Arucas
A complete travel guide to Arucas in Gran Canaria. Discover where to go, the best things to see & do, where to stay, and so much more in our Arucas travel guide
Arucas is a charming and historic town in northern Gran Canaria, known for its striking neo-Gothic architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant local culture.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Arucas offers a mix of cultural landmarks, picturesque plazas, and lush gardens to explore. Discover the town’s iconic San Juan Bautista Church, sample local rum at the historic Arehucas Distillery, and take in panoramic views from Montaña de Arucas.
With its blend of history, nature, and local flavour, Arucas is well worth a visit.
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Arucas
What to See and Do in Arucas
Discover the best sights, activities and experiences in Arucas
Arucas is a beautiful spot to stay or take a leisurely day trip. The charming streets and plazas of its historic centre are perfect for a relaxing stroll to exploring its traditional buildings, local shops and cafes.
The highlight here is one that you really can’t miss, and that’s the magnificent Church of San Juan Bautista:
San Juan Bautista Church (or Saint John Baptist Church)
- Culture
- Church, Architecture, History
- Website
Constructed in the early 20th century to replace a much older church here, "Cathedral of Arucas" was built in the neo-Gothic style and features intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and a towering spire.
The church was designed by Catalan architect Manuel Vega March. Construction began in 1909 and lasted several decades.
The interior of the church features beautiful sculptures, paintings, and an impressive pipe organ. The exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings, reflecting the craftsmanship of local stonemasons.
Free Entry
After visiting the church, wander through the charming streets of the old centre, where you’ll find beautiful examples of traditional Canarian architecture and several local shops and restaurants.
On Plaza de la Constitución (or Constitution Square), you’ll see Casa Consistorial (the Town Hall). Next to it is Parque Municipal, a beautiful place to stroll around and enjoy its well-kept gardens.
Before you leave the area, be sure to head to this historic rum distillery located on the outskirts of the city (or perhaps head here first, depending on your plans).
Destilerías Arehucas (or Ron Arehucas Distillery)
- Culture
- Museum, History
- Website
This historic rum distillery, founded in 1884, is popular among visitors to the area. It is one of the oldest distilleries in Europe and produces a variety of rums using locally grown sugar cane.
Join a group tour of its facilities, which includes a history of rum production on the island and a sampling of the different types of rum produced here.
The tour can feel a little rushed, but even so this place is really interesting and great value for money. It would be worth it for the tasting session alone!
Note: It is only open on weekdays, Mon-Thu 9:30am-2pm, and Fri 9:30am-6pm (except public holidays).
Pre-Book Tickets
If you’d like to experience more nature in Arucas, visit Jardín de la Marquesa, a beautiful botanical garden with exotic plants, or head up to Montaña de Arucas, a volcanic mount that provides a great vantage point from which to enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
Why not head down to the Arucas coastline, where you’ll find some of the area’s most striking landscapes. Highlights include La Punta de Arucas and Las Salinas del Bufadero, both offering beautiful views and a taste of the rugged coastline.
Stroll along the El Puertillo promenade to soak up the sea breeze and sample some of the freshest fish dishes at the local restaurants. If you’re up for a swim, take a dip in the Natural Pools of Los Charcones or relax on El Puertillo Beach, both of which have been awarded the Blue Flag for their clean waters and top-notch facilities.
It’s the perfect way to unwind and round off your Arucas adventure.
Where to Stay in Arucas?
Arucas Tours
PLAN
Plan Your Arucas Trip
When to Visit Arucas
Explore the best times to visit Arucas, with weather and festival highlights
Arucas, with its picturesque streets, historic charm, and vibrant local traditions, is a charming place to explore year-round. Offering engaging cultural events, there’s always a good reason to visit. Its climate is generally pleasant, although slightly cooler and wetter than the island’s southern coastal areas due to its northern location.
Here’s a seasonal guide to help you choose the best time for your trip:
Weather: Mild and fresh, with daytime temperatures typically between 18°C and 23°C (64°F and 73°F). Occasional showers may occur, making it perfect for enjoying the town’s gardens and natural landscapes in bloom.
Crowds: Low to moderate, offering a quiet and pleasant experience perfect for exploring historical sites like the San Juan Bautista Church and the local botanical gardens.
Weather: It is warm but comfortable, averaging 22°C to 27°C (72°F–81°F). Evenings can feel slightly cooler, especially compared to southern coastal resorts.
Festivals and Events:
- Festival of San Juan (June): Arucas’s largest festival, celebrated in June and featuring a month-long series of events. Highlights include street processions, traditional bonfires, and spectacular fireworks displays. The festival’s centrepiece is the Pilgrimage, where participants in traditional dress dance to Canarian folk music.
- Corpus Christi Festival (June): This festival is typically celebrated on a Sunday in June. It dates back to the Castilian conquest of the island. From early morning, over forty decorative carpets made of salt, sawdust, flowers, and natural soil adorn the old town centre. As the procession reaches the church, rose petals are showered down to create the final carpet on the altar. This artistic tradition, which began in the late 19th century, showcases intricate designs and attracts crowds annually.
Crowds: They are busier during festival periods, though generally moderate throughout summer. Booking accommodation in advance around festival dates is advisable.
Weather: It is cooler and wetter than the south, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F–77°F). Expect occasional rain, especially later in autumn.
Crowds: Relatively quiet, ideal for relaxed exploration and enjoying local dining without the summer bustle.
Weather: Mild but cooler, averaging between 16°C and 21°C (61°F–70°F), with frequent rainfall. Pack accordingly for potentially cooler, damp days.
Crowds: Quiet except for the festive Christmas and New Year periods. This peaceful time is excellent for experiencing local life and traditions without crowds.
Visiting Arucas offers unique experiences throughout the year, each season bringing its own distinctive charm and activities.
How to Get To Arucas
Discover the best ways to get to and from Arucas
By Bus
Global Bus runs regular and reliable services connecting Arucas with major spots across the island:
- From Las Palmas: Frequent departures from different parts of the city, with a journey time of 20-40 minutes.
- From Moya, Teror & Firgas: Direct bus routes connect these nearby towns to Arucas, typically taking around 30-40 minutes.
- From Gran Canaria Airport: Take a bus to Las Palmas (San Telmo Station), then transfer to a bus to Arucas. Total journey time is around 60-90 minutes.
- From Agaete/Puerto de Las Nieves Port: There is no direct bus, so take a bus to Las Palmas and then transfer to a bus to Arucas. Expect a total journey of about 1.5 hours.
- From Southern Beach Resorts: First, travel to Las Palmas, then transfer to a bus heading to Arucas. The whole trip usually takes 2-2.5 hours, depending on which resort you start from.
- From Tejeda: Travelling to Arucas by bus from the island’s mountainous centre via Teror or Las Palmas typically takes 2.5-3 hours.
By Car
Hiring a car or motorcycle is ideal for flexibility, especially if you’re planning to explore multiple locations:
- From Las Palmas: It’s a quick 15-20-minute drive via the GC-2 motorway and then GC-20.
- From Moya, Teror & Firgas: Direct road routes to Arucas take about 20-35 minutes to drive.
- From Agaete/Puerto de Las Nieves Port: Drive along the GC-2 for around 30 minutes.
- From Gran Canaria Airport: Around 30-40 minutes via GC-1, GC-3, and GC-2.
- From Southern Beach Resorts: Use the GC-1 motorway, transferring to GC-3 and then GC-2. The journey takes around 50-60 minutes.
- From Tejeda: Driving from the mountainous centre is much quicker than by bus, despite the winding roads, taking about 60 minutes. The views along the way make it well worth it!
Parking in Arucas
There are several public parking areas around the town centre. One large, but often busy, car park is right next to the San Juan Bautista Church. Parking is free here, but it’s customary to give a small tip to the informal parking attendants who help you find a space.
Recommended Car Rental Companies
By Guided Tour
Taking a guided tour that includes Arucas is an easy, hassle-free way to experience the town, perfect if you’re short on time or just want to relax and let someone else handle the logistics.
Most tours depart from popular hubs like Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico and typically include key sights like the San Juan Bautista Church, the Old Town, and the Arehucas Distillery.
Many tours also visit nearby towns like Teror and Firgas, giving you a taste of local culture and natural beauty beyond Arucas.
Arucas Tours
How to Get Around Arucas
Find out the best ways to get around Arucas
Walking
Arucas’ town centre is a compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. The historic centre is filled with charming streets, traditional architecture, and plenty of local shops and cafés to discover, all within a short distance of each other.
The San Juan Bautista Church, Old Town and main squares and Parque Municipal are all within a few minutes of each other, making walking the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore.
Public Buses
Buses are affordable, dependable, and offer a safe and budget-friendly travel option.
Tickets can be easily purchased onboard with contactless payment to the driver. A single fare costs around EUR 1.40.
Taxis
Car Rentals
Recommended Car Rental Companies
Organised Tours
Most tours depart from popular hubs like Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico, typically including key sights like the San Juan Bautista Church, the Old Town, and the Arehucas Distillery.
While they likely skip Arucas’s coastal highlights, they often visit nearby towns like Teror and Moya, giving you a taste of local culture beyond Arucas.
Arucas Tours
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Arucas Hotels
Discover the best hotels, B&Bs, apartments and more in Arucas
Arucas Experiences
Discover the best day tours, activities and experiences in Arucas
JOURNEY
Before & During Your Arucas Trip
What and Where to Eat and Drink in Arucas
A guide to local food and some of the best restaurants in Arucas
Arucas offers a delightful culinary scene that mirrors its rich cultural heritage and local traditions. From time-honored recipes to renowned local products, there’s plenty to tantalize your taste buds in this charming town.
What to Eat and Drink in Arucas
- One of the standout dishes in Arucas is Sancochada with Vieja fish, a traditional stew featuring the local parrotfish, known as “vieja.” This flavorful dish combines the fish with potatoes and is a staple during local festivities and family gatherings.
- For those with a sweet tooth, Arucas is home to La Isleña and Bandama biscuits. La Isleña specializes in pastas and chocolates, while Bandama is famed for treats like the pink-hued Cubanitos and other delightful biscuits that have become island favorites.
- As you’ve seen in our What to See and Do in Arucas section above, the town is renowned for its rum and liqueurs from Arehucas Distilleries. The company has been offering a range of spirits crafted locally since 1884. It’s definitely worth sampling a few of them (we particularly like their caramel rum).
While these are some local highlights, Arucas also shares in Gran Canaria’s broader culinary traditions. For a more extensive exploration of the island’s gastronomy, be sure to visit our What to Eat & Drink in Gran Canaria guide.
Where to Eat and Drink in Arucas
- Casa Brito: A local favourite just outside the town centre, Casa Brito is renowned for its expertly grilled meats and traditional Canarian dishes.
- Restaurante De Enyesque Arucas: Offers a creative take on Mediterranean cuisine, featuring tapas and main courses crafted from fresh, local ingredients.
- Restaurante El Mercado: Located in the heart of Arucas, this restaurant serves a variety of European and Spanish dishes in a modern but cozy setting. Known for its diverse menu and attentive service, it’s a popular local choice.
- La Catedral Bistró: Located behind the iconic Church of San Juan Bautista, this bistro offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. With its stylish decor and diverse menu, it’s an excellent choice for both lunch and dinner.
- Terraza El Patio: Located in a residential area away from the town centre, this local favourite offers a tasty mix of Spanish and European dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- Emblemática Rooftop: Last, but certainly not least. This place, which sits within a popular hotel, provides panoramic views of Arucas alongside a menu of contemporary dishes and cocktails. It’s also an ideal spot for enjoying sunset drinks or a romantic dinner.
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