The inland town of Arucas is a little gem, its historic center a maze of cobbled streets lined by pastel buildings and an imposing neo-Gothic church at its center. Arucas is one of the largest cities in Gran Canaria (though home to less than 40,000 residents) and an easy day trip from the capital of Las Palmas. Nestled into the hillside in the shadow of the mountain of Arucas, the city is known for its bananas and rum, and the perfect respite from the hubbub of the capital.
Getting here is simple, just 20 minutes of driving along GC-2 from Las Palmas, or 40 minutes on the bus (guagua) from the San Telmo Station on the L210 or L206. Check out my favorite thing to do in Arucas, one of the most beautiful towns in Gran Canaria.
Marvel at the Cathedral of Arucas
The Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas or Cathedral of Arucas is an emblem for this small northern village. Its intricate spires act as a beacon throughout town, visible above the rooftops like a compass pointing you where you need to go. Construction on this grand neo-Gothic church began in the early 20th century but wasn’t officially completed until 1977. While not technically a cathedral, the church rests in the same spot as the original chapel built in 1515 by the bishop of the Canary Islands and is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Juan Bautista.
The iconic dark stone facade of the Cathedral of Arucas is one of the most important constructions on Gran Canaria, and definitely worth admiring from the Plaza de San Juan. For true lovers of sacral architecture, it only costs a few euros to visit the whitewashed interior, decked out with French stained glass and sweeping stone arches.
While the church can be seen throughout the city, the best views are from Emblemática Rooftop, an upscale bar and restaurant serving cocktails and Canarian classics on their outdoor terrace, just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral of Arucas.
Appreciate Canarian architecture at Casa de la Cultura
Just down a small side street from the cathedral is the Casa de la Cultura, a 17th-century building that’s the archetype for traditional Canarian houses. The interior courtyard is awash in mint green, with an ornate wooden balcony overlooking the dragon tree at its center.
The rooms surrounding the courtyard often house small exhibits, and you can visit the assembly hall on the second floor just off the balcony. Casa de la Cultura is free to visit and a quick stop on your way through the historic center.
Unwind in the Municipal Park and Museum
Just opposite the iconic Arucas sign is the Municipal Park (or Parque de las Flores), a small yet peaceful oasis in the city. The cobbled walking paths are shaded by dense foliage, and the park features various sculptures, flowering plants, dragon trees, and small irrigation canals that transport water throughout the park.
Located within the park is the Municipal Museum. The museum is free to visit and houses work by Canarian sculptors and painters. The first floor is mostly filled with paintings and prints, while the lower level features a fascinating exhibit of large sculptures. The museum was the former home of Alfonso Gourié, a pivotal figure in the sugar cane and rum business in 19th-century Gran Canaria.
Tour the historic Arehucas Distillery
Speaking of rum, no visit to Arucas is complete without touring the iconic Arehucas Distillery — one of the top producers of rum in Spain. The distillery opened in 1884 as La Fábrica de San Pedro, processing sugar cane to produce refined sugar, along with limited rum production which grew in popularity over the years. The factory rebranded to Destilerías Arehucas in the 1960s, cementing its status as the favored rum brand of the Canary Islands.
Guided tours of the factory cost just €8, offered in both English and Spanish (check their website for the latest hours of operation). The tour lasts about an hour, walking visitors through the aging cellar, the distillation and fermentation rooms, and the bottling plant while your guide imparts engaging information about the history and production. The visit culminates with a tasting of the label’s products, from favorites like honey rum and 18-year-old golden rum to banana liqueur and mango gin.
Bask in serenity at Jardín de la Marquesa
Just down the road from Arehucas is the Jardín de la Marquesa, a stunning botanical garden home to a large flock of peacocks. The garden was founded in the late 19th century by the First Marquis of Arucas, a botany fanatic, and is now home to over 500 species of plants. The property features various landscaped gardens, small ponds with turtles and a gazebo, and a mansion that was the former summer home of the aristocrats. While the mansion/palace isn’t open to visitors, the toilets are right next to it and are very posh. This is also a great spot to see the island’s iconic dragon trees, as several in the garden are over a hundred years old.
Entrance to the botanical garden costs €6, paid in cash to an attendant upon arrival. Using the map provided, you can explore the different areas of the garden.
Learn about the Canarian banana at Mundo del Plátano
Just a ten-minute drive from Arucas is one of my favorite excursions on the island, Mundo del Plátano. Mundo del Plátano (Banana World) is perched in the hills overlooking acres of swaying banana trees and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The museum/information center is housed in a recently restored farmhouse (finca) with a stunning terrace with tables and benches for relaxing and taking in the views.
Guided tours last about an hour and cost €14. During the tour, (conducted in English or Spanish) you’ll learn about the life cycle of bananas and the history of this iconic fruit in the Canary Islands. In addition to learning about the “plátano canario” (Canarian banana), the plantation just behind the farmhouse exhibits species from around the world, from striking blue-green bananas that smell like vanilla to the archaic “praying hands” variety that grows in spiral-shaped bunches.
The tour ends with a tasting outside the farmhouse, allowing you to sample bananas straight off the tree, along with local products like fruit marmelades, spirits, and mojo — the typical savory sauce of the Canary Islands.
Book your tickets for Mundo del Plátano here:
Gran Canaria: Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting
