While sightseeing in the north of Gran Canaria; detour to visit the beautifully decorated town of Firgas, and the huge rum factory, as well as the volcanic rock church of Arucas.
Water Spa Town
Firgas in the north of Gran Canaria is a prettily decorated town that produces one of the islands best selling products. The mineral waters of Firgas are esteemed throughout the Canary Islands; especially popular is “agua con gas”, a refreshingly carbonated version of the local spring water.
Museum de Molino de Gofio
Along the main street of the town is the recently restored building of the old grain mill. The grain mills are a common feature in the smaller, more typical Canarian towns and villages and were once one of the most important features of everyday life. The example in Firgas is now a museum; where inside it’s airey rooms, it is possible to see at firsthand how the Canarians ground maize between huge stones to make “gofio”, a type of toasted flour that formed a mainstay in the islander’s basic diet.
The Town Amongst the Banana Plantations
Arucas is a large agricultural town set among the banana and sugar cane plantations on the outskirts of Las Palmas, and is a place renown for the fact that the Canarian’s have managed to turn the local water into, if not wine, then an impressive array of alcoholic beverages.
Volcanic Rock Church
The enormous, cathedral-like church of Arucas, dedicated to John the Baptist, is a daunting structure. Entirely constructed from a unique type of volcanic rock called “piedra azul” or “the blue stone of Arucas”, this highly ornate building was constructed over a period of seventy years. Although the church is modern, in its lofty interior are housed many religious artefacts that date as far back as the 17th Century.
Distillery of Areucas
The huge distillery is one of the towns main attractions, and coach loads of holidaymakers leave happily every day after enjoying one of the free-sampling sessions. Very well known is the dry rum that takes the producing company’s name,which is taken from an old Guanche triabal leader, Ron Areucas. The rum is a popular tipple with locals and visitors alike in any of its many guises. Normally drunk with a mixer, it is an excellent rival for any of the imported Cuban varieties. The most purchased as souvenirs are the typically Canarian Banana Liquer sold in its decorative bottle, and the local poteen called Ron Miel.
Honeyed Rum of the Canaries
One of Gran Canaria’s most purchased “take-home” products is the sticky, local liquer called Ron Miel, a thick and syrupy liquer that is distilled from the local rum mixed with honey and frequently served as an after dinner digestive in many retuarants on the island.
After Dinner Amnesia
Ron Miel should be consumed with caution; taken in excess it’s known for producing the severe, ill effects of a type of amnesiatic headache, that could well mean you end up paying your dinner bill twice!
Water Spa Town
Firgas in the north of Gran Canaria is a prettily decorated town that produces one of the islands best selling products. The mineral waters of Firgas are esteemed throughout the Canary Islands; especially popular is “agua con gas”, a refreshingly carbonated version of the local spring water.
Museum de Molino de Gofio
Along the main street of the town is the recently restored building of the old grain mill. The grain mills are a common feature in the smaller, more typical Canarian towns and villages and were once one of the most important features of everyday life. The example in Firgas is now a museum; where inside it’s airey rooms, it is possible to see at firsthand how the Canarians ground maize between huge stones to make “gofio”, a type of toasted flour that formed a mainstay in the islander’s basic diet.
The Town Amongst the Banana Plantations
Arucas is a large agricultural town set among the banana and sugar cane plantations on the outskirts of Las Palmas, and is a place renown for the fact that the Canarian’s have managed to turn the local water into, if not wine, then an impressive array of alcoholic beverages.
Volcanic Rock Church
The enormous, cathedral-like church of Arucas, dedicated to John the Baptist, is a daunting structure. Entirely constructed from a unique type of volcanic rock called “piedra azul” or “the blue stone of Arucas”, this highly ornate building was constructed over a period of seventy years. Although the church is modern, in its lofty interior are housed many religious artefacts that date as far back as the 17th Century.
Distillery of Areucas
The huge distillery is one of the towns main attractions, and coach loads of holidaymakers leave happily every day after enjoying one of the free-sampling sessions. Very well known is the dry rum that takes the producing company’s name,which is taken from an old Guanche triabal leader, Ron Areucas. The rum is a popular tipple with locals and visitors alike in any of its many guises. Normally drunk with a mixer, it is an excellent rival for any of the imported Cuban varieties. The most purchased as souvenirs are the typically Canarian Banana Liquer sold in its decorative bottle, and the local poteen called Ron Miel.
Honeyed Rum of the Canaries
One of Gran Canaria’s most purchased “take-home” products is the sticky, local liquer called Ron Miel, a thick and syrupy liquer that is distilled from the local rum mixed with honey and frequently served as an after dinner digestive in many retuarants on the island.
After Dinner Amnesia
Ron Miel should be consumed with caution; taken in excess it’s known for producing the severe, ill effects of a type of amnesiatic headache, that could well mean you end up paying your dinner bill twice!
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