Village · Arucas
Arucas
Arucas is a town in the north of Gran Canaria, characterized by the huge neo-Gothic church made of dark lava stone that locals call the "cathedral." You'll also find the Arehucas rum distillery, the Jardín de la Marquesa botanical garden, and a well-maintained old town center.
The Town of the Church and Rum
Arucas is located in the north of Gran Canaria, about 15 minutes by car from Las Palmas, at an elevation of around 240 meters. With nearly 40,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest towns on the island. The town's name goes back to the indigenous people; the settlement was called "Arehucas". The town was completely destroyed in 1478 and rebuilt in 1480. Today, Arucas is known for its rum, basalt stone, and many flowers, sometimes also called the "Town of Flowers".
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
The landmark is the neo-Gothic Church of San Juan Bautista. It towers over the entire town and is made of dark lava stone that was quarried in the area. Construction began in 1909, consecration followed in 1917, and the main tower was only added between 1962 and 1977 and is around 60 meters high. Locals call the church a "cathedral", although it officially isn't one. From the outside, its architectural style is reminiscent of the Catalan architect Gaudí; inside, the colored glass windows are worth seeing. In front of it is the Plaza de San Juan, the center of the old town, with houses from several centuries.
Arehucas Rum
Arucas is the home of Canarian rum. The Arehucas Distillery has existed since 1884, and the factory is still in operation. You can visit it, with a guided tour and tasting of different varieties. The rum is one of the typical products of the municipality and is a popular souvenir.
Jardín de la Marquesa
North of the town is the Jardín de la Marquesa, a botanical garden of around five hectares at the foot of Montaña de Arucas. It was created around 1880 by the first Marqués of Arucas and displays more than 500 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions, including a very old dragon tree. Free-roaming peacocks are part of the scenery. The garden is located on the road between Arucas and Bañaderos.
Other Stops in Arucas
- Casa de la Cultura: A traditional Canarian house from the 17th century with a courtyard and balconies, as well as an impressive dragon tree.
- Mirador de la Montaña de Arucas: A viewpoint above the town with sweeping views over the north.
- Coast: The municipality also includes a coastal section with natural pools, such as at Bañaderos and El Puertillo.
Die neugotische Kirche Parroquia San Juan Bautista in ArucasFoto: Robert F. / Tom 
Foto: Robert F. / Tom
Lage
In der Nähe
Ort
Firgas
Firgas ist ein kleiner Ort im Norden von Gran Canaria, bekannt als "Dorf des Wassers". Das Wahrzeichen ist die Paseo de Gran Canaria, eine Treppenpromenade mit einem 30 Meter hohen Wasserfall und Keramikbänken. Aus Firgas kommt das Mineralwasser, das auf den ganzen Kanaren getrunken wird.
Sehenswürdigkeit
Poema del Mar Aquarium
Das Poema del Mar ist ein modernes Großaquarium direkt am Hafen von Las Palmas. Es zeigt auf rund 12.500 m² Meereswelten aus aller Welt, von tropischen Riffen bis zur Tiefsee. Ein Highlight ist das riesige Panoramafenster, hinter dem Haie, Rochen und Schwärme zu sehen sind. Der Besuch ist für Familien ebenso lohnend wie bei Regenwetter.
Common questions
What is the attraction in Arucas?
The main attraction in Arucas is the neo-Gothic church San Juan Bautista made of dark lava stone, which locals call the "Cathedral". The main tower is around 60 meters high and was completed between 1962 and 1977.
Can you visit the rum distillery in Arucas?
Yes, the Arehucas distillery in Arucas can be visited. The tour includes a tasting of various types of rum.
Where is the botanical garden Jardín de la Marquesa located?
The Jardín de la Marquesa is located north of Arucas at the foot of Montaña de Arucas on the road between Arucas and Bañaderos. The approximately five-hectare botanical garden displays more than 500 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions.
How far is Arucas from Las Palmas?
Arucas is located about 15 minutes by car from Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria at an elevation of around 240 meters.
Are there natural pools for swimming in Arucas?
Yes, the municipality of Arucas includes a coastal section with natural pools, for example at Bañaderos and El Puertillo.