Home

Visit Arehucas the Arucas Rum Factory

Arucas Rum Factory: The history of the rum factory in Arucas begins in 1883, when Alfonso Gourié had the idea of establishing a sugar cane factory. This factory was built by local mason Manuel Aguiar. A notable feature of the factory is the well-preserved brick fireplace, one of the best preserved in Gran Canaria. The original sugar machines were imported from Glasgow, Scotland.

On August 9, 1884, the rum factory opened its doors, which was celebrated grandly by locals as it provided much-needed employment. In 1909, Arehucas introduced the“Guillaume” still, which significantly improved the quality of their rum. Despite crises and wars in the early 20th century, Arehucas continued to grow thanks to the dedication of its workers. In the 1940s, under the leadership of Alfredo Martín Reyes, the name “Ron Arehucas” was born, recognizable by the symbols of San Pedro on the labels. Unfortunately, the factory had to close its doors in 1920 after many modernizations. All the sugar machinery was sold except for the distillery.

In 1965, a new phase of expansion by Alfredo Martin Reyes began with the introduction of“Ron Arehucas” and was renamed“Destilerías Arehucas, SA.” The merger with Fábrica de Licores Artemi in 2020 made Arehucas the largest producer of spirits in the Canary Islands. This merger optimized the operations and resources of both companies, leading to improved efficiency and market dominance.

Today, the bottling plant produces between 12,000 and 20,000 bottles of rum per hour, with an annual production of 3.5 million liters of rum. 6,000 oak barrels are stored in the cellar, with signatures of famous people such as Johan Cruijff and Julio Iglesias.
Read more below the photos

Arehucas: An Iconic Brand with a Rich History

Arehucas, based in Gran Canaria, has become a renowned brand known for the quality and rich history of its rum. Founded on August 9, 1884 as the San Pedro Sugar Factory, it initially focused on sugar production and to a lesser extent on the production of rum and liqueurs. Thanks to a combination of artisanal techniques and modern technology, the factory quickly achieved success, including the production of over five million kilos of sugar cane and recognition by the Spanish Royal Family.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arehucas demonstrated its social commitment by producing sanitation alcohol and donating masks to health facilities. In 2021, Arehucas continues to innovate with new products such as Arehucas Zafiro, a premium white rum, and redesigning their product lines to strengthen their brand identity.

Tours and Tastings at Destilerías Arehucas

Destilerías Arehucas offers guided tours from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. The entrance fee is 6 euros per person and is free for children. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. During the tour you will receive a detailed explanation of the rum production process, from the harvesting of sugar cane to the bottling of the different rums. (Prices and tours subject to change after publication)

After the tour, enjoy a tasting where you can try various types of rums and liqueurs. The factory offers both dark and light rums, as well as an assortment of rum-based fruit liqueurs. For visitors, there is also a convenient Arehucas app available for smartphones and tablets, offering additional information and an interactive experience.
( Android ) – ( iPhone / iPad )

Ermita de San Pedro: History and Restoration

At the side of the industrial complex is the small Ermita de San Pedro Apóstol. The origins of this chapel date back to 1724, inspired by the chapel built by Juan Mansel in La Goleta (1521-1525), which had already fallen into disrepair.

Inside the chapel is an impressive triptych, inspired by the Flemish model of the original chapel in La Goleta. In 1971, Destilerías Arehucas bought the surrounding plots and the chapel, which at that time consisted only of walls. Restoration work began in 1975 under the direction of Manuel González Almeida, with Guillermo García as master mason and Lázaro Mateos and Manuel Henríquez as master stonemasons.

Discover the Charming Arucas

Arucas is located about 15 kilometers from Las Palmas and is a city with a rich historical and artistic value. In addition to the rum factory, the iconic mountain and the historic center are definitely worth a visit. The city is known for its traditional atmosphere and authentic appearance. Visit the impressive church of San Juan Bautista, built in neo-Gothic style, and walk through the picturesque streets of the old center.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: Lugar Era de San Pedro, 2, 35400 Arucas, Las Palmas
• Telephone: (+34) 928 62 49 00
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed on holidays.
• Accessibility: The tours are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
• Parking: Free parking is available on site, subject to availability.
• Public Transportation: From Las Palmas, take Global’s bus, line 205 or 234.

Tips for a Sustainable Visit to the Rum Factory

• Do not use flash photography to protect artwork.
• Use trash cans and separate trash whenever possible.
• Do not eat food in the exhibition halls.
• Take care with bags and backpacks to avoid damage.
• Keep the noise level low so as not to disturb other visitors.

How do you reach Arucas?

After reading about this special place you will want to discover Arucas with its beautiful gardens and delicious rum. From Las Palmas you can take the bus (lines 205 and 234) or by car via the GC-1 and GC-3 motorways. From the south of Gran Canaria the journey takes about 45 minutes. By car you follow the signs to Arucas and you can easily park on the premises of the rum factory.

Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about Arucas Rum!

Have you visited the Rum Factory of Arucas recently? We would love to hear about your adventures and recommendations! Your insights help us keep our tourism page updated and improved. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem, found a great restaurant or have tips for other travelers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others get the most out of their visit to this beautiful island. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Gran Canaria!

Thank you for Reading!

We hope you enjoyed our article on the Rum of Arucas. But there is so much more to discover! Don’t miss the next part of our series, where we take a walk through the unique botanical gardens of Arucas. Learn about the fascinating stories, interesting facts and in-depth analysis you won’t want to miss.
Click here to continue reading: [Link to next article]