What to see in Arucas, Gran Canaria
The rum town and its stone church
Arucas Gran Canaria, the city of rum and the volcanic stone cathedral
Arucas is the third most populated municipality in Gran Canaria, with about 35,000 inhabitants, and one of the most recognizable in the north of the island. From afar, its two towers of gray volcanic stone already signal: there is something out of the ordinary here. The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista — known throughout Canary Islands as the Cathedral of Arucas — dominates the horizon of the banana valley surrounding the town. In addition, Arucas is the birthplace of Arehucas rum, the most famous rum from Canary Islands and the best-selling of Spain. For all these reasons, it is an essential stop on any visit to the north of the island. Check out the live cameras of Gran Canaria and check the weather in real time.
The Cathedral of Arucas
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is the most important monument of Arucas and one of the most spectacular religious buildings in Canary Islands. Construction began in 1909 under the direction of architect Manuel Vega y March, who was inspired by the Gothic style of the Cathedral of Barcelona. Without the aid of modern machinery, the famous stonemasons of Arucas carved the blue volcanic stone from the area for 70 years. The works were not completed until 1977.
Therefore, the result is a church of almost cathedral-like proportions with towers over 40 meters high, pointed arches, stained glass windows, and an interior that holds Italian sculptures, Flemish paintings, and works by the Canary Baroque painter Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana. It is neither a cathedral nor a basilica, but no one on the island calls it anything else. Admission is free and the interior deserves a slow visit.
Arehucas rum and the distillery
The Arehucas rum is the best-selling rum from Spain and the most well-known in Canary Islands. Its history begins in 1884, when the first distillery was founded in Arucas taking advantage of the sugar cane cultivation in the north of the island. Today, the Arehucas Distilleries are the largest in Spain and the oldest rum cellar in Europe.
The guided visit to the distillery lasts about 45 minutes and explains the entire process: from the fermentation of sugar cane juice to aging in American oak barrels. In addition, the cellar houses a collection of barrels signed by celebrities and personalities from around the world. The visit ends with a tasting of different varieties of rum. The entry price is 4.20 euros and includes the tasting. It opens from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00.
The historic center and the Marquis's Garden
The historic center of Arucas was declared Cultural Heritage of Interest. Its pedestrian streets — especially León y Castillo and Gourié — concentrate Canarian stately homes from the 19th century, the City Council, the House of Culture from the 18th century and the Constitution Square, the heart of the town. The Municipal Market, in the center, is a modernist style covered market where you can buy fruits and local products.
A few meters from the cathedral is the Marquis's Garden, a private botanical garden created in 1880 with more than 2,500 species of exotic and native plants from around the world. Its paths among tropical palm trees, fountains, and ponds offer a very tranquil stroll. The visit is paid and requires prior reservation.
Montaña de Arucas
The Montaña de Arucas is the ancient volcanic crater that dominates the municipality at 412 meters above sea level. From its summit, you can see the banana plantations of the north of Gran Canaria, the ocean, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , and, on clear days, the Teide in Tenerife. It is also a hiking area accessible from the urban center in about 30-40 minutes on foot.
At the top is the Restaurant La Montaña, with a terrace overlooking the valley and views of the entire northern coast. Thus, it is one of the restaurants with the best views in the north of Gran Canaria and a regular stop for both locals and visitors.
The coast of Arucas
Although the municipality is primarily inland, it also has a small coastal strip in the north. The Bañaderos-El Puertillo Beach is the most well-known beach in the municipality. Its natural pools of Los Charcones are highly appreciated by locals for bathing. Additionally, the San Andrés Beach offers a calmer atmosphere with fresh fish restaurants.
Gastronomy in Arucas
The gastronomy of Arucas combines the Canarian dishes of the interior with the fresh fish from the northern coast. The restaurants in the historic center serve wrinkled potatoes with mojo, stews, grilled meats, and local cheeses. On the other hand, rum is the star product: cocktails with Arehucas rum are a constant in the municipality's bars. Furthermore, the Banana Museum, in the neighborhood of El Caserón, explains the history and production of the Canary banana with included tastings.
How to get to Arucas
Arucas is about 17 kilometers from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria via the GC-20 and GC-2 (approximately 20-25 minutes by car). From the Gran Canaria airport it is about 30 kilometers and 30-35 minutes. By public transport, several bus lines from Global connect Arucas with Las Palmas with very frequent departures. Check also the map of the municipalities of Gran Canaria to navigate the island.
Frequently asked questions about Arucas Gran Canaria
Why do they call the church of Arucas a Cathedral?
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is not officially a cathedral, but its size and exterior appearance are so imposing that everyone in Gran Canaria calls it that. It was built between 1909 and 1977 in blue volcanic stone from the area, in a Gothic style inspired by the Cathedral of Barcelona. It is the most visited monument of Arucas.
Can you visit the Arehucas rum distillery?
Yes. The Arehucas Distilleries offer guided tours from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. The entry fee is 4.20 euros and includes a tour of the production process, the barrel warehouse, and a tasting of different varieties of rum. It is one of the most valued visits in the north of Gran Canaria.
What is the Marquis's Garden of Arucas?
It is a private botanical garden created in 1880 next to the cathedral, with more than 2,500 species of exotic and native plants from around the world. Its paths among tropical palm trees, fountains, and ponds provide a very tranquil stroll in the center of Arucas. The visit is paid and requires a reservation.
Are there beaches in Arucas?
Yes. The Bañaderos-El Puertillo Beach and the San Andrés Beach are the most well-known bathing spots in the municipality. The natural pools of Los Charcones are highly valued by locals. The atmosphere is calm and local, far removed from the mass tourism of the south of the island.
What can you see from Montaña de Arucas?
From the top of the ancient volcanic crater, at 412 meters above sea level, you can see the banana plantations of the north of Gran Canaria, the coast, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. On clear days, the Teide in Tenerife. At the top, there is a restaurant with a terrace and panoramic views.
How to get to Arucas from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
It is about 17 kilometers via the GC-20 and GC-2, taking between 20 and 25 minutes by car. By bus, several lines of Global connect Las Palmas with Arucas with very frequent departures throughout the day. It is one of the best-connected municipalities with the capital of Gran Canaria.