Weather Lowdown
May in Mogan, Canary Islands is the start of summer and is a gorgeous month to visit if looking for clear skies, warm weather and smaller crowds. Although the temperatures are warm, they are not too hot, and this allows visitors to enjoy the town, marina and countryside as well as the beaches. The climate is generally dry at this time of year with average rainfall a low 2mm falling over 3 days throughout the month. This is only slightly more precipitation than the very dry months of June and July and is dry compared to the rest of the year. If it does rain, it will probably be just drizzle and unlikely to ruin plans for the day. Have a look at the weather forecast for the area before you travel.
Days are getting longer in May, and increase in length by around 40 minutes from the first of May to the end of the month. Sunrise at the beginning of this month is at about 7.20am, while the sunsets at 8.35pm, leaving long evenings for relaxing in a beachside restaurant. There are an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day this month and spending them at the beach might be a good idea, as sea temperatures have increased to 20°C by May. Make the most of the daily average temperature of 21°C by relaxing outside or getting involved in some water sports. Daytime high temperatures reach 24°C at this time of year, while overnight lows drop to 18°C. These are similar to temperatures seen in Nice in France for people not wanting to travel as far as Mogan. Humidity remains consistent between 50% and 85% but is still comfortable, while wind speeds range from 4 m/s to 12 m/s and breezy days can see high winds of 15 m/s.
Where to Stay
For visitors on a budget but still looking for quality accommodation, check out Friend's Hostel, a 10-minute drive from the beach and marina. This low-cost hostel offers a range of rooms or dormitories with a communal and friendly feel. There is a shared kitchen for guests who want to self-cater, a communal garden with barbeque facilities, 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Linen is provided for free but towels do have a surcharge.
The large 4* beachfront hotel Riviera Marina has direct access to Playa de Cura beach, outdoor pool, children's pool and 2 whirlpools. Rooms are double, family or suites and all have air-conditioning as well as a private balcony with either ocean, pool or hotel views. Located close to the marina and town, guests can choose to go out or dine at the on-site restaurant and have a drink in the lounge bar with evening entertainment.
With an amazing infinity pool with ocean views and built from natural stone, the 4* Gloria Palace hotel and spa is located just 200 yards from Amadores beach. Rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, private balconies, free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The spa features an indoor pool, hot tub and gym, and the resort has billiards table, kids activities and table tennis. With an on-site restaurant and bar, guests can choose to dine in or walk 15 minutes to the nearby town for evening entertainment.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Bar Hola Hola has a great position at the marina in Puerto de Mogan and with it's friendly owners and welcoming atmosphere, this is a good place to come for an evening drink in the warmer months. The drinks are reasonably priced and the cocktail menu has plenty to choose from. Conveniently located close to the beach and the nearby restaurants, and with indoor or outdoor seating, come here for a pre or post dinner drink for a fun evening with friends.
Fish specialities are on offer at the La Caracola restaurant in Puerto de Mogan. Using locally sourced fish and seafood, dishes include tuna tartar, tuna steaks, sushi, or cured salmon and prawns. This is a small and friendly venue, with only 14 seats, which gets busy during high season. All meals are freshly prepared and there is a selection of local wines to choose from. The hosts are welcoming and provide a warm and intimate dining experience with local flavour.
Dining outside is a must-do when the weather starts heating up in May, and where better than the Bar Marina in Mogan? Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant features a large terrace overlooking the beach where visitors can relax and enjoy a few drinks, watching the yachts in the marina. Enjoy a meal, coffee and cake or a pint of Guinness, sangria or local rum while soaking up the sun. Locals and visitors love this venue and you are sure to go back more than once.
Things to Do
For a fun day out for the whole family, the Mondragon's Dream is a 50ft schooner that sails from Puerto de Mogan for a 4-hour trip along the coast. Tours consist of up to 12 people and include drinks and Spanish tapas lunch that is served in a quiet bay after the boat has dropped anchor. Enjoy a swim and snorkel (equipment provided) in the bay, relax on the deck and meet the multi-lingual hosts who restored the boat themselves over four years, keeping many original features. Kids will love this experience with its pirate ship atmosphere, and will enjoy feeding the fish in the bay.
Located in the nearby resort of Anfi Del Mar is the Sea trek. This exciting activity would suit anyone nervous about diving but who want to experience the underwater world. After donning a sea helmet, you will be taken to the bottom of the ocean to a depth of 5 meters where you will walk with a guide for 30 minutes and see all the amazing marine life living in this area. Visitors of any age can take part and the feeling of weightlessness is unique.