The lizards by this red stone bridge in the Jardín Canario are used to being fed and it's a great place to get up close to the original Gran Canarians.
There's more to Arucas old town than the great big church. Walk up the narrow cobbled streets behind the cathedral for great old Canarian houses and local street life, then head down narrow Calle Gourié to the High Street (Calle León y Castillo).
Gran Canaria's sun is African and in the summer it fries pale northern bodies in minutes. If you want a tan, take it easy for the first couple of days until your skin has a chance to adjust.