A bit of background on Puerto Mogan
Canal and bridge in Puerto Mogan
A network of canals link the marina to the harbour, thus the nickname “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Canaries.” This beautiful little resort town, located on the Western coast has several hotels, apartment rentals and up-market places for tourists to stay. It is also a fishing village with a lovely marina. A bylaw restricts any new building to be no higher than two stories, guarding against buildings which would restrict the view of the waterfront.
My day in Puerto Mogan
Today, Friday, is market day in Puerto Mogan and it attracts tourists from all over the island. I caught a bus from Playa del Ingles for just over four Euros and it was packed! I was lucky to get a seat as the ride there was about 30 minutes.
Ricami Veronica Shop
As well as the huge market, there are many shops spread throughout Puerto Mogan selling all manner of goods from clothing, hats, beach wear, baskets, high-end name brand clothing and souvenirs. An interesting local speciality shop, Ricami Veronica, personalizes items such as towels, aprons and baby clothes either with a name or a phrase, and you can watch as your item is being embroidered.
Author with Sandy, owner of The Irish Tavern
Facing the marina you’ll find a large number of restaurants, many of them offering up fresh, delicious seafood. Puerto Mogan is reputed for its seafood. But you’ll also find many types of restaurants along this stretch including one called The Irish Tavern, where the owner, Sandy, offers up a varied menu including Irish stew, lasagna, home-made soups and what I love, her homemade desserts, some with an Irish twist.
Fruit Crumble at Irish Tavern
I knew this restaurant from having visited it last year and knew I’d get something, light, homemade and tasty. I had a hearty chicken soup with noodles and for dessert, a scrumptious fruit crumble with ice cream.
Beautiful Bougainvillea
What I love about Puerto Mogan is the upbeat yet relaxed feeling as one explores this little town with it colourful bougainvillea covering archways and climbing over white stucco buildings offering a vivid contrast.
An intriguing “find” in Puerto Mogan was a wall of relief artwork that captured the day-to-day life of local people called “El Paseo de Mis Padres” that translates to “The Passage of my Parents” that I found so charming. I’ve reproduced photos that I took of that relief work here.
I returned to Playa del Ingles on the 2:45 pm bus which was also crowded. It seems that for most people, four hours was just right to shop at the market, have a bit of lunch and walk around this scenic town
