Gran
Canaries fishing village will have you hooked
by SITTING in one of Puerto de Mogán’s harbour-front bars with an oversized cocktail in my hand, I reflect that this must be the best spot in the Canaries for a sun-downer. worry – there were picnic bags to make sure we didn’t go hungry.
Even on checkout, with all day to wait for our four-and-a-half-hour flight home, we were seriously impressed by the courtesy area, with bedrooms for a quick nap and showers to let you freshen up.
Our spacious room was incredibly quiet, its balcony getting the last of the sun with cracking sea views.
The hotel has two huge pools, four impressive restaurants, a fantastic spa, an archaeological site and even a tiny wedding chapel. You could easily spend a week here without heading out of the front door.
Gran Canaria is renowned for its wellness industry – aloe vera is grown on the island – and at first the furthest we ventured was to the in- house, high-end Spa Inagua. The treatment list was impressive and the two-hour spa circuit was a fabulous experience in itself, with an outdoor flotarium, experience shower and ice fountain.
The vast array of choices at breakfast included pancakes, fry-ups and omelettes, not to mention cava.
Bubbling
But the evening buffet was the highlight, with fish, steak and pasta cooked to order and even a bubbling chocolate fountain.
Our half-board rate was pleasingly flexible, allowing us to swap dinner for lunch, leaving us plenty of time to take the short stroll into the heart of wonderful Puerto de Mogán. We were glad we did. Some resorts in the Canaries have lost authenticity under the weight of tourism.
But this fishing village, dubbed Little Venice for its miniature network of canals, hooks you with its resolutely low-rise credentials.
The old town’s white houses sit carved into the hillside, and the port is bedecked resplendently with yachts and colourful small boats.
We loved Patio Canario, where we enjoyed freshly grilled squid and soaked up the stunning views.
But the best food we found was at Caravaggio, an Italian restaurant tucked down a cobbled street with pavement tables, freshly made pasta and a great selection of red wines.
The San Juan bonfire festival took place towards the end of our stay. That is the night the locals here run backwards into the sea at midnight for luck. We joined the crowds to enjoy live music, street cocktails and dancing on the sands.
Our last day saw us swap pool time for a laidback lounge on the beach, with a seafood lunch at Blue Marlin Mogán, a buzzy restaurant steps away from the sand.
Over one last glass of sangria, we began planning our next visit. FACTFILE: A standard double room at the Cordial Mogán Playa starts at £110-a-night for a seven-day stay. grancanariawellness. com. Direct flights to Gran Canaria are available all year from UK airports.