PUERTO MOGAN
Area: Gran Canaria
Country: Spain


Location:
On SW coast, 60 miles SW of Las Palmas. 9 miles NW of Puerto Rico.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
SW facing, on flat, low land immediately around port and backed by dry, barren hills.

Description:
Less than a mile in length, Puerto Mogan is perhaps the only resort along this stretch of coast retaining its fishing-village origins, although tourism is developing. The charming old village is a tangle of tiny, narrow alleys climbing up the steep hillside with cottages built one on top of another. Flowers and greenery burst out of unexpected places and the whole is a splash of colour against the backdrop of arid hills. Unimaginatively labelled "Little Venice" by many tour operators due to its small canal crossed via appealing footbridges, much of tourist interest is grouped around the yacht marina, where attractive Spanish-style buildings with wrought-iron balconies create a colonial ambience; there is also a small commercial area with reasonably upmarket boutiques and local restaurants, many selling locally caught fish. Along the beachfront is a rapidly expanding commercial area sprouting numerous shops selling tourist tack. PLAYA TAURITO, a small bay 3 miles SE, is home to some of the resort's tourist accommodation. A huge archway marks its entrance and, beyond this, are large hotels and an even larger, dank underground car park. An enormous man-made lake has bridges to a central island with a cafe; there is also a row of gift shops and eateries by a small black-sand beach.

Suitability:
All ages, although not for those who want lively nightlife. Best suited to guests wanting to relax and eat, especially fresh fish.

Accommodation:
3-star hotel and apartment complex; a few pensions. At nearby Playa Taurito, 4-star hotels and apartment complexes.

Shopping:
Around yacht marina are boutiques, souvenirs, handicrafts, photo supplies and supermarkets.

Beach:
The gently shelving beach is well protected by a man-made harbour, although no lifeguards patrol. It is small (about 200 yds long, 50 yds wide) with black volcanic sand, some stones and rocky areas. Playa Taurito has a bigger gently sloping beach (300 yds long, 150 yds wide), which is not so protected, with black volcanic sand. Loungers are available for hire.

Entertainments:
Daytime: sailing and unsophisticated fishing trips; submarine trip to ocean bed; jeep safaris along more fertile Barranco Mogan valley and other areas. Nightlife: one disco.

Eating:
Ample number of middlemarket restaurants serving international food and fish. Pizzerias, fast-food outlets, even some eateries offering Spanish cuisine.

Public-transport:
Bus service every half hour to Puerto Rico, Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.

Local-excursions:
Tour operators' reps organise tours according to demand. Shopping in Playa del Ingles or Las Palmas. Glass-bottomed boat trips to Puerto Rico. Deep-sea fishing.