Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

This tour is interesting because it mixes a genuine 1970s Volkswagen buggy with one of the easiest ways to see real parts of Gran Canaria fast. You get to drive a vintage vehicle (if you meet the rules) and feel the island wind on open-top roads, led by Philippe, who clearly loves the cars and the driving.

I love two things most. First, the experience is hands-on, not just sightseeing. If you are 25 or older with your original licence, you can take the wheel in a car that feels nothing like a modern rental. Second, the scenery is built for photos and quick wow moments, from the Arguineguin and coast viewpoints to canyon roads and the distant Maspalomas lighthouse.

One possible drawback to plan for: driving this kind of buggy is more physical than you expect, and the roads include winding mountain bends. If you are not confident, or you are under 25, the guide drives. Also, the tour depends on favorable weather, so you need a day that can stay dry and workable.

Key highlights worth your time

• Drive (or ride) a vintage 70s VW buggy on tarmac roads with real steering feel
• Coastal and canyon scenery with photo stops over Arguineguin and the coast
• See landmarks from a distance, including Maspalomas lighthouse and even a former NASA space center sighting
• A village break with a complimentary drink, coffee, tea, soda, or water
• Philippe’s personal, story-filled guiding, plus helpful tips on getting used to the buggy
• Small-group vibe that feels more like a car day with locals than a factory tour

Getting to Sunset Beach Meloneras and meeting your buggy guide

The tour starts at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, which is a good base if you are staying in the south. You will meet your guide, get oriented, then head into Philippe’s world of classic cars before the driving really begins.

What makes this setup work is the human side. Philippe (and his team) takes time to show you what the buggy is like and how to handle it. In multiple accounts, people highlight that the guides do not rush you, and that the day feels personal rather than like you are herded through stops.

One practical thing to keep in mind: you are on a vintage open-top vehicle. Bring sunglasses, sun protection, and something to handle wind. If you run cold easily, plan for a light layer, especially if the breeze is strong in the canyons.

The route focus: Maspalomas views, coast angles, and quick wow stops

A big chunk of the day is built around scenic routes near Maspalomas, then connecting outward to viewpoints and roads that feel more “Gran Canaria real” than “tour bus schedule.” Expect a mix of coastal driving and inland climbs, with regular chances to stop and soak in the view.

You will get classic viewpoint moments over the coast around Arguineguin, plus stops that are timed so you can actually look, not just glance from the roadside. The tour is designed so you can take photos that do not feel forced, with several carefully chosen stops along the way.

You should also know that the day includes landmark sightings from far away. One of the cool details is seeing the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance, plus a far-off look at where a former NASA space center once operated. You get the feeling of scale here, like you are driving across more than just beaches and hills.

Arguineguin to the canyons: why the stops feel like a drive, not a checklist

Once you are moving beyond the first area, the tour turns into canyon and viewpoint time. This is where the buggy becomes more than a novelty. The winding roads and changing elevation make you slow down just to enjoy the sensation of a vintage machine doing what it does.

The itinerary style matters because you are not trying to cram everything into one stop. You get multiple chances to stop, stretch, and take in the scenery from different angles. In particular, the area around Cercado de Espino and the roads connected to Mogán are mentioned as part of the driving experience, with the canyons adding drama and depth.

If you love photos, this is the kind of tour that rewards you for stopping even when you think you already have a good shot. Views are layered. The light changes as you climb and descend, so the same coast area can look completely different from one stop to the next.

The village break and your complimentary drink moment

A standout feature is the break at a quaint Canarian village, where you are treated to a complimentary beverage. The included drink list is simple: coffee, tea, soda, or water. It is not a big meal stop, but it is a genuine pause that keeps the day relaxed.

Some people mention stops at a taverna for light refreshments, which fits the idea of a short local break during the drive. Even if your drink is the included one, you will still get that change of pace that keeps this from turning into nonstop driving.

This is also a good time to ask questions. Guides like Philippe tend to explain what you are seeing and how to think about the geography as you move through the island. If you are into cars, you can also talk shop. Car people love this part because the guide understands what makes a buggy fun and how to drive it safely.

Driving the 70s buggy: the thrill, the rules, and the reality check

Here is the deal with the driving. If you are over 25 and have your original driving licence, you can drive your own vehicle. If you do not meet that requirement, the guide drives. There is also a clear rule: intoxication is not allowed, which is exactly what you want for a driving tour.

What I like about this rule set is that it keeps the experience fair and safe. Vintage cars do not forgive bad inputs the way modern vehicles do, and hairpins in mountain roads demand respect. If you are the passenger, you still feel the thrill, because the route stays focused on real road handling rather than just straight sightseeing.

One review notes that the buggy driving is not like a modern car, which is true. If you have driven manual before, you will likely pick it up fast, but do not assume it will feel identical to anything you rented yesterday. Even if you are an experienced driver, give yourself the first few minutes to adjust.

For comfort, remember: open top means wind and sun. If you are wearing delicate hair or you hate wind in your eyes, sunglasses are not optional. Also, if you are prone to motion discomfort, look for a driving position where you feel stable. The roads are on tarmac, but they can be challenging and curvy.

The guides behind the wheel: Philippe, Simon, and Silvia’s teamwork

This is a tour where the guide matters. People consistently bring up Philippe’s personality and energy, and they also mention other team members like Simon and Silvia in positive ways. That matters because it is the difference between a guided route and a scripted ride.

You will hear stories during the drive, and you will also get practical help with the buggy itself. One reason this tour earns strong ratings is that the experience feels like a shared day. People describe conversation at the stops as entertaining, and they mention that Philippe goes out of his way to make things smooth.

There is also a nice extra layer: some guests say the guide helped with photos and videos, so you leave with more than just your camera roll. If you are traveling with someone who does not want to drive, this is a solid way to still get content and memories without you having to do everything yourself.

Group size and how the day stays personal

Even with a start point and planned stops, this does not feel like a big group excursion. Reviews call it small group, and that tracks with the overall feel: more room to talk, more flexibility at stops, and less “move along” pressure.

That matters for value because your attention is where it should be: on the road and the viewpoints. When a tour is large, you spend too much time waiting and too little time enjoying. Here, the day keeps moving, and the stops are spaced so you can actually see them.

If you want a car-focused experience, this structure fits. You are not just passively watching a guide talk while everyone follows. You are driving, stopping, and feeling the island.

Price and value: $223 per group for up to 2

At $223 per group up to 2, this is not a cheap activity in absolute terms. But value is not just price, it is what you get for it.

You are paying for three big things:

• A rare vintage vehicle experience, not a modern convertible or generic sightseeing bus
• A guided route that hits scenic areas and includes multiple photo stops
• A complimentary drink during the village break

If you split it with a second person and you are both into driving, the value climbs quickly. It is also a strong pick for couples because you can share the experience and trade driving, which multiple guests describe as part of what made the day fun.

For solo travelers, it can still be worth it if you want something truly different from beach time and standard tours. The key is your interest level in cars and roads. If you mainly want to be dropped at viewpoints, this might feel a bit more hands-on than you expect. But if you want a practical, active way to see the island, the price makes more sense.

Weather, timing, and what to pack for a smooth ride

This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it is windy or rough, it may not run as planned. That is not a flaw, it is just how open-top vintage driving works.

Timing is also important. It is a 3-hour excursion, so you are not settling in for a long day. That is part of why this is a good value: you get a full taste of scenery and driving without losing an entire afternoon. Still, plan the rest of your day loosely, because you will want time to cool down, get photos sorted, and maybe grab a snack after.

Pack for comfort and wind:

• Sunglasses and sun protection
• Light layers for canyon breezes
• Closed-toe shoes that feel secure
• A camera or phone strap, because open-air motion is real

Who should book this buggy tour, and who might not love it

This is best for you if:

• You like cars, especially VW and vintage vehicles
• You want to drive on winding roads and feel the difference
• You prefer a smaller, more personal day over crowded tours
• You want photo stops that are built into the driving route

It might be less ideal if:

• You get motion sick easily or dislike wind in open-top vehicles
• You want a slow, relaxed tour with minimal driving focus
• You cannot meet the driving requirements and feel disappointed about not driving

Kids: it is listed as not suitable for children under 6. If you are traveling with older kids, it can still be fun, and some reviews mention that children enjoyed the ride. But keep in mind the open-top, sun, and road motion elements.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, so if that applies to you, this is worth asking about in advance so you get a clear answer on how seating and boarding will work for your specific needs.

Should you book Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour?

I think you should book if you want a classic-car experience that actually feels like an activity, not a passive tour. The combination of a rare 70s VW buggy, scenic stops around Arguineguin and the coast, and the personal guiding style from Philippe makes this a standout use of a few hours in Gran Canaria’s south.

Skip it if you mainly want easy sightseeing with minimal driving comfort issues, or if your schedule cannot handle possible weather changes. Also, if you are hoping for a totally modern, effortless ride, the buggy is the point. It is older, it feels different, and that is why it is memorable.

If you match the vibe, this is the kind of day you will talk about long after the beach tan fades.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

How long is the Gran Canary 70’s VW Buggy Tour?

It is a 3-hour excursion.

Is the buggy driving included, and what are the requirements?

If you are at least 25 and you have your original driving licence with you, you can drive your own vehicle. If you are not able to meet that requirement, the guide will drive.

What is included during the tour?

The tour includes the 3-hour excursion and a complimentary drink, which can be coffee, tea, soda, or water.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, French, and English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

You should bring your driving licence. Intoxication is not allowed. The tour also depends on favorable weather conditions.