Puerto de Mogán is a small harbour village at the mouth of a ravine on the south-west coast, about ninety kilometres from Las Palmas, and the island’s tourism authority calls it a cosy place that is not too big. It is famous for its marina, its sheltered little beach and its low whitewashed houses with flower-covered balconies, which give it a charm that the larger resorts on the same coast lack. Visitors come to stroll along the quays, eat fish and seafood by the water, shop at the stalls and take a boat trip, as boat trips for dolphin watching, snorkelling and fishing leave from here. The beach is small and sheltered, which suits families with young children, and the village is quiet in the evening once the day trippers have left. There is no charge to visit, and the village is a pleasant stop on a drive along the south-west coast.
How it works
There is no ticket, and you can arrive by car, tour bus or local bus. The village sits at the end of the main coastal road, and parking is limited in the high season, so arrive early. If you are staying in Puerto Rico or Amadores, the village is a short drive along the coast. From Las Palmas it is a drive of about an hour and a half.
What to expect
A compact village of pedestrian lanes, a harbour with sailing boats and small fishing boats, cafés and restaurants along the quay, and a gentle beach. There is a weekly market, so ask your hotel which day, and it is much busier when it runs. Boat operators in the harbour offer dolphin-watching trips, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing, and the island’s tourism pages mention fishing for blue marlin and blue tuna. Take a hat and sunscreen, because there is little shade on the quays.
Making the most of it
Come in the late afternoon, wander along the quays and stay for dinner by the water, when the light is soft and the day trippers have gone. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday outside the market. Combine the village with a boat trip, a stop at the viewpoints and ravines of the Mogán municipality, or a day at the beach at nearby Playa de Amadores. The surrounding mountains offer cooler air and beautiful drives.
What to expect
The experience
A free stroll through a small harbour village of whitewashed lanes, a marina, quayside restaurants and a sheltered beach.
Best time
Late afternoon for soft light and dinner by the water, or a weekday morning for a quieter visit.
How long
Two to four hours, or a long lunch and swim.
Tips
Arrive early in the high season to find parking, and bring a hat and sunscreen for the open quays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and families who want a calm, pretty stop on a south coast day.
- Families
- The sheltered beach and boats suit young children well.
- Couples
- Dinner on the quay at sunset is the highlight.
- Pair with
- A dolphin cruise, or a day at the beach in Puerto Rico or Amadores.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Puerto de Mogán worth visiting?+
Yes, it is one of the most attractive places on the south coast, with a marina, flowers and a sheltered beach. It is far calmer than the big resorts.
How far is Puerto de Mogán from Las Palmas?+
Mogán is about ninety-three kilometres from Las Palmas, so allow around an hour and a half to drive. From the south coast resorts it is much closer.
Is there a beach at Puerto de Mogán?+
Yes, the beach is small and sheltered, which suits families with young children. For a larger beach, nearby Amadores and Puerto Rico are a short drive away.
Can I take a boat trip from Puerto de Mogán?+
Yes, boats leave from the harbour for dolphin watching, snorkelling and fishing. Book ahead in the high season.
When is the best time to visit Puerto de Mogán?+
Late afternoon is lovely for light and a quayside dinner, and weekday mornings are quieter. Ask your hotel which day the weekly market runs.
