Arucas, municipality of Spain
Arucas is a municipality on Gran Canaria in Spain, situated on a mountainside and surrounded by fields of corn, potatoes, and bananas, roughly 600 meters above sea level. The town centers on the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, built in 1909 with tall towers and stained glass windows from France, complemented by traditional stone houses with decorated courtyards, the Ron de Arehucas rum factory with its museum, and nearby natural features like the Palmitos ravine.
Arucas began as a small settlement of sugarcane farmers and gradually developed into a community with its own distinct identity. The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, completed in 1909, stands as a major landmark, while numerous stone houses and rural chapels dating back centuries reflect the long settlement history and traditions preserved in the town.
The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista anchors community life in the town center, while traditional stone houses with balconies and tiled roofs line the surrounding streets. Local artisans continue to work in pottery and wood crafts, and the morning market remains a gathering place where farmers sell fresh produce and homemade cheese.
The town sits about 12 kilometers from Las Palmas and is easily reached by car or bus for a day trip or longer visit. Walking through the quiet streets is the best way to explore, and the mild climate makes outdoor activities comfortable most of the year, with cooler months around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Ron de Arehucas distillery has produced local rum for generations and offers visitors a museum exploring the history of rum-making on the island. This craft tradition reveals how the town developed industry beyond farming, creating a distinctive local product tied to its heritage.
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