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The
most relevant natural phenomenon in the surroundings is the Arucas volcano
(Arucas Mountain), the emissions from which covered a third of the municipal
area 300,000 years ago. Its avalanche spread from the crater, at an altitude
of 1,236 feet, to the coast, pushing the sea back and creating small capes
like Punta de Camello (Camel’s Point), close to El Puertillo. This
was also the cause of the formation of a powerful sedimentary area of
great agricultural interest: the Arucas Plain.
In the municipality of Arucas, it is still possible to contemplate some
corners which preserve part of the original natural beauty, such as the
Los Palmitos ravine and the Riquiánez ridge. The Los Palmitos palm
grove from which the ravine takes its name certainly makes this a highly
attractive corner, enhanced by the elegant silhouette of Canary Island
palms.
Riquiánez ridge, which was part of the old Doramas Wood, is on
the eastern border of the municipality. It was probably used as an outpost
and vantage point to defend the island population before the Conquest.
On the other hand, the Arucas coast is in the centre of the northern coast
of Gran Canaria. It is 8-3/4 miles long, winding, and is cut off by the
mouths of several ravines. This stretch of coast, up to an altitude of
300 feet above sea level, has the form of a raised platform, and cliffs
are therefore predominant.
 
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