Old Town Arucas
Discover Arucas, a charming Gran Canarian town famed for its stunning neo-Gothic church and picturesque streets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Old Town Arucas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Arucas, a charming Gran Canarian town famed for its stunning neo-Gothic church and picturesque streets.
"It's a beautiful place to stroll, with a great atmosphere and very pretty and special corners."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the charming streets and any inclines with ease. Essential for enjoying the town's beauty! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Neo-Gothic Church
The Church of San Juan Bautista is stunning. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Church of San Juan Bautista
Old Town
A breathtaking neo-Gothic masterpiece, this church is the symbol of Arucas and a must-see architectural wonder.
Colorful Streets and Corners
Old Town
Wander through picturesque streets filled with flowers and unique architectural details. Discover hidden gems around every corner.
Arucas Sign Photo Op
Near the Church
Capture a memorable moment with the iconic 'Arucas' sign, a popular spot for photos and a great souvenir of your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Arucas
Getting Around Arucas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the charming streets and any inclines with ease. Essential for enjoying the town's beauty! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Neo-Gothic Church
The Church of San Juan Bautista is stunning. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Free Parking Available
No need to worry about parking! There's convenient free parking at the entrance to the town. :car:
🍦 Try Local Ice Cream
Don't miss a delicious ice cream from Heladería Cafetería Lima-Limón after exploring. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the charming streets and any inclines with ease. Essential for enjoying the town's beauty! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Neo-Gothic Church
The Church of San Juan Bautista is stunning. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Free Parking Available
No need to worry about parking! There's convenient free parking at the entrance to the town. :car:
🍦 Try Local Ice Cream
Don't miss a delicious ice cream from Heladería Cafetería Lima-Limón after exploring. :ice_cream:
🚶♀️ Stroll Through Colorful Streets
Get lost in the picturesque streets, discover unique corners, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arucas is praised as a lovely, picturesque town with a great atmosphere and beautiful corners to explore. Visitors highlight the stunning neo-Gothic cathedral and the convenience of free parking. While generally well-received, some may find it a smaller destination that can be explored in a few hours.
"Lovey little town in Gran Canaria. It deserves few hours to make a tour to explore the city and visit the amazing gothic cathedral of Arucas."
Bianca Radu
""Arucas was rebuilt in 1480 after being completely destroyed in 1478. Since the 15th century, the main crop of the Arucas area was sugar cane. Rum was produced here long before sugar plantations were cultivated in Cuba. One of the main features of modern-day Arucas is its rum factory. Arucas boomed with the demand for cochineal (a beetle feeding off cactus pear, crushed to produce red dye) in the second half of the 19th century.""
Žilvinas P.
"Good place to eat"
Racheal Omohimi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Arucas from Las Palmas by car, which takes about 20-30 minutes via the GC-2 highway. Public buses are also a convenient option, with frequent services running from the main bus station in Las Palmas.
Yes, there is free parking available at the entrance to the town, making it easy to access for visitors arriving by car.
Arucas is a very walkable town. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in the old town, and exploring on foot is the best way to discover its charm.
Absolutely! Buses run regularly from Las Palmas to Arucas, making it an accessible destination for those without a car.
The best way to explore Arucas is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to wander through its picturesque streets and discover its hidden corners.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Town Arucas is a public area, and there are no entrance fees to explore its streets and admire its architecture.
The Church of San Juan Bautista is generally free to enter, though donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Opening hours can vary, but the church is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or online for the most up-to-date information.
Visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons can offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, local tourist information centers may offer guided tours. Exploring independently is also highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The Church of San Juan Bautista, the colorful streets, and the 'Arucas' sign are prime photo opportunities. The Montaña de Arucas viewpoint also offers panoramic shots. +1
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the town's charm. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and soft light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and regulations before flying a drone in Arucas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of Arucas. Consider a wide-angle lens for street photography.
Look out for the intricate neo-Gothic details of the church, the charming balconies, and the vibrant floral decorations on the buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Arucas offers good places to eat, with options ranging from traditional Canarian cuisine to specialized rice dishes. Terraza El Patio is known for its Mediterranean food and rice dishes.
Yes, Arucas is a good place to eat and offers a taste of local flavors. Exploring the town will reveal various eateries.
Historically, Arucas was known for sugar cane and rum production. Today, you can find restaurants offering a variety of dishes, including local specialties.
Yes, you can find cafes and ice cream shops. Heladería Cafetería Lima-Limón is recommended for a delicious ice cream treat.
You can expect a mix of Mediterranean and local Canarian cuisine. Restaurants like Terraza El Patio specialize in rice dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the town itself is engaging, keep in mind that some areas might have inclines, so comfortable footwear is recommended for all. The 'Arucas' sign is a fun photo opportunity for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Enjoy a coffee at a local cafe or indulge in some delicious ice cream. Consider visiting the Montaña de Arucas viewpoint for panoramic views of the island, offering a serene experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The 'Arucas' sign provides a classic landmark shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: Church of San Juan Bautista
Visitors are often struck by its grandeur and the sheer scale of the structure, making it a focal point of any visit to the old town. Inside, the church continues to impress with its soaring ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows. The atmosphere is one of reverence and awe, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling streets outside.
For those interested in architecture, the Church of San Juan Bautista is a prime example of neo-Gothic style in the Canary Islands. Its historical significance and visual impact make it a highlight that should not be missed.
Exploring the Charm of Arucas' Old Town
Visitors often recommend taking the time to simply stroll and discover the unique details that make Arucas so appealing.
Don't forget to look out for the iconic 'Arucas' sign, a popular spot for capturing memorable photos.
Historical Significance and Local Produce
While the historical industries are significant, modern-day Arucas also offers culinary delights. Restaurants like Terraza El Patio specialize in Mediterranean food, particularly rice dishes, showcasing the local culinary scene.
The town's history is interwoven with its landscape, from the fertile lands that supported sugar cane to the viewpoints offering scenic vistas.
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