Las Palmas · Canarias
Arucas
- Province
- Las Palmas
- Declared
- 1976
- Status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 39,232
- Elevation
- 240 m
Arucas is a heritage town in the province of Las Palmas, Canarias, Spain. It was designated a Conjunto Histórico (Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles) in 1976. Population 39,232 (2025), elevation 240m.
A Gran Canaria town shaped by sugar, rum, and cochineal, crowned by a towering neo-Gothic church that took most of the twentieth century to build.
Key facts
- Province
- Las Palmas
- Heritage status
- Conjunto Histórico (declared 1976)
- Population
- 39,232 (2025)
- Elevation
- 240 m
History of Arucas
Arucas was completely destroyed in 1478 and rebuilt two years later. From early on, sugarcane defined the local economy, and the town's rum distillery remains one of its most recognisable features today. A later boom came from cochineal production in the second half of the nineteenth century.
In 1894, Queen Regent María Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine granted Arucas the status of city, recognising its growth and industriousness.
Heritage & Monuments
The Church of San Juan Bautista is the town's most significant monument, listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its origins go back to an earlier building from the sixteenth century, but the current structure was built from scratch in neo-Gothic style in the early twentieth century. Inside, it holds a substantial artistic collection: Italian sculptures, Flemish paintings, works from the Andalusian school, and pieces by the Canarian artist Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana.
Museums in Arucas
Museum data and ratings from Google. Check opening hours before you go.
Where to stay in Arucas
Hotels, guesthouses and holiday rentals in and around Arucas, with live prices.
Search all places to stay in Arucas on Booking.com →Affiliate links: if you book, Castizo Spain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Where to eat in Arucas
Ratings & restaurant data from Google.
Regional food & drink
Canarias is known for Papas arrugadas con mojo, Mojo and Gofio, among 6 regional specialities.
Traditional food & drink in Canarias →Location
Quick answers
Is Arucas worth visiting?▾
A Gran Canaria town shaped by sugar, rum, and cochineal, crowned by a towering neo-Gothic church that took most of the twentieth century to build.
Why is Arucas a heritage town?▾
Arucas is officially designated a Conjunto Histórico, declared in 1976, Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles.
What is the traditional food in Canarias?▾
Canarias is known for Papas arrugadas con mojo, Mojo, Gofio and Queso Palmero. You'll find these regional specialities in and around Arucas.
How big is Arucas?▾
Arucas has a population of about 39,232 (2025), and sits at 240 m above sea level.
What is there to see in Arucas?▾
The Church of San Juan Bautista is the town's most significant monument, listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its origins go back to an earlier building from the sixteenth century, but the current structure was built from scratch in neo-Gothic style in the early twentieth century.
What is the history of Arucas?▾
Arucas was completely destroyed in 1478 and rebuilt two years later. From early on, sugarcane defined the local economy, and the town's rum distillery remains one of its most recognisable features today.
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Visiting from a nearby city?
Arucas makes a great day trip from: