Slower forms of transport are my favourite, especially when it allows you to see a different part of a country. For me, after boats, riding on local buses which wind their way through many villages and towns is my favourite way to explore. There is no better way to explore a place than using public transport and I love going to a bus station and getting on the next bus to a new place. Armed with no sense of direction, no idea and only a bus timetable, I chose to head as far south as possible, aiming for the town where the road ended. Gran Canaria has very cheap buses that are clean and modern and have an interactive map which lets you know where you are going. Winding roads took me through mountain passes, small coves and tiny villages until I arrived at my destination 50 minutes later.
Puerto de Mogán is a quiet unassuming fishing village that has been named the most picturesque village in Gran Canaria. I usually avoid the towns with these type of titles because they are often super busy, or are tourist traps. As a small dinosaur I like to explore places at my own pace without the fear of being stood on. I chose to head straight to the marina because I thought it would be a popular area for tourists to visit. Though the bus I arrived on was full, I seemed to walk in the opposite direction to all of the humans. Perfect white houses covered in beautiful bougainvillea surrounded a small harbour, which I had mostly to myself. Sadly, I wasn’t here to ride the boats, though some lucky humans were going to look for dolphins. Instead I sat by the water watching the fish and crabs, it was so clear I could see everything on the ocean floor without having to go for a swim (dinosaurs just sink).
My photographer and I sat for hours watching the marine life, it was so peaceful. However, the sun was getting hot so I decided it was time to go in search of snacks as I didn’t want to become a roast dinosaur. Hidden in a small path between the beautiful white houses is a coffee shop which looks unassuming but is a great spot for a coffee and cake. Home Bakery is slightly more expensive than other coffee spots but you are in a great location. I was able to enjoy the lead artwork opposite and watch the boats in the sunshine whilst enjoying a cappuccino.
Refreshed and once again ready to explore, I decided to let myself get lost in the streets which were draped in bougainvillea which extended from the roof terraces. Colourful plants lined the streets with an array of tropical plants such as banana trees and bird of paradise plants. Every single street corner was very photogenic but I found the entire area to be very quiet and peaceful. It is often called the Venice of the Canaries and I can see why, Puerto de Mogán is like nowhere else I have visited in Spain.
I headed over a small bridge which led me to a small stretch of man-made beach. Turns out, this was where all of the humans had gone. I’m not going to lie, the beach is gorgeous white sand imported from the Sahara and clear turquoise water which is enclosed by a breakwater. Sadly, there wasn’t a grain of sand free for me to go and dip my furry blue toes into the water.
However, I found something even better! A dinosaur sized boat was waiting for me on the far side of the beach and of course I had to try it out for myself. There is also a touristy sign saying Mogán which people were posing next to, but if you walk slightly further around the corner a beautiful view of the marina awaits. I loved trying out the small boat but sadly it wouldn’t fit in my backpack, nor could I sail it on the water (maybe one day). So sadly I had to resort to jumping in the handbag of doom whilst my photographer found somewhere to eat lunch.
I can’t say I struggled for choice when searching for food but I am glad I returned to eat by the marina so I could watch the boats and steal my photographers lunch (a perfect combination). Bar Marina Dennehy’s only had one table left when I arrived and I was very lucky to get this. The menu combines fresh seafood, tapas, Italian and Asian flavours. My photographer opted for a Burrata Italiana salad which I initially thought was the boring choice but to this day it remains the best salad I have eaten. The setting was perfect and this restaurant didn’t make you pay a premium for the location as I was expecting to.
Sadly, I didn’t make it up to the viewpoint at the Mirador de Puerto de Mogán but sometimes you cannot explore an entire town in a single day. However, I have since decided I would like to return to Puerto de Mogán and stay in one of the Marina side apartments in the future. The fishing village and surrounding area is very flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for everyone. The bus station is slightly further out of the centre but easily reachable on foot in about 10 minutes. I headed for the bus to take me back to Maspalomas but had to return via Puerto Rico, a place I had considered staying prior to my visit. It was very hilly and had lots of steps everywhere, so I chose to stay in the handbag of doom for a snooze whilst my photographer visited the shopping centre. Sometimes picking a random place off the bus timetable turns into an incredible day out. I wonder where my next adventure will take me …
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