Arucas

Overview

Sitting handsomely on a mountainside, Arucas is nicknamed the ‘pearl of Gran Canaria’—with good reason too. Just a short walk around its historic centre provides you with a number of memorable sights including a majestic parish church, lush gardens and famed rum distillery.

In many ways, the namesake municipality surrounding the town could be described as a microcosm of the entire island. Here, you will find verdant expanses (sustained by natural water resources), mountains and a number of beaches on the north coast.

And what’s more, it’s only 12km from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

History

Originally known as Arehucas by the island’s original settlers, the town was already an established settlement before falling to the Spanish conquest at the end of the 15th century.

However, the locals didn’t go down without a fight. Despite much of the town’s population being severely decimated during the first incursion of conquistadors in 1479, further battles raged during the next two years including the Battle of Arucas which saw native leader Doramas slain at the hands of Pedro de Vera, the recently appointed commander of the Castilian forces.

Officially subjugated in 1483, the area’s rich and diverse landscape was split between the conquistadors. Fertile lands and rich water resources enabled profitable sugar cane production whilst the town’s name was changed to Arucas in 1503.

Throughout the 16th century, many of the town’s wealthy landowners inhabited plush colonial houses, which still stand today. Employing a type of feudal system, it experienced great prosperity, firstly through the production of sugar cane, and subsequently from cochineal and bananas.

The 19th century saw Arucas’ infrastructure mushroom substantially, in juxtaposition with the construction of various canals and reservoirs throughout the surrounding region. In 1894, Arucas was officially recognised as a municipality.

Culture

As demonstrated through its abundance of craft shops and an open air market, Arucas is still in touch with tradition. Unsurprisingly, Catholicism is a big noise here, best witnessed during its perennial calendar of religious fiestas (see Festivals section).

Economy

Whilst tertiary industries have proliferated in recent years, agriculture is still a big player within the Arucas’ economy. Today, it is one of the island’s leading suppliers of bananas with tourism also lending a substantial fiscal hand.

How to get there

By Bus:
There are a number of buses that run from Las Palmas throughout the day. The most common are the Glocal bus 205 (every 30 minutes from 06:15-20:45) and 206 (hourly from 06:55-22:10).

The Global bus 210 service, running via Cardones, also connects the capital with Arucas (31 buses from 06:30-22:15).

By Car:
If driving from Las Palmas, take the GC-2 motorway along the north coast before turning onto the GC-20 at Hoya Alta which leads to Arucas.

Sights

Historical town of Arucas

Despite a few urban offshoots sprouting up here and there, the town is still quintessentially Canarian in its feel and architecture, especially in its historic centre, recently declared a site of historic-artistic interest.

Suggested walking route: Starting from Plaza de San Juan, home to the Iglesia de San Juan and semi-constructed neoclassical theatre, continue down Calle León y Castillo, a charming street lined with colourful colonial buildings. Turning right at the end of the street, you come to Plaza Constitución, home to the 19th century modernist town hall and other buildings of significant architectural beauty and heritage.

If you’re not tempted by some of the town’s steeper inclines, you can see it in style aboard the Platano Express, a mini-train which weaves its way through winding streets incorporating the best sights. Starting from Iglesia de San Juan, the round trip takes approximately one hour and runs from 10:00-17:00.

For more info, visit the Tourist office, situated in the Municipal Gardens (+34 928 623 136, open 08:00-16:00 Monday- Friday).

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

Standing magnificently above the town’s vibrant houses, this church is a glorious example of Canarian neo-Gothicism. Finished in 1909, its wealth of carved columns and heads was artfully constructed from Arucas stone by local masons.

Within, you will find a 16th century Italian Crucifixion hanging above its altar, complimented by three outstanding stained glass windows designed by local painter, Cristobal Hernandez de Quintana.

Where: Calle Párroco Cardenes 2, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 605 622
Opening hours: 09:30-12:30 and 16:30-19:15

Municipal Gardens and Museum

Located opposite the town hall, these gardens feel more Gallic than Hispanic due to their abundance of French-style pavilions and fountains. Amidst its dragon palm trees, you will also come across the Municipal Museum, known as the Gourié House— an old dwelling dating back to Arucas’ feudal days. Today, it houses exhibitions and displays by Canarian painters and sculptors.

Where: Plaza de la Constitución 3, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 628 158
Museum opening hours: 10:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:00 Monday- Friday, 10:00-13:00 Saturday and Sunday

Jardín de las Hespérides (botanical garden)

Heading northwest out of town, you will find this verdant paradise owned by the Marquésa de Arucas (Marchioness of Arucas). In addition to over 2500 species of plants, trees and cacti, this botanical garden has a number of ponds, greenhouses and benches. The admission fee includes a free detailed guide to help identify the various flora.

Where: Jardín de la Marquésa, Lugar Hoyes 2, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 604 486
Opening hours: 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00 Monday- Saturday
Admission: €6 for adults, €3 for under-18s.

Museums

Museo La Cantera (Stone quarry museum)

Given the glowing examples of masonry on offer throughout the town, it seems only right to visit one of municipality’s 16th century quarries- El Cerrillo, which now also function as a museum. There are information panels with information and photos detailing the history, tradition and trade of stone art. Traditional blacksmith tools are also used to recreate the old quarry scene. Famous for its wealth of blue stone, you can witness local masons at work, whilst there are also a number of souvenirs on sale.

Address: Camino Los Callejones 4, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 623 510

Activities

La Montaña de Arucas (Mountain of Arucas)

Situated 2.5km north of the Arucas, this mountain can be climbed without too much difficulty. Upon reaching its summit, you are greeted by a vast panorama that includes Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the north coast, and the lush undergrowth of palm trees and banana groves surrounding its base.

The mountain is best accessed using a 4X4 as the route, despite being short, can be steep in places. Heading north from the town centre, it is well signposted.

Destilerías Arehucas (Arehucas Rum Distillery)

A must for anyone with even the slightest predilection for sweet molasses, this distillery dates back to 1884. In addition to a free guided tour, visitors are permitted to sample a tipple or two.

Where: Era de San Pedro 2, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 624 900
Opening hours: 10:00-14:00, Monday- Friday

Beaches

Playa de Bañaderos-El Puertillo (beach)

Located on the north coast, this beach comprises of golden sands dotted with rocks. Although the waves can be formidable at times, its clear waters make for excellent diving conditions. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants along its promenade.

The beach is 5km from Arucas and can be accessed by the GC-813. If coming from Las Palmas by bus, the 206 service drops you off close to the beach (18 buses from 06:55-22:10).

Playa de San Andrés (beach)

Another rocky golden-sanded beach with clear waters, it is connected by the GC-810.

There are also other inlets and coves along the region’s coastline but they tend to be less popular due to their ruggedness and awkward access points.

Festivals

Las Fiestas de San Juan Bautista

Celebrated during the third week of June in honour of its patron saint, Arucas’ streets come alive with a serpentine pilgrimage, sound-tracked by traditional Canarian folk music. Other festivities include a large livestock fair and the traditional San Juan bonfire.

Other festivals

Las Fiestas de San Sebastian- January 20th
Carnaval- February/ March
Las Fiestas de Santa Lucia- December 13th

Restaurants

Due to its close proximity to both the coast and the interior, Arucas’ local cuisine is diverse, offering both seafood and heartier meat-based dishes; vegetable stews are also popular.

Needless to say, the favourite tipple amongst locals is Arehucas rum, brewed in the town’s distillery (see Activities).

La Bodega de Arucas

This chic restaurant-cum-cocktail bar is one of the classiest places in town. Spacious and tastefully furbished, its menu comprises of local dishes including a salubrious range of salads. Mains start at €6.

Where: Calle Párroco Cárdenes 5, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 601 769

El Meson de la Montaña

Serving a winning platter of glorious views and tasty food, this mountain- top restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression. On the weekend, the plat du jour is usually a local speciality such as sancocho canario (a traditional Canarian dish comprising of fish and potatoes accompanied by a sauce) and puchero canario, a kind of vegetarian stew.

Where: Lugar Montaña de Arucas, s/n, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 600 844

Nightlife

Arucas is perfectly fine for a laid-back drink at the end of the day; if looking to shake your glow stick, head for the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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