Arucas is one of my favourite places in Gran Canaria.
This laidback town was declared a Historic and Artistic Complex in 1976, in no small part thanks to its show-stopping church. And if that’s not enough, there’s an excellent rum distillery in town.
Works for me!
I visited Arucas as a day trip from Las Palmas using Gran Canaria’s excellent public transport, combining it with a detour to Teror before heading back to the capital. Six hours was enough to see everything here, but if you want to linger over a long lunch, it’s easy to fill a full day.
One important note: if the Arehucas Rum Distillery is on your list, don’t visit at the weekend. It’s only open Monday to Friday.
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What to Do in Arucas
1. Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (Church of St. John the Baptist)
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, Arucas’ architectural masterpiece, put the town on the map.
Work began on this neo-Gothic church in 1909, replacing a 16th-century chapel, and it was consecrated just eight years later. However, construction continued for a further 60 years.
What makes it extraordinary is that the whole building was constructed entirely by hand from local grey-blue stone, with no mechanical assistance. The exterior is covered in elaborate ornamentation, carved by local quarry workers. Inside, the stained glass windows were made between 1916 and 1928 by the French firm Maumejean et Frères.
Don’t miss Christo Yacente in the ambulatory. This striking wooden sculpture of a reclining nude Christ, carved by local sculptor Manolo Ramos (1898–1971), is quietly moving.
For me, though, the church is even more magnificent from the outside than in.
Admission is free, though a small donation is encouraged. Note that the church closes between 12:30 and 16:30, so time your visit accordingly.
2. León y Castillo Street
Pick up a free town map from the Tourist Information office on León y Castillo Street. This pedestrianised thoroughfare is lined with several 19th-century buildings and is a good spot for a coffee while you plan the rest of your day.
3. House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura)
I stumbled across this one by accident, and I’m glad I did.
This traditional 17th-century Canary Island building has a peaceful inner courtyard with a dragon tree at its centre. It was acquired in 1973 to house the town’s public library. A quiet, easy stop.
4. Plaza de la Constitución and the Municipal Park
Plaza de la Constitución is the Arucas’ old administrative centre. The square’s most important buildings are the Town Hall (1875) and the former Municipal Market (1882).
Through the iron gate opposite the square lies the Municipal Park, 2.5 acres of tropical plants and welcome shade. It also contains the Municipal Museum, housed in the former Casa de Mayorazgo, which exhibits works by Canarian painters and sculptors, including Santiago Santana and Abraham Cárdenes.
On the edge of the park, look out for La Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas, the striking 1912 Water Company Building. Its ornate facade is one of the more unexpected architectural flourishes in town.
The striking 20th-century building at the park’s edge is La Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas (Arucas and Firgas Water Company Building). It was built in 1912.
5. Fuente del Pilar
This is worth a brief stop as you walk around the old town. One of six public fountains built in Arucas in the mid-19th century, Fuente del Pilar supplied water to residents until the 1950s, when running water reached homes. It’s a small but evocative reminder of how recently life here looked very different.
6. Arucas Rum Distillery (Destilerías Arehucas)
This was my favourite part of the day, worth the trip from Las Palmas alone.
The distillery produces 3.5 million bottles of rum annually, 80% of which is destined for the domestic market. The hugely enjoyable 45-minute distillery tour ends with tastings of four spirits (the mango gin was delicious).
Tours run Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 2 pm, and from 9:30 am to 6 pm on
Fridays. You can check times and prices here. Reservations are not needed.
7. Jardín de la Marquesa (Marquesa Garden)
I love a nice botanical garden, and this one delivers.
Created by the first Marquis of Arucas, Don Ramón Madam y Uiondo, this horticultural jewel is home to more than 2,500 tropical and subtropical plants. When I visited, cockerels crowed, peacocks strutted and a black and white cat surveyed the whole scene with appropriate disdain.
To get there on foot, take the path from Acequia Alta. The garden is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and a small admission charge applies. If there’s no one at the ticket booth, just go in, and someone will find you.
How to Get to Arucas
Bus 210 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria takes around 40 minutes and drops you at the Estación de Guaguas, a five-minute walk from the town centre. You can check timetables here.
If you’re combining Arucas with Teror, it’s an easy and very rewarding day out from Las Palmas using public transport.
Planning a longer visit to Gran Canaria? My Gran Canaria solo travel guide covers everything you need.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.