Arucas and Firgas

For our first excursion out of town, we chose to take the intercity bus to visit Arucas and Firgas. The bus system in this island is well developed and easy to use. All that is required is a destination (and a bus route map) and Apple Pay. Simply tell the driver where you’re going and tap the pad. Couldn’t be easier.

This trip provided great insights into the life outside of this major city and the coastal tourist focused towns. The ride took us inland on well maintained but very narrow mountain roads. This island rises almost vertically from the coast to peak in the center at a elevation of 6,394 ft. The roads twist up the canyons as we gain elevation. Lush greenery over volcanic rock surround us on the hills.

Arucas: Rum, Stone, and Sky

Dominated by the San Juan Bautista church—a neo-Gothic masterpiece carved entirely from local dark volcanic stone—Arucas feels like the grand, sophisticated older sibling of the northern towns. While the "Cathedral" (as locals call it) demands your attention, the town's true heartbeat is found in its vibrant, narrow streets lined with pastel-colored facades and hidden courtyards. We failed in our goal of seeing everything by missing the Arehucas Rum Distillery, reminding us that this town has been the island's spirit-maker for over a century.

Firgas: The Balcony of the Atlantic

Firgas is known as the "Water Village" of Gran Canaria. Known for its sparkling mineral water and steep, terraced streets, Firgas is home to the stunning Paseo de Canarias, a cascading man-made waterfall that flows down the center of the town’s most iconic walkway. Flanked by beautiful tiled benches representing each of the seven Canary Islands, it’s a quiet, reflective place where the air feels noticeably crisper. Beyond the fountains, the town offers some of the most spectacular "balcony" views over the northern coastline and out toward the Atlantic (when its not completely socked in with clouds). It’s a town that invites you to slow down, grab a coffee at a local cafetería, and simply watch the clouds roll across the deep green valleys of the north.

While it’s clear these towns depend on the more adventurous vacationers for a significant part of their revenues, these town still maintain a rural, slower paced vibe that is a refreshing change to the beach. while the promised three island views were thwarted by a low cloud cover, we enjoyed the architecture and glimpses into the lives of the year round inhabitants of these mountain towns.

See below for pictures!