Puerto de Mogan is on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria and according to some, has the best climate in the world!
The original resort of Puerto Mogan, was built in the 1980s, sometimes called the "Venice of the Canaries" it is the most picturesque resort on the island of Gran Canaria. The development of two-storey apartment blocks built around a new marina and fishing harbour, involved building out from the existing shore line using rock from the cliffs at the western end of the original village.
The roof terraces are festooned with bougainvillea and other gloriously colourful plants and the area is dotted with gardens of banana and papaya trees, palms and bird-of-paradise plants.
The golden beach is of sand imported from the Sahara and faces south. It's protected from the open sea by a rocky breakwater, which makes it ideal for safe and easy swimming, and there are sunloungers, parasols, pedaloes, canoes and jet skis for hire. Outside the enclosed area is good for those who are more adventurous and like to snorkel.
The newer development behind the beach, stretching up between the steep rocky sides of the valley includes new hotels and luxury apartment complexes, some with great views up the valley towards the mountains or over the beach and of the sea, cliffs and marina.
Puerto de Mogan is packed with excellent restaurants serving local fish landed at the fishing harbour and other Canarian and international specialities. It has several banks and supermarkets, and shops selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and much more. If you want a haircut or a tattoo, there is a choice of salons or studios, and most cafés and bars have free wifi, though you will be expected to at least have a coffee or a cold glass of beer.
For those who want a bit more excitement than just lying on the beach soaking up the rays or whiling away the time at a beach-side cafe, there are jet skis for hire, parascending, scuba diving lessons, sport fishing excursions and submarine trips round a local wreck. And for the less energetic, dolphin spotting trips or ferry trips to Puerto Rico, the beach at Anfi del Mar and Arguineguín.
On Fridays there is a large open-air market which fills the two plazas on the marina side of Puerto Mogan and the area behind the beach.
There are stalls selling shoes, clothes, leather goods and watches, many bearing designer logos - try your hand at getting a real bargain. Look out for the locally-produced crafts such as exotic candles and glass sculptures.
On the market you'll also find African carvings and drums, cheap and cheerful jewellery, fruit and vegetables, beach towels, sarongs and swimwear.
There's a smaller market on Mondays in the area behind the beach.
Puerto de Mogan has excellent facilities for "yachties" whether they need just temporary moorings or a permanent berth in the marina, boat repairs and servicing. Some sailors docking here like it so much that they never leave!
