at Puerto de Mogán golden sandy beach.

• Hiking trails: Get your walking boots on and discover the numerous hiking trails around Puerto de Mogán. These trails offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature without any cost.

• Harbour strolls: Nothing beats a cost-free afternoon spent strolling around Puerto Mogán’s harbour, taking in the boats, the atmosphere and the buildings festooned with flowers.

Nature and outdoor activities in Puerto de Mogán

• Hiking: Puerto de Mogán and the surroundings are perfect for hiking. Because of wonderful coastal views along the way, the route beginning at Puerto de Mogán and ending at Veneguera Beach is very popular. Another favourite hike is to Roque Nublo, which offers expansive views over the whole island.

• Water sports: Windsurfing, paddleboarding and jet skiing are just a few of the many water sports that you may enjoy on the area’s calm, clear waters.

• Diving and snorkelling: Discover the underwater world of Gran Canaria with diving and snorkelling excursions. The crystal-clear waters around are teeming with marine life, including colourful fish, and you might even spot the occasional dolphin.

• Cycling: Exploring on two wheels is a really satisfying experience, thanks to the abundance of bicycle routes that lead you through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages and along the stunning coastline.

• Horse riding: A number of stables will pick you up from Puerto de Mogán to join a horseback tour through volcanic landscapes taking in inspiring views. With the help of experienced guides, riders of all abilities can have an unforgettable adventure.

Local dishes in Puerto de Mogán

A holiday to Puerto de Mogán is enhanced by the array of delicious local cuisine that can be sampled at one of the many restaurants found in the charming harbour area.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: A popular dish in Gran Canaria, little wrinkly potatoes are boiled in salt water and served with mojo sauce, which comes in red (spicy) and green (milder) varieties.

• Ropa Vieja: This hearty stew made with leftover meat, chickpeas and potatoes is a comforting dish full of rich flavours.

• Bocadillos: Perfect for a snack, these Spanish-style sandwiches are made with crusty bread and filled with a variety of ingredients like ham, cheese and tomatoes.

Tapas dishes

• Pimientos de Padrón: Small green peppers are fried and sprinkled with sea salt; most are mild, but occasionally you’ll get a spicy one.

• Chorizo al Vino: Chorizo sausages cooked in red wine are packed with flavour and make for a perfect tapa.

Meat dishes

• Carne de Cabra: Goat meat cooked slowly until tender, often served in a rich sauce, is a traditional Canarian dish that you must try.

• Pollo al Salmorejo: Chicken is marinated in a tangy sauce made with garlic, paprika and vinegar, and then grilled to perfection.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sancocho Canario: Salted fish (usually grouper), potatoes, sweet potatoes and mojo sauce make up this classic fish stew.

• Vieja a la Plancha: A local delicacy, grilled parrotfish is accompanied simply by olive oil, garlic and lemon.

Sweets and desserts

• Bienmesabe: A traditional dessert made from ground almonds, egg yolk, sugar, lemon zest and cinnamon, usually served with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of honey.

• Frangollo: Another local favourite, made from cornmeal, milk, sugar and spices, often garnished with dried fruits and nuts.

Local drinks

• Ron Miel: Honey rum, a sweet liqueur made from rum and honey, which is typically enjoyed as a digestif after meals.

• Barraquito: The locals enjoy this layered coffee drink as a mid-morning treat. It’s made up of espresso, condensed milk, frothed milk and a hint of cinnamon and lemon zest.