In the handsome town of Arucas, just inland from Las Palmas, stands one of Gran Canaria's most atmospheric attractions: the historic Arehucas rum distillery, home to what's said to be the oldest rum-ageing cellar in Europe. Founded in the 19th century and producing the island's beloved ron ever since, Arehucas offers a guided tour through its old workings and its extraordinary cellar of thousands of oak barrels — hundreds of them signed by world-famous names — rounded off with a tasting. For anyone curious about Canarian culture beyond the beach, it's a fascinating, delicious hour, and a window into the sugar-cane heritage that has shaped this corner of Gran Canaria.
A rum tradition going back generations
The Canaries have a long relationship with sugar cane, brought over centuries ago, and Arehucas has been at the heart of Gran Canaria's rum-making since the factory was dedicated to rum in the 1930s, on the site of an even older 19th-century works. Today it's the best-known rum producer in the archipelago, its bottles a familiar sight in island bars and shops, and its honey rum (ron miel) a favourite souvenir. The distillery still works, so a visit is a chance to see a living piece of Canarian industry and tradition rather than a museum piece.
The cellar and its celebrity barrels
The undoubted highlight is the ageing cellar — a vast, dimly lit hall filled with thousands of American oak barrels quietly maturing rum, reputedly the oldest such bodega in Europe. What makes it special is that nearly three hundred of those barrels are signed by famous visitors: musicians, footballers, actors, politicians and royalty have all left their signatures on the wood over the decades. Wandering between the towering stacks, peering at the autographs, with the warm smell of oak and rum in the air, is a genuinely memorable experience and the moment most visitors remember.
Thousands of oak barrels aging in the dark, hundreds of them signed by the famous — Arehucas is history, craft and a good glass of rum, all in one.
The tour and tasting
A visit takes the form of a guided tour, walking you through the story of Canarian rum and the stages of production — from the origins of the company to the mill, the fermentation and distillation rooms, and of course the celebrated cellar. It's a manageable length, informative without being dry, and suitable for anyone with an interest in food, drink or local history. At the end comes the part everyone looks forward to: a tasting of the range, from the classic white rum to the sweet, moreish honey rum and various liqueurs, with the chance to buy your favourites in the shop.
Buy your bottles here. The distillery shop is the ideal place to pick up rum and honey rum to take home — a proper taste of the islands and a far better souvenir than airport tat. If you enjoy the tasting, it's your chance to stock up straight from the source.
Check days, times and tour details first. As with any working distillery, opening days, hours and any admission or tour charges can vary, so confirm the current details on the official Arehucas website before you go, and check whether you need to book. Tastings involve alcohol, so plan a driver or use other transport if everyone wants to sample the rum.
Combine it with Arucas town
Half the pleasure of the trip is Arucas itself, one of Gran Canaria's most attractive towns. Its centrepiece is the great neo-Gothic church, often called the "cathedral of Arucas" though it isn't officially one, an imposing stone landmark rising above pretty streets and squares. Add a leafy municipal garden and traditional Canarian architecture, and the town makes a lovely stroll before or after the distillery. Together they fill an easy, rewarding half-day inland.
Ron miel and the island's drinking culture
If you try just one thing at the tasting, make it the honey rum. Ron miel — rum blended with honey into a smooth, sweet, golden liqueur — is one of the Canaries' signature drinks, sipped as an after-dinner treat across the islands and a firm favourite with visitors. Arehucas is among its best-known makers, and understanding where it comes from adds a little something to every glass you order for the rest of your holiday. Alongside it you'll meet the classic white and aged rums that form the backbone of island cocktails, from a simple rum and cola to more elaborate mixes in the beach bars. It's a tasty, low-key introduction to a genuine piece of Canarian food-and-drink heritage.
Getting there
Arucas lies just a short drive inland from the island capital, Las Palmas, in the greener north of the island. A hire car makes it easy, with parking in town, and there's free parking at the distillery; regular buses also connect Arucas with Las Palmas if you'd rather not drive — a sensible option if you plan to enjoy the tasting. It's an easy addition to a day exploring the north.
Rum is central to the island's drinking culture, from honey rum sipped neat to cocktails on a warm evening — for more on what to order, see our guide to Canarian drinks. A visit to Arehucas puts the story behind the glass, and sends you home with both a memory and a bottle. For more ideas across the island, browse our full list of things to do.