Puerto de Mogan is one of the more romantic and picturesque holiday destinations in Gran Canaria. Mostly popular with couples and families with young children and babies. The beach is excellent, with soft waves. Near the beach and marina, you will find a large selection of restaurants. From the beach, you can also do all kinds of relaxing watersports like pedal boats, but also more lively ones like kayaking or even parasailing. Evening and nightlife are mostly about relaxed dining, but in the back of the resort, there are some more lively pubs.
Beaches
Playa de Mogan is one of the most famous beaches on the island, with its picturesque setting and golden sand. This beach, when not too busy, is ideal for families with younger children, as it is sheltered from the open sea by breakwaters on both sides, keeping the waves here always tiny and safe for small children. However, since this beach is so well known, many visitors come on some days, making it feel a bit crowded then. You can always solve this by renting a Balinese bed on the beach. Next to the beach, you will find a vast selection of bars, restaurants, snacks and shops.
If you want to snorkel or explore, it is better to visit the Caleta de Mogan, just out of sight from the beach, where there is much less sand and more rocks. The water there is clear and ideal for seeing sea life.
Where to stay in Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan is primarily flat, so getting around is not a problem. Yet if you like to spend most of your time on the beach, know that many hotels are pretty far from it, and walking there can be over 1 km, depending on where you are staying in Puerto de Mogan.
- LIVVO Puerto de Mogan: A truly unique way to enjoy the real Puerto de Mogan with a pool directly next to the sea and direct swimming access to the sea from the hotel. Ideal for couples who want relaxation and luxury.
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa: 5-star modern and luxurious complex that is great for families with children.
- Cordial Mogán Valle: Budget-friendly apartment complex with lots of pools.
- Cordial Mogan Playa: Large hotel built like a Canarian village with a botanical garden. Also great for a family holiday, but more luxurious and pricey than Cordial Mogán Valle.
- Billy’s Puerto de Mogan by LIVVO: These apartments give you that typical Puerto de Mogan feel and look. While similar ones are available as private holiday letting, I think renting them in a complex like this is better. Also, you get a pool!
Things to do in Puerto de Mogan
- Hiking: There are plenty of hiking routes. Make sure not to go during midday, as it is too hot, and take a good hiking app with you for mountain roads. The track to nearby Taurito takes less than 1 hour.
- Snorkelling: Just next to the Playa de Mogan beach, there is a small area hidden from view, ideal for snorkelling.
- Marina: Explore the stunning marina with authentic Canarian houses and lots of flowers.
- Mirador de Puerto de Mogan: A steep little hike but a great view over town. Great to do on your first day to get your bearings.
- Market: One of the most famous markets on the island takes place here each Friday.
- Submarine: A unique underwater sea-life experience for kids and adults.
- Boat tours: Join one of the boat tours from the local marina to go whale or dolphin watching.
- Watersports: All kinds of watersports you can imagine in a holiday destination, you can do here, from kayaking to peddle boats to parasailing.
- Archaeological site: Just on the hill next to the resort, there are remains of an ancient Canarian settlement. Interesting for those interested in history.
This list is of things to do in or near Puerto de Mogan. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Gran Canaria here.
Restaurants
The marina area here has lots of restaurants offering mostly upscale dining. Most of these have a cosy and personal feel. Near the beach, you will also find some great restaurants. If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, the streets behind the beach promenade and the Plaza Mogan Shopping Centre have these for you.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Puerto de Mogan is primarily quiet, relaxing and romantic. Most people spent their evenings dining and drinking at the marina or near the beach. There are also plenty of locals just relaxing and chilling on benches and in squares throughout the town.
If you do want a bit more lively atmosphere, you will need to go to the Plaza Mogan shopping centre, which is a bit further back from the resort. Here, there are a few bars, pubs, and karaoke places that are a bit livelier at night.
Gran Canaria airport to Puerto de Mogan
- Public transport (6.80 €/pp): The cheapest option, but know that the bus stops at the main bus stop, and this might still be a bit of walking from your hotel. There are generally no taxis at that bus stop.
- Shuttle bus online (13.31 €/pp): A much better option with more service. Drop-off directly at your hotel, guaranteed seat on the bus, and solutions provided if your flight gets delayed.
- Taxi (97.42 €) or minibus (127.86 €) online: Best option for a taxi if you need child safety seats or have a lot of luggage. A minibus is required if you are more than 4 people.
- Taxi at the airport (79.00 €): A good option for up to 4 people. Sundays and nighttime are more expensive.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation in Gran Canaria and easily book a minibus, shuttle, or taxi.
When to go
Puerto de Mogan is the most expensive in December and January, as this area attracts many older couples who stay here to escape the colder winters in their countries. This also means that New Year’s and Christmas, when you add families with children, can feel extremely busy.
Since the weather is not the best during those months but still good, if you have the opportunity, it is better to visit in June or at the end of September for better deals and fewer crowds. May is generally the cheapest, but Puerto de Mogan can feel a bit empty then.
If you are like other couples who want to enjoy this romantic holiday destination in a relaxing way. In that case, it is best to avoid busier periods, such as school holidays, including July and August.
Is Puerto de Mogan the best holiday destination for you?
Puerto de Mogan is most popular with couples who like the romantic setting. Yet families with young children also enjoy the soft, safe beach. If you want to dine out, this place is ideal, as there are many good restaurants to choose from.
If you are looking for a cheap holiday destination with lots of nightlife and shopping, this place is not ideal. Visiting during the major school holidays might also not make you enjoy this place much, as the beach can get very crowded with all the children. Also, the long walk from some hotels to the beach and marina can make it less appealing for some.
If you’re not sure if Puerto de Mogan is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
