A Guide to the Best Things to do in Arucas, Gran Canaria

Last Updated on 23rd April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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If you’re looking to escape the busy beaches and want to experience authentic Gran Canaria life away from the crowds then Arucas should be on the cards. Nestled in the valley below a mountain, this quaint little town is characterised by it maze of little cobbled lanes and luscious gardens, and its historical links to producing rum.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Arucas, as well as what to know before you go! If it’s your first time in Gran Canaria, be sure to check out our suggestions on how to spend the perfect 4 days in Gran Canaria.

Getting to Arcuas

The easiest way to get to Arcuas is by renting your own vehicle. This will facilitate getting around Gran Canaria as public transportation is typically by bus and at a very set schedule. Having your own car is the best way to get there and allow you to explore each destination on your own schedule. We personally recommend renting with CICAR.

Once in Arucas, there’s a huge free parking right next to the main church. This car park is completely free but be wary of the ‘fake’ parking attendants who will direct you to a space and then demand money from you. Ignore these ‘attendants’ and find your own space to park.

How long do you need in Arucas?

Arucas is pretty small so you probably only need an afternoon to explore. That being said, if you prefer to stay in a more serene and green spot, Arucas makes for an idyllic destination to stay while exploring the wider area of Gran Canaria.

A brief history of Arucas

Since the 15th century, the main crop of the area surrounding Arucas has been sugar cane, which is one of the main ingredients needed to make rum.

Thanks to the abundance of this sweet plant, Arucas became famed for its history of rum, in fact it’s said that Arucas was producing rum long before sugar canes were cultivated in that of Cuba.

Today one of the main features of Arucas as we known now is its rum factory, the all famous “Destilerias Arehucas, S.A.”.

Best things to do in Arucas

Visit the Church of San Juan Bautista

Like many towns and villages on the Canary Islands, the church in Arucas is one of the grandest and most illustrious buildings of the town. A Catholic church dedicated the John the Baptist, construction began in 1909 and it took almost 68 years to complete its intricate design!

Of a neo-Gothic style, this magnificent church is said to be built entirely by hand from the grey-blue volcanic stone of Arucas. An interesting point to note, because of its sheer size many confuse this monument as being a cathedral and name it so, but it is in fact a church.

Arucas Municipal Museum

Situated within an early 19th century building and former home to the Majorat of Arucas, is the Municipal Museum of Arucas. Set within a gorgeous oasis of green, wandering down the path you’ll find that it’s home to a small collection of artworks from Canarian painters and sculptors, with stone sculptures and carvings in the basement.

Open daily from 10am-2pm and closed on a Sunday, you can purchase your ticket upon arrival.

Municipal park 

This gorgeous oasis of green is home to a wide range of tropical trees thanks to the warm climate, it even features the rare evergreen soap bark tree (Quillaja saponaria).

A terraced garden that’s laid out similar to the French style with fountains, sculptures and a wooden framed pavilion to shelter from the sun. This gorgeous park makes for the perfect place to take a short break, strolling in the shade of the trees as you soak up the tranquility of Arucas.

Tourist office

If you want to get more information about the town and its surroundings head to the Tourist Information Office, where of course, you can find more in depth history of where you are. Interestingly, the tourist office is housed within the historic building which in fact hosted the first school of Arucas in 1835!

Centro de Interpretación del Labrante

One of the more unusual attractions in town is a small museum dedicated to local life and what it was like to work on the island in times gone by. It’s a pretty tiny museum filled with exhibits about the history of Gran Canaria and the other Canary Islands.

Arehucas Distillery

Sample some rum! One of the most popular things to do while visiting this charming town is to go to the Arehucas rum factory. Over a hundred years of rich history, visitors are welcomed to take a guided tour of the distillery.

Home to one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe, made up of 4,308 American barrels. On your guide you’ll learn about the distillation process and learn more about the importance of the amber liquid in the Canary Islands.

Arehucas Distillery is open Monday-Friday. Find out more about how to visit on their official website here.

Arucas Sign

Arucas has its very own Arucas sign which can be found on the road opposite the town museum and municipal park. I don’t think you’ll have to wait long to get your perfect shot here, as the town is much quieter than most places.

Botanical garden (Jardin de la Marquesa)

Another park close by with luscious greenery is the Botanical gardens of Jardin de la Marquesa Home to over 500 different species of flora and fauna, where peacocks roam freely, it’s truly a natural paradise.

The best part of our trip was definitely wandering through the narrow paths of this thriving green spot and soaking up the peaceful ambience as you watch nature do its thing!

Open to the public daily from 9am-6pm, the gardens are closed on Sundays. You have to pay a small entry fee to visit and there’s a car park at the place itself. Unfortunately the monuments within the gardens have probably seen better days and I would say that the best time to visit is during the spring or summer when everything is actually in bloom!

Viewpoint

Arusca is situated at the foot of a former volcano, La Montana de Arucas. This huge hilltop looms high overlooking the town and panoramic views of the stunning landscape that stretches off into the distance.

Online you’ll find that there are bad reviews of this viewpoint but the area at the top of the hill has recently undergone renovations and so there’s a really well kept car park, signage with history about the surrounding area, and even some shaded areas where you can enjoy a picnic.

When is the best day to visit?

Most of the main spots to visit in Arucas are open on weekdays and are closed on Sundays, so bear this in mind if you choose to take a day trip here. Also to note that the Arechucas Distillery is closed to the public on weekends.

Where to eat in Arucas

Canarian cuisine, like much of Spain is simple and delicious small dishes. A popular one is Papas con mojo picón, also known as ‘wrinkly potatoes’ which are often served with a red or green dipping sauce (that is slightly spicy but is honestly not very spicy at all!).

We actually arrived to the town after lunch, but there are many options of places to enjoy a tapas break in. Here are some of the best places to eat in Arucas based on web-reviews:

• Restaurante De Enyesque Arucas: serves delicious and fresh traditional Canarian cuisine
• La Catedral Bistró: refined Canarian cuisine with a twist, offering stunning views of the church
• Restaurante Esterlizia: a relaxed and friendly dining spot with good prices

Where to stay in Arucas

Hotel Emblemático Arucas: Romantic and rustic, these is exactly how you would expect a cosy home to be in a charming town like this. Check prices and availability here.

La Hacienda Del Buen Suceso: Once an old colonial estate, this four-star hotel is situated just across the road from the botanical garden, offering a luxury feel.

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