It excelled. After reading so many good reviews about Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria, Mr Word Loft and I boarded a bus early one morning, and on arrival there, we were enchanted as we walked down from the terminal.
Across the bay, the old part is freshly painted, the colours reminiscent of spearmint – white buildings with dark green shutters.
The beach and shops were busy, so we took a quick stroll along the promenade and then headed for the centre. Although tourists throng the narrow lanes festooned with magenta, pink and orange flowers adorning balconies and archways, it has a villagey atmosphere. Sea-water canals crossed by elegant footways run between the two ports, one for fishing and the other for leisure. Some bridges even have lovelocks attached to the sides by lovers to symbolise their devotion and add a romantic element to the surroundings.
The best views of the island’s southwest are up steep steps at the top of town. The houses and apartments on either side are pretty too, with an arty quality, especially mosaics decorating some of the exteriors. They must have taken ages and a lot of patience to complete, but so rewarding.
Hot and sticky from the climb and descent, which was worth every breath, we stopped at one of many bars. It was a barraquito coffee cocktail for Mr Word Loft, and ice-cold blackberry and black tea for me before going to find transport at the quayside to take us to Puerto Rico, a few miles away.
Lucky us, we located a glass-bottom ferry just about to leave, so paid our fee and off we sailed. Further out in the depths, water activities were being enjoyed. A great photo opportunity arose when parasailers touched down in the sparkling sapphire waves, their rainbow-striped parachute canopy ballooned above them.
On land, the terrain is volcanic. All shades of grey, created from eruptions thousands of years ago, with little white settlements nestling in valleys, and glass box-type hotels hugging the cliffs.
Puerto Rico came into sight. Three standards, the European Union, the Spanish Yacht Ensign and the Canary Islands flags billowed welcomingly at the dock entrance. The crew moored up and we were ready to explore. We discovered the resort is popular with the sailing fraternity and beachgoers.
Well, Puerto Rico is picturesque and a typical fun spot, but I prefer places with a longer history than one conceived from 1960-70s. However, no holiday would be complete without a boat trip and the journey there from Puerto de Mogan was marvellous.
Until next time,
Sue. X