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Operated by ACCIONA since it was commissioned in 1995
the Arucas-Moya seawater desalination plant is a state-of-the-art facility
In addition to having a nominal production capacity of 15,000 m3/d
capable of meeting the water needs and demands of the area
it is equipped with the latest technology available in terms of energy recovery: the Danfoss MPE-70 isobaric energy recovery devices (ERD)
the world's first active isobaric ERDs designed for medium and large SWRO plants
industrial engineer and plant manager at the Arucas-Moya desalination plant since 2021
tells us in this interview about the particularities of the plant
the characteristics of the Danfoss energy recovery device and the advantages of having it installed
I have been an industrial engineer since 2013 and my career in the water sector began in ACCIONA in 2018
I have worked in different areas and departments
I started working in my current position as plant manager of the Arucas-Moya desalination plant
The Arucas-Moya desalination plant has been in operation since 1995
It is owned by the Gran Canaria Island Water Board and has been operated by ACCIONA since it was commissioned
It is located in the municipality of Arucas
It provides drinking water to the population of Arucas
It is designed with two osmosis racks that produce 7,500 m3/day each
so it has a nominal production of 15,000 m3/day
The specific consumption of the facility is 3.84 kWh/m3
The desalination plant has two osmosis racks that produce 7,500 m³/day
so it has a nominal water production of 15,000 m3/day
Seawater is collected for the facility using six coastal intake wells and a tank
The first filtration stage consists of four sand filters and the second has four 5 µm cartridge filters; there is no chemical dosing in the pretreatment
there are two high-pressure units plus a reserve unit: 2 (TBB-ERIs) + 1 (TBB-MPE-70)
We also have several models of isobaric energy recovery devices
we have a set of ten passive isobaric ERDs
seven Danfoss MPE-70 active isobaric ERDs have been installed in one of the lines
It has 1,262 membrane units (high rejection and low energy) and has a remineralization system based on the injection of carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide
which makes it possible to adapt the Langelier index to the requirements of Spanish legislation on water quality criteria for human consumption (Royal Decree 140/2003)
There are seven units of the MPE-70 isobaric ERDs installed in parallel for an osmosis rack
They have been in continuous operation since January 2022
where each of the elements can be adjusted to a specific operational point
its operation can be optimised by applying digital techniques and tools
thanks to the features of the MPE-70 ERD: the start-up is simple and controlled; the speed of operation
also controlled in each of the devices with its 2.2 kW electric motor; the ease of operation with balanced flows; and the salinity balance in all the units
Monitoring the MPE-70 devices provides us with real-time and digitised information on the status and operation of each ERD independently
which is very useful not only to control and supervise the process
but also to be able to anticipate any potential anomalies
There are 1,262 membrane units and a remineralization system based on the injection of carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide
The maximum high-pressure output flow rate of each ERD is 70 m3/h
the maximum capacity of the MPE-70 rack is 490 m3/h
The salinity increase in the membrane with a 40% conversion factor should be 3% according to the manufacturer
and we have verified that the maximum mixing limits specified are met
We have found that by increasing overflushing to 5%
there is no risk of overspinning in the MPEs
thus avoiding serious damage to the pressure exchanger
it allows us to control the flow rate of each MPE depending on its position in the train
so that the ERD rack is as balanced as possible
there is no risk of overspinning in the MPE-70
both during the development phase and during the commissioning of the equipment
There has always been good communication between ACCIONA and Danfoss
and they have always been able to adapt to the way of working and the particularities of the plant
Danfoss has supported us to solve any doubts and problems that have arisen during the operation of the plant
they have taken into account the needs and the points of view of those of us who work in the facility every day
The Danfoss MPE 70 is the first active energy recovery device designed for medium and large SWRO plants
The integration of a low-voltage motor allows unprecedented control to facilitate smarter automation
prevents rotor stops due to biofouling and provides greater flexibility during plant maintenance
Its smart design also keeps mixing levels consistently low
to reduce membrane feed salinity and help plants achieve very low energy consumption
Dramatic morning ends with Adrien Fourmaux half a minute clear
M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux took a lead of over half a minute on the European Rally Championship’s Canary Islands decider after more rain-induced chaos on Saturday morning
as the Spanish championship frontrunners fell back
Early rally leader Nil Solans was back on a charge after dropping time on the wrong tire choice during Friday’s last three stages and won Galdar to temporarily resume the lead
But Galdar proved to be the most difficult stage of the loop
with several drivers aquaplaning off the road and picking up damage to varying degrees
blaming stones which had been brought onto the road by the time he came through
spinning at high speed on Arucas and dropping a whole minute across the last two stages
That allowed Fourmaux to build a 33.4s lead
with his French compatriot Yoann Bonato now his nearest rival in second place
Bonato clipped a barrier on Arucas and had also taken a trip off-road in the final few corners of Galdar like several of his rivals
though he was otherwise untroubled by the unpredictable grip and won both the Valleseco and Moya stages
and we only have a car,” Bonato said at the end of Galdar
summarizing the stage conditions succinctly
Oliver Solberg was one of the few drivers early in the road order that didn’t skate off at a slow right-hander on that stage that caught out most of those around him
ripping the rear bumper off his Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo and only making the top 10 stage times once all loop
He now faces ERC points leader Alexey Lukyanuk closing in behind
But ultimately Suárez will be more worried about Luis Monzón in seventh
Falling behind Monzón would end Suárez’s hopes of a first Spanish national title
as he needs to finish in the top two and bag bonus points in that category’s ‘TC Plus’
which is similar to the World Rally Championship’s powerstage format
Andreas Mikkelsen would have been all set to retain seventh ahead of Monzón had he not copped a 20 second penalty for being late to the Moya stage
with Mikkelsen having to push his car into time control and clocking in two minutes late
Mikkelsen’s woe was compounded by an overshoot on the same stage
which dropped him back down a place after he had taken seventh off Monzón on Galdar
Craig Breen climbed into the top 10 for the first time all rally on Galdar
waxing lyrical about the final stretch of the test which had caught out several other drivers being an example of “proper rallying”
Team MRF’s sole representative this weekend is engaged in a close battle with fellow Irishman Callum Devine
who passed Breen for ninth on Arucas and heads to midday service three seconds up on his compatriot
Marijan Griebel joined Saintéloc team-mate Lukyanuk in skating off the road in the final treacherous section of Galdar
while Enrique Cruz spun and ripped the front bumper off his Ford Fiesta Rally2 in the same spot
Those dramas promoted qualifying stage winner Miko Marczyk to 11th
Solberg remains on course to win the ERC1 Junior title
with Grégoire Munster still too far back after his nightmare start to the rally on Friday morning
Munster remains sixth in the Junior class and isn’t set to improve his existing championship points haul due to the best-of-four scoring format
while Solberg remains on track for a haul of 32 points that would put him 10 points clear at the top
Hyundai junior Munster’s day was mostly uneventful
though he glanced a barrier at slow speed in the low-grip conditions
Pep Bassas now has a commanding lead in the ERC3 class despite nearly crashing out on the tricky Galdar stage
Galdar caught out all three lead contenders in the two-wheel-drive class
with Bassas first to arrive with the left-rear door panel ripped off his Peugeot 208 Rally4 and a bent wheel after a trip off-road
That cost Bassas almost a minute and put Sindre Furuseth in a perfect position to capitalise
only for Furseth to go off at the exact same corner
Fate was not on the Saintéloc driver’s case as unlike Bassas
Furuseth got stuck in undergrowth and retired on the spot
Newly crowned ERC3 and ERC3 Junior champion Ken Torn won the stage and gained 42.3s on Bassas but didn’t escape Galdar scot-free either
denting his Ford Fiesta Rally4 in the left-rear
with spectators having to push his car back onto the road and losing four minutes in the process
Despite that delay Torn still holds second
as Pedro Almeida had retired his 208 Rally4 before the second leg began
Jorge Cagiao completes the ER3 podium in a Renault Clio Rally5
Reigning ERC champion Chris Ingram is sixth in class in another Clio and is closing in on Amaury Molle for fifth
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Tradition and modern day fuse together at the Hotel Emblemático Arucas de Gran Canaria
a century old house that has been refurbished.The first stone at the San Juan Bautista church in Arucas
one of most important historical buildings in Gran Canaria
There is evidence of a photo being taken of its construction from the skyroof of a house just thirty metres from where building was taking place
This means that this century old house was already standing prior to the building of the church
Opening the doors of the hotel for us today is Marcelo Afonso Gil
the co-owner of the business alongside his friend Miguel Henríquez Pérez
the heir to the building that he lived in from the age of four and which has played an important role in his life
the blend of the traditional and the modern is clear to see
a remnant of times gone by and a guardian of memories
On the ceiling meanwhile hangs a more modern style lampshade
The interior emanates a wholly peaceful atmosphere
It is one of the signs of identity of the Hotel Emblemático Arucas
which maintains an open dialogue on three sides
Many elements from yesteryear have come alive again thanks to a painstaking process of adaptation and recycling
Blocks of stone from the same quarry used to build the San Juan Bautista church are laid out in the form of benches
One of the rooms occupies the area formerly used for the storage of grain
Original pieces of wood have also been re-used
in this case with the priceless help of Miguel’s father
who has brought all his wisdom and expertise to a hotel which is the culmination of dreams.
The sixteen sleeping places available at the hotel are made up of two double rooms and three junior suites with independent lounges
Modern technological features such as the wifi system live alongside some amazing details which carry us up to the sky and which are shrouded in mystery
as in the case of the windows that look out over part of the church of San Juan Bautista
the terrace provides a superb viewpoint over the both the church and the Mountain of Arucas and to the maze of cobbled back streets that wind their way around the hotel
A jacuzzi bubbles away contentedly in another corner
The amazing thing here is that we can enjoy total peace and quiet as if we were in a bygone age
The setting of the hotel in the heart of the town centre means we can step out into an area in which the past and the present are firmly linked
the old Arucas y Firgas water board building
the shopping streets of León y Castillo and Gourié
Arucas is also strategically situated just fifteen minutes from the capital city
and around one hour from the huge expanses of beach to the south of the island
not of course forgetting it is also the ideal spot from which to discover the north
and the hillsides and peaks of Gran Canaria
plus the geological spectacle provided by the coastal areas of Arucas with their stunning banana tree plantations
Marcelo once more turns the handle on a door which will be readily open for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy life
at a place where every stone and piece of wood has a story to tell
Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago
but accounts for almost half the population
It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature
with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south
You can also run headlong into three or even four seasons in one day
with microclimates dotted around the coast and hills that can transport you from piercing sunlight into clammy fog banks at the drop of a hat
To capture a sense of Gran Canaria's breathtaking diversity
where the sheer drama of the mountains reaches a crescendo
Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park
Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century
this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…
Casa-Museo de Colón
This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…
Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro
grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century
Dunas de Maspalomas
These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s
ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…
Playa de las Canteras
The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent
and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright
white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast
Parque Municipal de Arucas de las Flores
These terraced municipal gardens are laid out in French style with fountains
Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino
Dominating the square is this neoclassical 18th-century church
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Arucas has launched its new tourism site with a campaign that emphasizes its role as the Gateway to the North of Gran Canaria
A long time has passed since the city of Arucas was founded at the beginning of the 16th century
The skilled hands of the workers and the blue-toned stone from the local quarry made it possible to build the Church of San Juan Bautista
an architectural emblem of the municipality and a symbol of the community’s commitment to the place they live in
The so-called ‘Arucas Cathedral’ reflects the agricultural, commercial and cultural importance of this town and is the pride of the local people. More than a century after its construction, in the midst of the technological era, the many attractions that this region offers to visitors can be found on its new official site www.turismoarucas.com
But beware: if you visit Arucas you risk falling in love with this area of Gran Canaria
whose volcanic coast bathes in the bubbling sea foam of the Atlantic while its mountains breathe the trade winds
There were many who tried to get the idea out of Sary Falcón’s head
one of the main participants in this campaign
followed her dreams and today she can claim every day: "My God
This is what happens when you run a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in El Puertillo beach
and your business acts as an ambassador for Arucas and for the sea itself
he has always been known as Pepe ‘El Árabe’ (‘The Arab”)
because the space where he opened his store 46 years ago was first owned by Juanito
getting up early and selling everything from trousers and hats to postcards and souvenirs of the ubiquitous Church
The reasons why one cannot resist the call of this Gateway to the North of Gran Canaria are explained in its new site
which includes up-to-date information on restaurants and accommodation in the area
as well as a practical guide on how to organise a trip to Arucas
shopping plans and unique scents unfold in every click and in every section
while the echo of footsteps seems to resonate through the streets of the old quarter
The new site reminds us that Arucas was built with stone and the hearts of its people, and that its roots are intertwined with sugar cane, its mills and the rum factory
whose tall stone chimney is one of the best examples of industrial architecture in Gran Canaria
Arucas seeks shade under the banana trees and some of the lush vegetation of the Selva de Doramas
This municipality digs dip into the flavours of its fertile agricultural soil and its coastline to offer local food which transports visitors to another time
The municipality of Arucas is bounded by a coastline of blunt personality
constantly challenging the sea where waves that attract surfers from the four corners of the world are born
they give way to black sand beaches and natural pools
like mirrors that reflect glints of silver and gold
centuries of history and the silhouettes of those who come to see with their own eyes the mystery behind this bewitching and always-open door to the north of the island
Further information about Arucas: www.turismoarucas.com
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A 68-year-old man died this morning (Monday) after drowning in the natural pools of Los Charcones in the municipality of Arucas in Gran Canaria
as reported by the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES)
They received a call just after 8:30am this morning informing them that a man was face down
When SUC Medical Personnel arrived at the scene
the man had been pulled from the water and a member of the public was trying to revive him by giving him CPR
Paramedics took over with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques
they couldn’t save him and were only able to confirm his death
The Guard Civil took charge of the corresponding proceedings and guarded the body until its removal was authorised for official identification and autopsy to determine the cause of death
In a significant archaeological breakthrough
the first excavation at the Sima de Jinámar in Gran Canaria has uncovered human remains believed to belong to victims disposed of during the Spanish Civil War
thought to have been used to dispose of approximately one hundred reprisals
yielded the skeletal remains of four adult men
along with shoe soles and bullet casings used by the army and security forces of that era
During a press conference held yesterday (Thursday)
along with archaeologists José Guillén and Javier Velasco
conducted at a depth of 70 metres during October
aims to "lift a slab of oblivion" within this volcanic shaft
which is designated as a protected historical site
Coinciding with the Day of Remembrance and Tribute to All Victims of the Military Coup
Antonio Morales emphasised the Cabildo's commitment to continuing the excavation until the bottom of the Sima is reached
"Our commitment is to bury the fight against amnesia," Morales stated
highlighting the importance of remembering and honouring the victims
Archaeologists have said that these discoveries necessitate further investigation to determine the origin and manufacturing details of the bullets
as well as the identities of the individuals involved
The findings align with those from the Tenoya and Arucas pits in Gran Canaria
suggesting that the victims were executed externally and subsequently disposed of along with their personal belongings to "clean the crime scene."
This excavation marks a crucial step in uncovering the dark chapters of the Canary Islands' history
providing tangible evidence of the atrocities committed during a tumultuous period
The ongoing efforts aim to bring closure to the families of the victims and ensure that such events are not forgotten
The Canary Islands' General Directorate of Emergencies has extended the pre-alert weather warning for rain to cover the entire archipelago from 1:30pm today
a higher alert level for rain has been issued for the following municipalities: Arucas
The regional government made this decision earlier today based on information from AEMET and other available sources
in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena in the Canary Islands (PEFMA)
The forecast indicates a “high likelihood” of locally heavy rain
with snowfall expected on the highest peaks of La Palma and Tenerife
Tuesday's weather is expected to be variable
with most precipitation occurring as showers
with possible heavy downpours during the middle of the day
The heaviest rainfall is expected in the north and east of La Palma
There is also a possibility of isolated thunderstorms
The weather outlook is cloudy for Lanzarote and Fuerteventura with light to moderate rain
A 9-year-old boy was killed yesterday (Thursday) after being knocked off the motorcycle he was on with his father and run over by a truck on the GC-301 known as the Perdigón highway in Arucas
They received an alert just before 3:00pm informing of an accident and immediately sent ambulances
the truck and the motorcycle were travelling on the same road
the truck had to stop and reverse to let cars through coming the other way
the driver did not notice the presence of the Piaggio motorcycle
and for unknown reasons he ran straight over the boy
Neither was the motorcycle damaged nor was his father injured
but he suffered serious injuries that caused his death
SUC paramedics were the first to assess the young boy
confirmed that his injuries had instantly killed him and there was nothing they could do
but let the police instruct the corresponding proceedings
The incident is being investigated by the Arucas Local Police
although everything points to an unfortunate accident
The boy has been named as Benjamín Yarel de Armas Ramos
a resident from the Juan XIII neighbourhood
They were quick to send a statement lamenting his death
We send all the encouragement and all the strength in the world to the family and relatives of our player
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Two people were seriously injured earlier today (Wednesday)
when a bus crashed into the San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as it was leaving en route to Arucas
according to the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES)
the driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a wall at the bus station
One of the people injured was a passenger on the bus who was trapped inside and had to be freed by the fire brigade
and the other was knocked over by the bus and is being treated by medical teams
Several bays and stops at the bus station near the scene of the accident have been cordoned off and closed to secure the area and to make it easier for response teams dealing with the situation
has winning tickets in the Canary Islands of almost 10 million euros from Friday's draw (September 24th)
In total there are 30 different winners of various amounts
including a 9,000,000 jackpot winner in Gran Canaria
the draw has left one winner in the municipality of Arucas with nine million euros; then three with 40,000 euros each
and 26 with 25,000 euros each in other parts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria
as reported by the organization in a press release
ONCE have confirmed that the nine million euro ticket was sold in Arucas by seller Olga María González
but also another of 40,000 euros; and eight more coupons with 25,000 euros each
She has been selling lottery tickets in front of the Arucas Town Hall for fifteen years
and couldn’t believe it when they told her she had sold winning tickets to the value of 9,240,000 euros this week
It is a joy for the Canaries at this difficult time”
who wanted to send an affectionate hug to her neighbours from La Palma
the Cuponazo has distributed 250,000 euros
in ten coupons awarded with 25,000 euros each
280,000 euros has been won in Tenerife as there were two other winners with 40,000 euros each
the ONCE Cuponazo offers a jackpot of 9 million euros
the prize goes up to 15 million and 200,000 euros
there are 134 prizes of 25,000 euros to be won
which increases to 40,000 euros for the XXL option
Tucked away behind Farringdon station is Ibérica
a Spanish restaurant which serves tapas and small plates to share
mirrors and shelves displaying fabulous wines
choose a cocktail from their extensive drinks list
cranberry and pineapple juice is deliciously sweet
We started with a cheese selection which included; Vidiago
Ibérica’s menu has just had a revamp and items specially designed by Michelin-star Chef Director Nacho Manzano have been added
New dishes include beef tomato with traditional salmorejo sauce and a moreish garlic breadcrumb – perfect for spring
the roasted sweet potato which is served on a zesty lemon cream is equally tasty
Classics comprise of patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with brava sauce and alioli) and croquetas
with a crispy breadcrumb shell and a creamy filling of serrano ham
The Ibérica burgers (pork sliders with confit piquillo peppers and chimichurri) are also a must try
the vanilla caramel flan and chantilly cream steal the show
The light and fluffy churros and dark chocolate came in close second
With a variety of plates to choose from and a stylish interior
this pub is a perfect place to catch up with a group of friends or for a date night
The staff were friendly and guided us through the cocktail menu
suggesting their personal favourites and recommending ones to match our tastes
What differs from this one is that it has Barry’s Irish tea in it
providing a fresh update on an old classic
The Gangs of New York – aptly named after the 2002 Irish-American film – has a kick to it
with Irish Poitín and featuring notes of grape and pear – this cocktail is refreshing and the perfect drink for spring
we enjoy unwinding with a pint of Guinness after work
The flavour of a pint of Murphy’s is distinctly sweeter
with more of a caramelised taste than a Guinness and Nancy Spains is one of the few pubs in London which offers Murphy’s instead of Guinness
The food menu is equally as diverse as the drinks menu
made from green plantain chips and served with guacamole and habichuelas dip
The palmeritas with pulled beef was delicious and the pechurinas is a must-try
Papitas fritas were a perfect accompaniment
we listened to live music from 7pm with 90s and early 2000s tunes
Crowd pleasers included Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ and Atomic Kitten’s ‘Whole again’
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Last Updated on 23rd February 2025 by Sophie Nadeau
If you’re looking to escape the busy beaches and want to experience authentic Gran Canaria life away from the crowds then Arucas should be on the cards
this quaint little town is characterised by it maze of little cobbled lanes and luscious gardens
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Arucas, as well as what to know before you go! If it’s your first time in Gran Canaria, be sure to check out our suggestions on how to spend the perfect 4 days in Gran Canaria
The easiest way to get to Arcuas is by renting your own vehicle
This will facilitate getting around Gran Canaria as public transportation is typically by bus and at a very set schedule
Having your own car is the best way to get there and allow you to explore each destination on your own schedule
We personally recommend renting with CICAR
there’s a huge free parking right next to the main church
This car park is completely free but be wary of the ‘fake’ parking attendants who will direct you to a space and then demand money from you
Ignore these ‘attendants’ and find your own space to park
Arucas is pretty small so you probably only need an afternoon to explore
if you prefer to stay in a more serene and green spot
Arucas makes for an idyllic destination to stay while exploring the wider area of Gran Canaria
the main crop of the area surrounding Arucas has been sugar cane
which is one of the main ingredients needed to make rum
Thanks to the abundance of this sweet plant
Arucas became famed for its history of rum
in fact it’s said that Arucas was producing rum long before sugar canes were cultivated in that of Cuba
Today one of the main features of Arucas as we known now is its rum factory
the all famous “Destilerias Arehucas
Like many towns and villages on the Canary Islands
the church in Arucas is one of the grandest and most illustrious buildings of the town
A Catholic church dedicated the John the Baptist
construction began in 1909 and it took almost 68 years to complete its intricate design
this magnificent church is said to be built entirely by hand from the grey-blue volcanic stone of Arucas
because of its sheer size many confuse this monument as being a cathedral and name it so
Situated within an early 19th century building and former home to the Majorat of Arucas
wandering down the path you’ll find that it’s home to a small collection of artworks from Canarian painters and sculptors
with stone sculptures and carvings in the basement
Open daily from 10am-2pm and closed on a Sunday
This gorgeous oasis of green is home to a wide range of tropical trees thanks to the warm climate
it even features the rare evergreen soap bark tree (Quillaja saponaria)
A terraced garden that’s laid out similar to the French style with fountains
sculptures and a wooden framed pavilion to shelter from the sun
This gorgeous park makes for the perfect place to take a short break
strolling in the shade of the trees as you soak up the tranquility of Arucas
If you want to get more information about the town and its surroundings head to the Tourist Information Office
you can find more in depth history of where you are
the tourist office is housed within the historic building which in fact hosted the first school of Arucas in 1835
One of the more unusual attractions in town is a small museum dedicated to local life and what it was like to work on the island in times gone by
It’s a pretty tiny museum filled with exhibits about the history of Gran Canaria and the other Canary Islands
One of the most popular things to do while visiting this charming town is to go to the Arehucas rum factory
visitors are welcomed to take a guided tour of the distillery
Home to one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe
On your guide you’ll learn about the distillation process and learn more about the importance of the amber liquid in the Canary Islands
Arehucas Distillery is open Monday-Friday. Find out more about how to visit on their official website here.
Arucas has its very own Arucas sign which can be found on the road opposite the town museum and municipal park
I don’t think you’ll have to wait long to get your perfect shot here
as the town is much quieter than most places
Another park close by with luscious greenery is the Botanical gardens of Jardin de la Marquesa Home to over 500 different species of flora and fauna
The best part of our trip was definitely wandering through the narrow paths of this thriving green spot and soaking up the peaceful ambience as you watch nature do its thing
You have to pay a small entry fee to visit and there’s a car park at the place itself
Unfortunately the monuments within the gardens have probably seen better days and I would say that the best time to visit is during the spring or summer when everything is actually in bloom
Arusca is situated at the foot of a former volcano
This huge hilltop looms high overlooking the town and panoramic views of the stunning landscape that stretches off into the distance
Online you’ll find that there are bad reviews of this viewpoint but the area at the top of the hill has recently undergone renovations and so there’s a really well kept car park
signage with history about the surrounding area
and even some shaded areas where you can enjoy a picnic
Most of the main spots to visit in Arucas are open on weekdays and are closed on Sundays
so bear this in mind if you choose to take a day trip here
Also to note that the Arechucas Distillery is closed to the public on weekends
like much of Spain is simple and delicious small dishes
also known as ‘wrinkly potatoes’ which are often served with a red or green dipping sauce (that is slightly spicy but is honestly not very spicy at all!)
We actually arrived to the town after lunch
but there are many options of places to enjoy a tapas break in
Here are some of the best places to eat in Arucas based on web-reviews:
Hotel Emblemático Arucas: Romantic and rustic, these is exactly how you would expect a cosy home to be in a charming town like this. Check prices and availability here.
La Hacienda Del Buen Suceso: Once an old colonial estate
this four-star hotel is situated just across the road from the botanical garden
Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Arucas
When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks
Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh
she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world
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we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe
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Arucas Carnival 2025 is one of the main events in the municipality throughout the year
The theme is usually chosen by online voting and this year it will be "The Kingdom of Ice"
The 2025 Arucas Carnival will be themed "Reino de Hielo"
The festivities run from March 3 to April 6
starting in Arucas and extending to nearby areas
and visitors will bring the spirit to life with creativity and joy
Pelajari lebih lanjut tentang pemecahan masalah di WordPress.
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Can you really keep travelling with a child in tow
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It’s the Caribbean which has the reputation for rum
But sugar cane has been cultivated on Gran Canaria for over five centuries
long before Columbus took a farewell gift of seedlings to Hispaniola in 1493 after a stop en route to the New World
And Destilerías Arehucas
Europe’s largest and oldest rum distillery
is still churning out the bottles – so purely to investigate the island’s culture and history further (nothing to do with the free tastings they offer
we planned a day trip to the home of the Gran Canaria rum distillery in Arucas
The short tour of the Aucas rum factory has tempted more famous names than me
from Tom Jones to Spanish royalty whose signatures decorate the 200 litre oak casks in the first of the six bodegas
today half its sugar cane is grown across three of the Canary Islands
while the other half is planted in South Africa before the raw product is shipped over to the site just outside the picturesque town of Arucas
the rum ages rather more peacefully than some of the celebrities
resting in 400 litre barrels for years to decades with the caramel scent of the alcohol leaving us feeling just as mellow
In the Arucas rum factory it’s rather more frantic: glass rattles as bottles shuttle around a conveyor belt where up to 18,000 are filled per hour
Then the finishing touch is getting to taste all the different flavours
Or as many as you feel like at 11am… There’s anything from banana and lemon to the best-known Gran Canaria honey rum
and helpfully a little shop to enable you to buy a bit more to take home
Well… it would have been rude not to
In fine spirits (sorry), we headed into the centre of town to explore. Like Puerto de Mogan
it’s another pretty collection of twisty streets (although a lot hillier) with the impressive Gothic façade of the church of San Juan Bautista looming over the coloured 19th century buildings – its 60m spire is the highest on the island
it was time for lunch – there’s plenty of cafes with tables outside
and if you love tapas you’ll be in luck (unfortunately
trying to find something toddler-friendly meant our choice ended up being a bit mixed)
we decided to keep limit our trip to find honey rum: Gran Canaria has other temptations for kids
so we headed back after lunch to give the girls a fun afternoon
My friends headed back to our villa while Minnie requested more beach so we headed to Amadores
If you’ve got longer to explore the north of Gran Canaria after visiting the Arucas rum factory
the Montana de Arucas has some great views across the island
Destilerías Arehucas is set just outside the town of Arucas – see the map here – and the rum distillery is open Monday till Friday
from 9.30am till 2pm Monday to Thursday and until 6pm on Fridays
just turn up and you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a space on the next one
it was free entry but the tours now cost 7 Euros for adults
The tours take place in Spanish although our guide gave us brief translations in English as well – how good the explanations are depend which guide you get
but it’s enough to give an idea of what’s what
Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller
would I love to do a rum tasting Thanks for sharing your adventure
My pleasure – I’d definitely recommend a stop here to check it out if you’re on the island
Honey rum is my absolute favourite tipple whenever I can get hold of it
Our fave bar in Valladolid during uni days there introduced me to it as a regular free departing nightcap and I’ve loved it ever since
I hadn’t come across it before Gran Canaria but it is SO delicious isn’t it
Thank you for taking part once again on #MondayEscapes
My pleasure – and I love that about travel
There is so much to discover in Gran Canaria too
a lot more than beaches (lovely though they are)
We always advise visitors to Gran Canaria to hit the north
But you struggled to find anywhere suitable for toddlers to eat at
as Spain’s probably the most family-friendly country in the whole of Europe
isn’t it – a lovely area to visit
so it was more a case of fussy tastebuds and trying to work out the best place to go
Unfortunately the food at our eventual choice turned out to be a bit mixed…
I’m Cathy, an award-winning travel-obsessed writer who’s never knowingly underpacked
I’m also mum to the mini traveller – aka 12-year-old Minnie* – and trying to work out how to cling on to normal life by my fingernails
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Gran Canaria is well known as a great place for partying
Everyone is invited to take part in the festivities and enjoy the free spirit of Gran Canaria
then you should definitely consider visiting the island during carnival season
The main events usually take place in the capital - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Several other towns in different municipalities also organize their own festivities: Ingenio
If you're on the island during the carnival, no matter where in Gran Canaria you are staying
we definitely recommend you to participate in at least one of these events
as they are so much fun and you're on holiday after all..
The carnival in Gran Canaria's capital is usually a great time to visit the city
especially during the Daytime Carnivals (Carnavales de Dia)
Check out the dedicated page linked above to find out more about the largest carnival in Gran Canaria
All of the Canary Islands have their own celebration of the carnival, with the Carnival in Tenerife being the largest of them all and also the second-largest in the world (only after Rio de Janeiro)
Usually there are carnivals on all the islands
as the locals and tourists alike celebrate the carnival season in all the archipelago
Gran Canaria is truly a paradise on Earth and of the best places to spend a magical beach holiday in the Canary Islands
We highly recommend to anyone visiting the island to venture outside the hotels and to explore the natural highlights of Gran Canaria
While many visitors already know about the best beaches in Gran Canaria
which are usually located in the northern part of the island
If you want to discover the other face of Gran Canaria
we encourage you to take a tour of its best natural swimming pools
Los Charcones natural pool is a really cool and lively place in Arucas
The entire area around the natural pools has been redone in recent years and it's now a family-friendly place in Gran Canaria
where one can enjoy a relaxing day in the sun and a refreshing dip in the pool's ocean water.
Las Salinas Natural Pools are located in Agaete and they are a MUST if you're looking for a fabulous spot and a unique place to swim overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
This place is extremely popular during the summer months when hundreds of sunbathers come every day to enjoy the natural pools of Agaete
which are one of the most popular natural pools in Gran Canaria
These pools are protected from the open sea and on some days you can see the huge waves crashing into the rocky walls around the pool
This unique natural pools in Gran Canaria is sheltered by tall cliffs
in a wild surrounding formed by volcanic rocks
El Clavo pool has crystal clear waters and you can see the power of the ocean when you look at the waves in the distance
You can access this pool by going down a few steps
This place is not well known among holidaymakers in Gran Canaria and it's more popular among local residents.
At the natural pools of Moya you can see the big and strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying the safety of the pool
which is completely isolated from the ocean by a stone wall.
There is also a small bar which serves good food and drinks.
Charco de San Lorenzo is usually popular during weekends
so if you like a relaxing and quiet atmosphere
it would be best to visit during the weekdays
Not so far from the historical center of the municipality of Gáldar
sits this popular bathing area that is formed by three natural pools
so this place is a favorite among surfers in the north of the island
where you can feel safe while swimming and watching the fury of the Atlantic