Tour in a real VW 70’s Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People.

A buggy tour in a real 1970s VW is an instantly different way to see Gran Canaria. You sit low, you feel the wind, and you get classic VW character while the island opens up around you. I love the real vintage buggy experience and the frequent photo stops that turn the drive into something you actually remember.

My main caution is the driving setup. The buggies are manual, so if your group has trouble with stick shift, you may need to coordinate who drives (or you might end up sharing a buggy). The good news is that Simon and Philippe act like instructors as much as guides, so they do try to keep things fun and moving.

If you book this, you are not just buying a ride, you are buying personalities too. Philippe and Simon are car people, and their energy shows up in how they talk about the island and how they keep you confident behind the wheel.

Key things you will love on this 2.5 to 3.5 hour buggy loop

• Real 1970s VW buggies for up to 4 people, so the pace stays human.
• Philippe and Simon as petrolhead guides, with a clear focus on how to drive the cars.
• Arguineguin viewpoint with big-coast views, plus a mention tied to the Apollo 11 era site and the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance.
• Cercados de Espinos canyon village stop, with an included drink break.
• Mogan village plus a windmill photo moment, followed by a return down toward the seaside.
• Included coffee or tea, soda, bottled water, and free trip photos collected on their Facebook page (70’sbuggy).

A real 1970s VW buggy turns Gran Canaria into a hands-on day

This tour is built around one simple idea: if you want the island, don’t watch it through glass. You drive a vintage VW buggy and you feel the road, the turns, and the changing scenery as you move from coast viewpoints up toward mountain country.

The 1970s feel matters. The cars are not just props. They are part of the fun, and they keep you focused in a good way. You are not relaxing into autopilot, you are actively driving, then stopping when the views earn it.

And because the group is capped at four, your day is less chaotic than bigger tours. The whole experience feels more like a small adventure with guidance than a bus-and-crowd production.

Meeting at Sunset Beach Meloneras, then heading for the coast views

Your tour starts at the Sunset Beach Meloneras area, at C. Mar Blanco, 6 in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Pickup is offered, and the activity can work as a straightforward plan if you are staying in the south.

What I like here for practical travel planning: it ends back at the same meeting point. That means you can build your day around it without guessing where the driver might drop you.

Also, this runs in English, and you get a mobile ticket. Confirmation is handled at booking time unless you book close to departure, so if you are traveling on short deadlines, it helps to book as early as you can.

Arguineguin viewpoint: the coast, the horizon, and the Apollo 11 connection

Your first major moment is at Arguineguin, after a drive along a road by the sea that sets the tone. Then you reach an overlook above Arguineguin and the coast, with wide horizon views and enough visibility that you can really pick out landmarks.

This is where the tour adds a little brain candy, not just scenery. From this point, you can see the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance. You also get a mention of the former NASA space center that was linked with the first image of the Apollo 11 expedition. It is not a museum stop, but it gives context for what you are seeing and why this part of the island is talked about.

Time-wise, this viewpoint stop is about 10 minutes. That is short, but it is enough for photos and quick orientation before you head back out.

Potential drawback: if you are the type who wants long scenic pauses, 10 minutes can feel like a sprint. I suggest you come ready to shoot quickly, then use the drive itself for the long look.

Cercados de Espinos canyon village: the drink stop that breaks the driving rhythm

Next you head into Cercados de Espinos, centered in canyon country. The tour slows down in the best way here. You stop in a small Canarian village area, and you get a drink stop included in the price.

You also get multiple chances to enjoy views along the road. This is one of the smartest parts of the route design because it gives you constant “reward” moments as you travel through the mountain and canyon terrain.

Stop length is around 15 minutes. That feels right for a quick refresh plus a few photos, without letting the day drag.

One travel tip: bring something easy to wear for heat. The mountain climbs can get warm, and you will be more comfortable if you have sun protection ready when you stop.

Province of Soria: where the driving feels like the main event

After the canyon village break, you move into the province area around Soria. This is where you spend time with what the tour promises most clearly: stunning scenery paired with an active drive.

The stop here is around 15 minutes, but the real value is in the road between viewpoints. With the buggy you are doing more than taking photos. You are feeling the turns and the road texture, and that makes the scenery feel closer.

If you enjoy driving, you will likely rate this section as the highlight of the whole day. A number of people specifically praised the thrill of the winding roads and the fact that the cars feel grippy on the climbs.

If you are prone to motion discomfort, open-air driving can help, but the active manual driving might still be a factor. In that case, focus on good hydration and keep your eyes up when you drive.

Mogan village, a windmill moment, then the seaside return

Your later scenic payoff is Mogan. You go through the village area and then pause to see a windmill before heading back down toward the sea.

This is a nice contrast after higher views. Canyon and mountain roads give you height and drama. Mogan gives you a more relaxed end-of-day feel, and the seaside return keeps the energy light.

This stop is brief, about 10 minutes. Again, it is designed for photos and movement, not a long walk. If you want to linger in town, you may prefer to add extra time before or after the tour on your own.

Driving the manual VW buggy: fun for hands-on travelers, tricky for stick-shift skeptics

Here is the big practical point: these buggies are set up for manual driving. If you are comfortable with a stick shift, you will likely love the extra engagement. If you are not, you will want to think ahead.

A manual buggy changes the whole vibe. You cannot just steer. You have to manage clutch and gears. That is part of the charm for classic-car fans, and it is also why the guide matters so much.

Simon and Philippe are not distant tour operators. People describe Simon as a guide who teaches you how to drive the buggies, and that help is exactly what makes manual less intimidating. I would treat this like a guided driving lesson wrapped in scenery.

If your group includes someone who cannot drive stick, I suggest two approaches:

1. Make sure at least one person is ready to drive.
2. If the car assignment needs to be shared, plan to be flexible so you are not stressed about who is in the driver seat.

Also, because these are vintage buggies, the operation can run like a small garage more than a modern factory. People have shared examples of the team handling issues and keeping the fun going, including situations where a ride needed adjustment so the day stayed enjoyable. That is reassuring, but it also reinforces that you should not treat this like a rigid theme-park schedule.

What is included for the price: snacks, water, and photos you can actually use

At $169.31 per group (up to 4), this is priced like an activity built around small-group driving time and vintage vehicles. The value comes from how much hands-on driving you get, plus the scenic stops, plus the included drinks.

Included in your day:

• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes
• The real 1970s buggy itself
• Photos available to collect for free on the 70’sbuggy Facebook page

For many people, the free photos are not a small detail. When you are driving, you are usually the one who ends up with fewer pictures. Having the team’s photo collection means you can actually get a full set of memories even if you spend most of the time at the wheel.

One more value angle: since the tour is limited to four, you are less likely to feel like you are paying for time sitting around. You are moving, stopping, and driving throughout the experience.

Timing and length: 2.5 hours on paper, sometimes a bit longer in real life

The tour is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes. In practice, you should expect something in the same general range, but you may see it run closer to 3 hours depending on the group, driving pace, and how long you spend at photo stops.

If you are on a tight schedule, I suggest building in cushion. With a manual-drive adventure and scenic pull-offs, small timing shifts are normal.

If your travel includes a cruise ship day, I would also confirm pickup timing clearly and allow extra margin. One unhappy experience came from a pickup plan that changed, leading to extra hassle. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it is smart to avoid last-minute surprises by double-checking the plan before the day starts.

Who should book this buggy tour, and who should consider other options

This tour is a strong fit for:

• People who like driving and want a hands-on way to see the island
• Classic car fans and anyone who enjoys vintage vehicle character
• Small groups, couples, and families who want a fun day with breaks and photo moments
• Travelers staying in the Meloneras to south area who can use the meeting point easily

It may be a poor fit if:

• None of you can drive a manual vehicle and you do not want to share the driving responsibility
• You hate the idea of an outdoor, open-air driving day with variable road conditions
• You are expecting a very long guided sightseeing walk at each stop, because the stops are short and focused on views

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, which makes it a flexible option for many visitors. Still, the driving experience is the heart of this activity, so plan around that.

Weather matters, and good conditions make the whole experience better

The experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

For practical planning, check your forecast the day before. If the skies look uncertain, you will feel better if you prepare sunglasses, sun cream, and something for wind. This tour is open-air, and the mountain light can be strong even when the temperature feels comfortable.

Should you book 70’sbuggy in Gran Canaria?

I think this is a very good booking if you want more than scenic roadside photos. The combination of real 1970s VW buggies, small group size, and hosts like Philippe and Simon makes it feel personal and fun, not staged.

Book it if:

• You like the idea of a manual driving adventure with guidance
• You want a route that mixes coast viewpoints, canyon country, and Mogan’s seaside energy
• You value included drinks and the chance to collect photos without stress

Skip it or compare alternatives if:

• You are not comfortable with stick shift and your group cannot share driving
• You are on a knife-edge schedule and cannot tolerate small timing changes
• You prefer slow sightseeing and long stops rather than a drive that keeps moving

If you get the driving part right, you will leave with exactly what this tour sells: open-air freedom, classic car joy, and Gran Canaria views you did not see from behind glass.

FAQ

How long is the buggy tour?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes on average, though real timing can vary a bit depending on the day and stops.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Does the tour include pickup?

Pickup is offered, and the activity also starts at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa (C. Mar Blanco, 6, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana).

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included during the ride?

Coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, bottled water, private transportation, all fees and taxes, and free photo collection from their Facebook page (70’sbuggy).

Are the buggies automatic?

The buggies are manual, so you will want someone in your group who can comfortably drive a stick shift.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.