Exporing Grand Canaria and the town of Mogán

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital and largest city of the Canary Islands and is the ninth-largest city in Spain.  The island is located about 150 km (93 miles) west of the African coast and features a desert climate offset by the cooler Canary Current with warm temperatures through the year.  The city was founded in 1478 and was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492 on his first trip to the Americas.  With its key location, the town was attacked by Francis Drake in 1595 and Pieter van der Does in 1599, destroying much of the town.

Approaching Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

We find a busy harbor with freighters, ferries, cruise ships, and oil rigs towed in for repair.

Cruise ships, freighters

Navy ship, Oil rigs

We head out to explore the island of Gran Canaria, visiting the Maspalomas Sand Dunes and then continuing to the town of Puerto de Mogán, known as "Little Venice" for its picturesque canals and vibrant floral displays.

The Maspalomas Sand Dunes are a unique 404-hectare (998-acre) nature reserve featuring vast sand dunes formed from the dried-up marine shelf after the last ice age, blown by the wind to the coast.  We wander through the dunes, enjoying the tranquility and the view.

Maspalomas Sand Dunes

From the dunes, we cross the island to Puerto de Mogán and wander through the former fishing village, now tourist destination, with floral gardens and bridges over channels of sea water.

At the beach

Floral gardens and walks

We wander along the canals and bridges through the different sections of this beautiful town and harbor.

Harbor

Fish in the harbor

City streets and canals

We walk back to the beach and the restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the boardwalk.

Along the beach

After our exploration of the village, we hop on a ferry up the coast to the town of Puerto Rico to meet our ride back to the ship.

Leaving the harbor

Heading up the coast

Arriving in Puerto Rico

Another great day exploring Gran Canaria!