Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

The best thing about this Gran Canaria tour is the car itself. You are not tucked inside an air-conditioned coach or driving a modern rental. You ride in a genuine 1970s Volkswagen buggy, with the open air, the engine noise, and the odd sensation that every bend requires your attention. It is part scenic drive, part classic-car outing.

I like the small, personal feel and the chance to reach mountain roads far beyond the usual resort strip. I also like the simple stops for coffee, tea, soft drinks, or water, which give you time to chat with Philippe and take in the views. The main consideration is that this is a real driving experience, not a gentle sightseeing loop. The hairpin bends and old-style controls may unsettle you if you prefer modern cars.

Key points to know

• A real 1970s Volkswagen buggy: Expect an open-top classic vehicle with character, not the comfort or handling of a current car.
• You can drive your own buggy: Drivers must be at least 25 and bring their original driving licence.
• Coastal and mountain scenery: The route includes Maspalomas, Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogan, and high roads above the coast.
• A guide-led experience: Philippe, with support from guides including Simon and Silvia, leads the route and sets the pace.
• Small-group atmosphere: The outing feels more like a private car trip than a large motor tour.
• Three hours with refreshments: A complimentary coffee, tea, soda, or water is included, with several stops for photos.

Why the 1970s buggy is the main attraction

Gran Canaria has plenty of ways to see its coast and mountains. This one succeeds because the vehicle changes the whole outing. A 1970s Volkswagen buggy is light, open, noisy, and exposed to the weather. You notice the road surface, the wind, the smell of the countryside, and the sound of the engine working uphill.

That old-fashioned feel is exactly the point. The cars are kept in good condition, but they do not behave like modern vehicles. You need to pay attention. Steering, braking, and gear changes can feel unfamiliar, especially on winding roads. Philippe gives guidance, though one past participant felt the introduction to the car could have been longer. I would ask questions before setting off and take the first few minutes slowly.

The buggy suits you if you enjoy cars, driving, and a little theatre. It is less suitable if you want a quiet, polished ride with plenty of legroom and climate control. The open design is fun in good weather, but the tour can be affected by poor conditions.

Starting at Sunset Beach Meloneras

The tour begins and ends at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, in the south of Gran Canaria. Meloneras is close to Maspalomas, so the start point works well if you are staying in the main southern resort area.

Several people have also been collected from their hotels, and Philippe has sometimes offered transport in advance. Do not treat that as a guaranteed part of every booking, but it is worth asking when you arrange the tour. The supplied meeting point remains Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

The opening section gives you time to get used to the buggy and the group. You follow the guide rather than setting your own route, which makes the outing easier on unfamiliar roads. This matters once the road begins to climb and the bends tighten.

If you are driving, bring your original licence. A photograph or copy is not stated as acceptable. You must be at least 25 to take the wheel. If you are younger than that, or do not have the required licence, the guide drives you instead.

Maspalomas and the southern coast

The route includes sightseeing around Maspalomas before heading farther into the island. This gives you a familiar reference point, then quickly shifts the focus away from the resort streets and toward open coastal views.

From higher points, you may see the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance. The contrast is part of the fun: the holiday hotels and shoreline sit below, while the buggy takes you onto roads where the island feels much more open.

You should keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride filming. The road requires attention, particularly if you are driving. Stops are built into the tour so you can take photographs without trying to capture everything from behind the wheel.

The open buggy makes the views easy to enjoy, though sun and wind are also part of the deal. Bring sensible sun protection and clothing suited to changing conditions. The supplied information does not specify a helmet requirement or exact clothing list, so ask the operator if you have concerns before departure.

Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, and the road inland

The tour continues through places such as Arguineguin and Cercado de Espino. Arguineguin brings broad views toward the coast, while the route inland gives you a better sense of Gran Canaria beyond its beach resorts.

This is where the trip earns its keep. You are not simply being shown a famous viewpoint, then returned to the coast. You are using the roads to connect seaside scenery with the island’s dry, folded interior. The route offers several chances to stop, look back toward the coast, and photograph the buggy against the scenery.

The road experience is an important part of the attraction. You may drive on mountain roads with tight bends and steep sections. One account describes the drive as challenging but fully on paved roads, not an off-road session. That distinction matters. You are getting a classic road trip, not a dirt-track adventure.

Follow Philippe closely and keep a sensible speed. The guide leads the way, making the route easier to manage, but you remain responsible for your own driving. If you are not comfortable with mountain roads, ask the guide to drive before the route becomes demanding.

Mountain roads toward Mogan

The climb toward Mogan is the most dramatic part of the excursion. The road winds into the hills, and the views open out as you gain height. You may see the coast, villages, ravines, and distant landmarks from angles that are hard to reach on a standard resort excursion.

Several accounts describe the roads as a highlight, especially for people who enjoy driving older cars. The combination of hairpin bends, open air, and the small engine working through the hills gives the outing more personality than a normal sightseeing transfer.

Do not expect a fast drive. The pleasure comes from the road and the setting, not from racing. The guide controls the pace, and you should leave room between vehicles and take each bend carefully. A passenger who wants a calm ride may find the mountain section more exciting than relaxing.

The route may also offer a distant view of a former NASA space centre. This is a glimpse rather than a full visit, so think of it as one of several visual details along the way, not a separate attraction with an entrance stop.

A Canarian village and a drink break

At some point in the mountain section, the group stops at a small Canarian village for a complimentary drink. Coffee, tea, soda, and water are included. Some outings also include more than one refreshment stop, including a small taverna or café where you can sit, talk, and look back at the road you have just driven.

These pauses improve the rhythm of the tour. Three hours in an open classic car can feel long without a break, especially in warm weather. A drink stop gives you time to cool down, check photographs, and ask Philippe about the island or the cars.

The stop is also one of the more local-feeling parts of the experience. You are not spending the whole time moving between major attractions. You get a short pause in a smaller community, with a chance to see a less polished side of southern Gran Canaria.

Exact stops can change. The tour depends on road conditions and favorable weather, so do not book it expecting a fixed minute-by-minute schedule. The named areas provide a useful idea of the route, but the guide may adjust the day.

Philippe’s guiding style

Philippe is central to the experience. He is described as friendly, funny, passionate about the cars, and keen to share stories about the island. That makes a difference in a tour built around conversation and a small group rather than a scripted commentary.

You will likely get more from this outing if you enjoy asking questions. Talk with him at the stops, ask about the buggy, and tell him what sort of roads or views interest you. The atmosphere is informal, and the best moments seem to come from the interaction between guide, driver, and passengers.

Simon has also led outings, and Silvia has been involved in the operation. The guiding team appears to keep the experience personal rather than processing one large group after another. That is useful if you dislike rigid tours where everyone moves on the same whistle.

One point to keep in mind is the driving briefing. Most people find the buggies easy enough to handle, but an old car is not identical to a modern vehicle. If this is your first classic car, ask for a clear explanation of the controls, braking, steering, and following distance before you leave.

What the $223 price means for two people

The price is $223 per group of up to two people, not per person. For a couple, that works out to about $111.50 each for three hours, assuming both people share the experience.

That is not the cheapest way to see Gran Canaria. A public bus, taxi, or standard island excursion will cost less in many cases. You are paying for the unusual vehicle, a guide-led route, the chance to drive, a small-group setting, and a drink stop.

The value improves if both people care about cars or want an experience built around the journey rather than a checklist of sights. It also compares more favorably with private tours, since the price covers the group of up to two rather than charging each person separately.

For a couple who would otherwise rent a car, this also removes some planning work. You follow a local guide through roads you might not find on your own. On the other hand, if you only want a quick photo in a vintage car, three hours and the price may feel excessive.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples who enjoy classic cars and want to share the driving.
• Drivers aged 25 or older with a valid original licence.
• People staying in southern Gran Canaria who want to see more than the resort coast.
• Visitors who prefer small, personal tours to large coach excursions.
• Families with children aged six or older, provided everyone is comfortable with an open vehicle and mountain roads.
• Anyone who values scenery, conversation, and the feel of a road trip.

It is less suitable for children under six, people who dislike winding roads, and anyone expecting a modern buggy or off-road ride. You must not take part while intoxicated. The tour is also subject to favorable weather, so keep some flexibility in your holiday schedule.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the provided details do not explain vehicle transfer arrangements or how much assistance is available. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking and discuss the exact vehicle and boarding process.

Practical advice before you set off

Bring your original driving licence if you plan to drive. Without it, the guide will take the wheel, and the same applies if you are under 25.

Wear clothes that work in an open vehicle. Sun, wind, and cooler air in the hills can all affect your comfort. Pack sunglasses and sun protection, and bring a camera or phone for the stops. Keep the camera secure while the buggy is moving.

Do not judge the experience by the first few minutes. Give yourself time to adjust to the old controls and the seating position. If you feel unsure, tell Philippe early. It is better to enjoy the ride as a passenger than to spend the mountain section tense behind the wheel.

The tour normally lasts three hours and returns to Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your holiday plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Gran Canaria 70s VW Buggy Tour?

Book it if you want a memorable road trip with a strong sense of character. The rare 1970s buggy, the climb from the coast into the mountains, and Philippe’s personal guiding make this far more distinctive than a standard sightseeing drive.

I would not book it simply to tick off Maspalomas or Mogan. Those places are part of the route, but the real attraction is driving between them in an old open car, stopping in smaller places, and seeing how quickly Gran Canaria changes outside the resorts.

For a car enthusiast, this could be one of the best outings of the holiday. For everyone else, it is still a good choice if you enjoy scenic roads and do not mind a little wind, noise, and effort. Ask about hotel pickup, confirm the driving requirements, and expect a classic car rather than modern comfort.

FAQ

Where does the 70s VW buggy tour start and finish?

The tour starts and returns to Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $223 for a group of up to two people.

Can I drive the buggy myself?

You can drive if you are at least 25 years old and carry your original driving licence. Otherwise, the guide drives you.

What places does the route visit?

The route includes sightseeing around Maspalomas and may pass through Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogan, coastal roads, mountain roads, and a Canarian village.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One complimentary coffee, tea, soda, or water is included. Stops are made during the route for refreshments.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Spanish, French, and English.

Can children join the tour?

Children under six are not permitted. The supplied information does not give a maximum age or specific child seating details, so ask the operator if you have questions about your group.