If you’re tiring of winter then a popular choice for many Brits is to jet off to warmer climes in search of sun.
The Canary Islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations for UK sun-seekers – but some of the busier resorts might be off-putting if you really want to get away from it all.
But if that’s the case then Arucas is a traditional Spanish town that might have the answer, located away from the hustle and bustle of other hotspots on the islands. The town is located around eight miles from the capital of Gran Canaria Las Palmas.
According to one travel blogger it is one of the “most beautiful” towns on the island – famous for its architecture, cathedral The Church of San Juan Bautista and really gorgeous stained glass windows.
Tosh Bene wrote about the pretty town on her website.
She said: “Located in the northern part of Gran Canaria, Arucas is the third largest town on Gran Canaria and is one of the most beautiful towns on the island.
“Arucas looks as if it is straight out of a Spanish postcard.
“Colourful buildings, wrought iron balconies, inviting cafés, blooming hibiscus flowers and steep cobblestone streets, which grant you with picture perfect views from the top of the town below and the massive iconic cathedral within the centre of it all.”
As well as its stunning Spanish scenery and traditional trappings what Arucas is perhaps most famous for is its rum.
Tourists love to visit Aruca’s Arehucas Rum Distillery and have been taking to travel review website Tripadvisor to share their experiences.
One said: “Really interesting tour in English talking about how they made the rum.
“Price was only €7 (£6) which is really good value considering that you also get to taste four of the many flavours as part of the tour.”
“Interesting tour of the oldest rum distillery in Europe and great, generous tastings!” said another.
They added: “Guides very knowledgeable.”
Meanwhile, experts say that over-tourism has put the Canary Islands and its infrastructure under enormous strain which is no longer sustainable and that if the massive influx of tourists who visit the Canaries is not reduced then it faces “systemic collapse”.
Campaign group Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action has spoken out after tourist figures for 2023 revealed a record number of visitors – 16 million with as many as half of these being British.
