Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

Classic cars make sightseeing better.

This three-hour Gran Canaria tour pairs open-air mountain driving with coastal views, Canarian villages, and a rare 1970s Volkswagen buggy. I like the small, personal feel, and I like that you may drive your own buggy if you are at least 25 and carry your original licence. The main catch is that these old cars do not handle like modern vehicles, so the winding mountain roads may feel demanding at first.

The tour begins at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa and heads through the Maspalomas area before climbing into the island’s rugged interior. Philippe is often the guide, with Simon and Silvia also involved in some outings. The tone is friendly and informal, with time for drinks, photos, and conversation rather than a rushed procession from one viewpoint to the next.

Key points to know before booking

• You may drive a genuine 1970s VW buggy: Drivers must be at least 25 and bring their original driving licence.
• The route mixes coast and mountain roads: Expect views toward Arguineguin, Maspalomas, Mogan, and the surrounding canyons.
• The cars are open-top and attention-grabbing: You get wind, sun, engine noise, and plenty of admiring looks.
• Stops add local flavor: A drink is included, with breaks at a Canarian village or small tavern-style stop.
• It is a personal tour rather than a big coach outing: The guide leads at a manageable pace and shares stories along the way.
• The price is for up to two people: At $223 per group, it makes the most sense for a couple or two friends sharing one booking.

Why this old buggy makes the tour special

Gran Canaria has no shortage of sightseeing excursions. You can take a coach to the mountains, rent a modern car, or join a standard off-road buggy trip. This outing is different because the vehicle itself is the attraction.

The 1970s Volkswagen buggy gives you a close-to-the-road view and an open roof. You hear the engine, feel the breeze, and notice the bends in a way you would not from an air-conditioned bus. The experience is less polished than a modern vehicle, but that is exactly the point.

I would not book this just to get from one viewpoint to another. I would book it because you want the journey to be memorable. The car turns ordinary road time into part of the fun, especially if you already enjoy classic vehicles or old-fashioned motoring.

The buggies are described as well maintained and easy enough to drive once you get used to them. Still, an old car has its own character. One driver found that the guide could have spent longer explaining how the 1970s vehicle works before setting off. That is useful advice: listen carefully, ask questions, and do not expect modern steering, controls, or driving manners.

Starting at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa

The listed meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, in the resort area near Maspalomas. From there, the guide sets off with the group and takes you toward the island’s southern sights.

Some bookings have included hotel pickup and return, arranged by the guide. Several people specifically praised Philippe for calling ahead and offering transport. I would confirm this directly before counting on it, since the formal meeting point remains Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

The outing lasts three hours, although some drives have run longer. That extra time sounds appealing, but plan your day with a little flexibility. The route includes photo stops, drinks, and mountain roads where the pace is naturally slower.

Before you leave, make sure you have your original driving licence if you plan to take the wheel. A photograph or copy may not meet the stated requirement. If you are under 25, do not hold a valid licence, or prefer not to drive, the guide will drive you through the route.

Maspalomas and the southern coast

The first part of the trip takes you through the Maspalomas area. This gives you a familiar southern Gran Canaria setting before the route turns toward quieter roads and higher ground.

You may catch sight of the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance. It is not presented as a formal lighthouse visit, so do not expect time to walk around the monument. Instead, it becomes part of the wider coastal view, with the buggy providing a memorable foreground for photographs.

The route also offers views toward Arguineguin and the coast. From higher points, the southern resorts and sea open out below you. This is one of the tour’s strongest features because you see how quickly Gran Canaria changes from resort beaches to steep, dry hills and narrow mountain valleys.

Bring a camera or phone, but keep it secure in the moving car. The open-top design makes photos easy at stops, yet trying to film while driving would be distracting and unsafe. The guide chooses several places where you can pull over, get out, and take pictures without rushing.

Climbing through canyons toward Mogan

The most memorable driving comes as the route leaves the coast and climbs into the canyons. Roads wind through the hills toward places such as Cercado de Espino and Mogan, with views changing at every bend.

This is not an off-road adventure. The drive uses paved roads, but the mountain sections can still feel challenging, especially on hairpin bends. One person noted that the roads are manageable but not quite like an easy resort drive. If you are nervous behind the wheel, let the guide drive or take the first part slowly while you get a feel for the buggy.

Philippe leads from the front and sets the pace. That matters in an older vehicle, since you are not left to work out the route or road choices by yourself. The guide’s local familiarity also helps keep the outing focused on attractive roads rather than simply taking the fastest route uphill.

At the higher points, you may look back toward the coast and see the southern resorts from a new angle. The contrast is the reward: bright sea views below, bare mountain slopes around you, and small settlements tucked into the folds of the island.

The route can also offer a distant view of a former NASA space center. It is a glimpse rather than a visit, but it adds an unusual detail to the drive. This is typical of the tour’s appeal: you are not just collecting major monuments. You are noticing small and unexpected parts of Gran Canaria as you go.

Village stops, drinks, and time to slow down

The tour includes a complimentary drink, such as coffee, tea, soda, or water. Stops may be made at a small Canarian village or local tavern-style spot, giving you a chance to step away from the car and take a break.

These pauses are important. Three hours in an open buggy can be tiring in strong sun, and mountain driving requires concentration. A drink and a short rest make the outing more comfortable, particularly if you are sharing the driving.

The stops also give the tour a more social feel. You can talk with Philippe about the cars, the route, and the island. Several people especially enjoyed his enthusiasm for classic vehicles and the relaxed conversation during breaks.

Do not expect a formal food tour or a long village visit. The included refreshment is simple, and the stop is part of the drive rather than the main event. If you want a detailed guided visit inside a village, this is not the right excursion. If you prefer a scenic pause with local atmosphere, it fits well.

Driving a 1970s Volkswagen buggy

The chance to drive is the heart of the experience for many people. You are not sitting in the back of a vehicle while someone else handles every bend. If you meet the age and licence rules, you get a real turn behind the wheel.

The booking price covers a group of up to two people. That arrangement works especially well for a couple, since you can share the driving and compare the experience from behind the wheel and the passenger seat. It also gives you space to take photos and talk without being packed into a large group.

The cars are open-top, so wear clothes that can handle wind and sun. The provided information does not list a clothing requirement, but practical choices are sensible. Bring your licence, use sun protection, and secure loose items before setting off.

Do not treat the buggy as a modern performance car. The attraction is its mechanical feel and classic design, not speed. One person praised the pace, while another found the hairpin bends lively enough to ask the driver to slow down. The guide should set the rhythm, but you should still be honest about your comfort level.

The tour is not suitable for children under six. Children who meet the age requirement may enjoy the ride, and one family found it worked well with kids, but the open vehicle and mountain roads may not suit every child.

The guide makes a big difference

The strongest praise is directed at Philippe. He is described as warm, funny, passionate about the cars, and generous with his time. That personal touch matters because this is a small-scale outing where the guide shapes the mood from beginning to end.

Philippe is also praised for local knowledge and for taking people beyond the most obvious resort views. His approach seems less like a scripted sightseeing run and more like a friendly car outing through the southern part of the island.

Simon has also led trips, and Silvia has been involved with the operation. The exact guide may vary, so check when booking if meeting Philippe is especially important to you.

A small limitation is that the introduction to the car may be brief. I would ask for a clear explanation of the controls, braking, gear changes, and driving order before leaving. That takes only a few minutes and can make the first mountain section much more enjoyable.

Is $223 good value for two people?

At $223 per group of up to two, this is not a cheap way to see Gran Canaria. You are paying roughly $111.50 per person when two people share the booking, before considering any possible transport arrangement.

Still, the comparison should not be with a basic bus tour. The price includes three hours, a classic vehicle, the chance to drive if eligible, a live guide, scenic stops, and a drink. You are also paying for a small-group format and for access to a type of car that would be difficult to arrange on your own.

I think the value is strongest for people who care about the car itself. If you see the buggy as simply a way to reach a viewpoint, the price may feel high. If you enjoy vintage vehicles, winding roads, and a more personal day out, it becomes easier to justify.

The tour has a rating of 4.8 from 73 ratings, with repeated praise for the guide, scenery, car condition, and personal service. That does not remove the need to consider the driving style or weather, but it does point to a consistently strong experience.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

The tour runs only in favorable weather. That is sensible for an open-top vehicle, but it means your plans can depend on conditions. The southern coast can feel warm and sunny, while higher roads may be cooler or windier.

You should also be comfortable spending time outside in the sun. The route includes stops, but the buggy offers little shelter. Water is included as one possible drink, though bringing your own extra water may be wise if you are sensitive to heat.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific assistance with boarding or seating, confirm the arrangements before booking, since the supplied details do not explain how accessibility is handled in the individual buggies.

You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those options are useful when your weather plans are not settled, but the weather condition still applies on the day of the trip.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this tour to:

• Couples who want a shared driving experience
• Classic-car fans and Volkswagen enthusiasts
• Adults who prefer small, personal outings
• Visitors who want coast and mountain scenery in one trip
• Families with children over six who are comfortable in an open vehicle
• Anyone who finds a winding road more interesting than a standard bus ride

I would think twice if you dislike mountain bends, strong sun, open vehicles, or older cars. This is also not the best choice if you want a long stop at each sight, a formal history lesson, or a quiet, climate-controlled ride.

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

Book it if you want the drive itself to be the holiday memory. The classic buggy, open roof, mountain roads, and friendly guidance create something far more distinctive than ordinary sightseeing.

Before paying, check the meeting arrangements, confirm who will drive, and ask how much instruction you will receive. Bring your original licence if you want to take the wheel, and leave room in your schedule in case the outing runs beyond the listed three hours.

For two people who enjoy cars and scenic roads, I think the $223 group price is fair. For everyone else, the decision comes down to whether a vintage vehicle sounds like the main attraction or merely a novelty. Here, it really is the main attraction, and that is why this tour earns its strong reputation.

FAQ

Where does the Gran Canaria 70s VW Buggy Tour start?

The listed starting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is three hours. Some outings may run longer, so it is sensible to leave extra time in your schedule.

Can I drive the buggy myself?

You can drive if you are at least 25 years old and have your original valid driving licence with you.

What happens if I cannot drive?

If you are under 25 or do not have a valid original licence, the guide will drive you.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in Spanish, French, and English.

Is a drink included?

Yes. The complimentary drink can be coffee, tea, soda, or water.

Are children allowed?

Children under six are not permitted on the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring your original driving licence if you plan to drive. The tour is also subject to favorable weather conditions.