Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

A 1970s Volkswagen buggy is the star here, not just a way to get from one viewpoint to the next. You follow coastal roads and mountain bends around southern Gran Canaria, with the open top, old-school controls, and wind in your hair. I especially like the small-group feel and the chance to see roads and villages beyond the usual resort circuit.

I also like that Philippe, Simon, and Silvia treat this as a personal car outing rather than a conveyor-belt excursion. You get time for photos, a drink in a Canarian village, and plenty of conversation. The main consideration is the driving itself: a vintage buggy is not a modern car, and the mountain hairpins can feel demanding if you are not comfortable behind the wheel.

Key points to know before booking

• Drive a genuine 1970s VW buggy if you are at least 25 and bring your original driving licence.
• Follow coastal and mountain roads through Maspalomas, Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogan, and nearby scenery.
• Expect a personal outing, with guides Philippe, Simon, and Silvia rather than a large coach group.
• Stop for a complimentary drink at a village or mountain-side break point.
• Allow three hours, with several stops for photos and views.
• Choose carefully if you dislike old cars, open-air driving, or tight mountain bends.

Why the old VW buggy is the real attraction

Many island excursions use a vehicle as transport between sights. Here, the vehicle is the sight. The 1970s Volkswagen buggy gives the trip its character before you even leave Meloneras.

You sit low, feel the road, and deal with a machine that does not behave like a new rental car. That is part of the fun. The open design lets you hear the road and feel the air, while the vintage styling turns every stop into a photo opportunity.

I would not book this simply because you need an efficient way to see Gran Canaria. A taxi, rental car, or coach will be easier. I would book it because you want to enjoy the act of getting there.

The buggy is also a good match for car enthusiasts. One visitor who loved old vehicles called it a highlight of the holiday, while another described the trip as a chance to drive a proper classic machine. That tells you where the strongest appeal lies: this is a driving experience with sightseeing attached.

Starting in Meloneras and heading toward Maspalomas

The excursion begins at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa and returns there after about three hours. The route includes Maspalomas, with views toward the famous lighthouse and the southern coast.

Maspalomas is one of Gran Canaria’s best-known visitor areas, but the buggy gives you a different way to see it. Rather than spending the whole outing on foot in the heat, you move through the area in an open car and stop when there is something worth photographing.

The route is not presented as a long stop at one major monument. Instead, it is a moving tour with several carefully chosen pauses. That matters because you get a wider sense of the south: resort areas, open coastal views, roads climbing inland, and high ground looking back toward the sea.

You may also catch a distant view of the former NASA space centre. It is not the main focus of the day, but it adds an unusual detail to the route and gives you another point to look for as the buggy moves through the countryside.

Coastal views near Arguineguin

As the route leaves the immediate resort area, the scenery opens toward Arguineguin and the coast. This is one of the strongest parts of the excursion for anyone who wants photos without spending hours walking in the sun.

You can expect stops where the coast and surrounding hills spread out below you. The guide gives you time to get out, look around, and take pictures with the buggy in the frame. That combination is important: the car is not hidden away at a garage or shown for a quick look. It remains part of the scene throughout the day.

The open top also changes how the route feels. You get more air and a better sense of the climb, but you have less protection from sun and wind. Bring sensible clothing and sun protection. The supplied information does not specify a particular dress code, so the practical choice is light clothing that will not cause trouble in an open vehicle.

Climbing through the canyons and mountain roads

The most memorable driving comes as the buggy turns inland and climbs through canyons toward areas such as Cercado de Espino and Mogan. The roads are paved, but they are not always easy. Several people described the mountain route as challenging, with winding bends and hairpins that reward careful driving.

This is not an off-road buggy ride. You are not being taken across dirt tracks or rough trails. The appeal comes from driving a vintage vehicle on tarmac roads through changing scenery.

If you drive, follow Philippe or the other guide and keep your speed under control. One important point from the experience is that the old buggy does not handle like a modern vehicle. Give yourself time to understand the steering, braking, and general feel before tackling the tighter bends.

A little caution improves the day. You do not need to treat the route as a race, and the guide’s pace helps keep the group together. The goal is to enjoy the road, not prove how quickly you can reach the top.

The mountain section also shows why this excursion feels different from a standard sightseeing trip. You are not simply looking at the hills through a coach window. You are part of the climb, with the road, air, and bends shaping the experience.

Stops in Canarian villages and mountain tavernas

The tour includes a stop at a small Canarian village or local refreshment point, where you receive a complimentary coffee, tea, soft drink, or water. Several outings have also included a stop at a taverna, giving you a chance to rest and talk with the guide.

This break adds more than a free drink. It slows the trip down and gives you time to ask about the roads, the cars, and the places you are passing. Philippe is often described as warm, funny, and passionate about his work. That personal contact is a major part of the day.

The exact stop can vary, so you should not expect a fixed restaurant meal or a long cultural visit. The included drink is a refreshment, not lunch. If you need food during the excursion, plan around that fact.

I like this format. A three-hour drive with no pause would become tiring, especially in an open vintage car. A short stop gives your eyes a break, makes room for conversation, and lets you enjoy the setting rather than simply passing through it.

What the guides add to the outing

Philippe is the main name associated with the experience, and Simon and Silvia also appear in the running of some trips. The guide does more than lead the vehicles. He sets the pace, explains the route, helps make the driving feel manageable, and shares stories along the way.

Several people have found the outing personal because of this direct contact. Some were collected from their hotel, although the formal starting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. Do not assume hotel pickup is guaranteed unless it is confirmed for your booking.

The strongest praise is directed at the guide’s friendliness and care. That matters on a driving tour. You want someone who watches the group, knows the roads, and can help if a vintage car feels unfamiliar.

There is one fair criticism to keep in mind. One participant felt the initial explanation of the excursion and the car could have been more detailed. That is useful advice. Ask questions before setting off, especially if you have not driven an older car before.

Can you drive, or does the guide take the wheel?

You can drive your own buggy if you are at least 25 years old and carry your original driving licence. If you do not meet both conditions, the guide drives you instead.

The age rule is not a minor detail. You need to be 25 or older to take the wheel, and a licence on your phone or a copy may not meet the stated requirement. Bring the original document.

The drive itself is best suited to someone who enjoys a slower, more involved car. You may need to adapt to the vehicle before the mountain section. The experience is not designed for intoxicated passengers or drivers, and anyone under the influence will not be allowed to take part.

If one person in your group wants to drive and the other does not, ask about how the outing handles driver changes. One experience included swapping drivers, but this is not clearly stated as a standard part of every booking.

For children, the minimum age is six. The information does not state whether every child rides in the same way as an adult, so families should confirm any child-specific details before booking.

How good is the value at $223 for two?

The listed price is $223 per group of up to two people. That is not cheap if you compare it with a basic sightseeing bus or a short vehicle rental. The value becomes clearer when you consider what is bundled together.

You are paying for a three-hour guided route, a rare classic vehicle, several scenic stops, local guiding, and a drink. You also avoid planning a mountain route yourself, finding viewpoints, and worrying about which roads are suitable for an old buggy.

For a couple, the price works best when both people care about the car and the setting. If only one person is interested in vintage vehicles, the cost may feel high. If you would otherwise rent a car, pay for fuel, and arrange your own route, the guided format may compare more favorably.

This is also a small-scale experience rather than a large commercial outing. Several people valued the personal attention and the feeling of taking a car ride with a local friend. I would see the price as a fair splurge for a couple who wants a memorable half-day activity, but not as the cheapest way to sightsee.

Who will enjoy it most?

This tour is a strong fit for:

• Couples who want a shared activity with a distinctive vehicle
• People who enjoy classic cars and hands-on driving
• Visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria
• Anyone who wants coastal and mountain scenery without a long hike
• Families with children aged six or older, provided the driving arrangements suit them
• Visitors who prefer a small personal outing to a large group excursion

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, air-conditioned ride, a formal historical tour, or a straight route from one attraction to another.

You should also think about comfort. The open buggy offers a better sense of the road and weather, but you are exposed to sun, wind, and changing temperatures as you climb. The activity depends on favorable weather, so the route may be changed or cancelled if conditions are poor.

Practical details that matter

The excursion lasts three hours and starts and ends at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. Check the available starting time when you book, since the supplied information does not give one fixed departure hour.

Guiding is available in English, Spanish, and French. That makes it easier to ask about the car, the route, and local places during the breaks.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain the exact vehicle access or transfer arrangements. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical setup before paying.

You receive one complimentary drink, with coffee, tea, soda, or water listed as options. Bring your driving licence if you plan to drive, and do not arrive intoxicated.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans may change.

Should you book the 70s VW buggy tour?

Book it if you want the vehicle to be part of the holiday, not just a tool for reaching viewpoints. The combination of a genuine 1970s buggy, mountain roads, coastal views, village stops, and personal guiding makes this a distinctive choice in southern Gran Canaria.

I would especially recommend it to couples, car fans, and anyone who has already seen the main resort sights and wants a more unusual outing. Philippe’s friendly style and the small-group approach add real value.

Think twice if you dislike winding roads, open-air motoring, or older cars that require a little adjustment. Bring your original licence if you want to drive, take the bends calmly, and treat the $223 price as a special experience rather than basic transport. For the right person, it is one of the more memorable ways to see the island.

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 experience last?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $223 per group of up to two people.

Can I drive the buggy myself?

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

What language does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in English, Spanish, and French.

Is a drink included?

Yes. The experience includes a complimentary coffee, tea, soda, or water.

Are children allowed?

Children under six are not suitable for the activity. The minimum stated age is six.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the arrangements with the provider if conditions look uncertain.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.