A classic buggy makes the island feel smaller. In a few hours, you’ll trade resorts for coastal views and canyon roads in a real 70s Volkswagen. It’s a proper change of pace from typical sightseeing—part driving thrill, part scenic road trip.

What I love most is the feeling of driving a vintage car again, not just riding in comfort. Second, the tour stays personal thanks to a hands-on guide like Philippe (and in some cases Simon), who turns stops into mini stories about the area.

The main drawback to plan around is that the tour runs when conditions are good, and driving comes with a rule: you need to be 25+ with your original license to drive yourself. Otherwise, the guide drives.

Key highlights worth knowing

• A rare chance to ride in and drive a vintage 70s VW buggy
• Coastal routes + mountain canyons for big scenery without the long travel day
• Stops built for photos, including views toward Maspalomas
• A Canarian village stop with a complimentary drink
• Small, friendly touring style, not a cattle-call operation
• All on-road driving (tarmac), so you get real road feel—not theme-park tracks

Why this 70s VW buggy tour feels like a real Gran Canaria day

A VW buggy from the 1970s doesn’t just look cool. It changes your pace. You’re higher up than a normal car, exposed to the wind, and you can actually feel speed and corners in a way you won’t get in a modern rental. That old-school mechanical feel is part of the magic here.

The route also matters. This isn’t a flat “drive past the same viewpoint” loop. You’ll move between the coastal side and inland canyons, picking up views around Arguineguín, Cercado de Espino, and Mogán. On clear stretches, you’ll see the iconic Maspalomas lighthouse off in the distance, plus far-away hints of a former NASA space center.

And yes, it’s sightseeing, but it’s sightseeing with motion. You’re not sitting on a bus while someone talks at you. You’re earning the views with your hands on the wheel (or sitting close enough to enjoy every twist when the guide drives).

Meeting point at Sunset Beach Meloneras: getting set up fast

Your tour starts and ends at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. Expect to meet your guide there and get the quick setup so you know how the buggy works before you roll out.

A detail I think you’ll appreciate: multiple guests report being picked up from their hotel, and in at least one case transport was arranged when booked late. That’s not guaranteed in the official wording, but it does signal that this operator tends to treat the day like a personal plan, not a strict “show up at the door” system.

Once you arrive, the guide typically takes you to the garage area and walks you through driving. If you’re used to modern cars, plan on a short learning curve. One guest put it best: it’s not like driving a modern car. The good news is the roads are tarmac and you’re not thrown into chaos—you follow the guide and build confidence quickly.

Behind the wheel: the 25+ driving rule and how the day runs

Here’s the deal if you want to drive:

• You must be at least 25 years old
• You need your original driving license with you
• If you don’t meet the age/license requirement, the guide drives

This matters because it shapes the whole experience. If you’re eligible to drive, the day becomes your own little rally—wind, engine sound, and those mountain bends that make you sit up straighter. If you’re not, you’ll still enjoy the speed and scenery, just from the passenger seat with the guide handling the driving.

The operator also flags that intoxication is not allowed, which is exactly what you want for a vintage-car road outing. Keep it clean, bring a calm attitude, and you’ll fit right in.

One more practical point: since the drive includes mountain roads and hairpin bends, go in with patience. Even when roads are safe and the guide knows the route, a classic buggy responds differently. If you tend to be tense while driving, mention it to the guide early so they can set a comfortable rhythm.

Maspalomas sights: the day’s first big viewpoint moments

Maspalomas is where your route begins to “open up.” After meeting at Meloneras, you head toward Maspalomas for sightseeing and viewpoints. Think of this as the island’s warm-up—getting your eyes used to the coastline, the scale, and how the light hits the sand and cliffs.

If the weather is working in your favor, the sightlines from this region are excellent for photos. Even if you don’t remember every name on a map, you’ll recognize the geography: wide coastal views, the sense that the island drops away quickly, and the way Maspalomas landmarks show up in the distance.

This is also where you’ll get a feel for how the guide times stops. You’re not rushed. Stops are spaced so you can actually look, frame a photo, and then move on without the constant “one minute and we’re gone” energy that can ruin a scenic drive.

From Arguineguín to Cercado de Espino: coastal beauty meets canyon roads

Once you’re rolling, the tour leans into what makes Gran Canaria worth leaving the beach for. You’ll drive along scenic coastal routes and through captivating canyons, which is a fancy way of saying: the road turns, the air changes, and the views start appearing from new angles every few minutes.

Along the way, your route is set to include viewpoints around Arguineguín, Cercado de Espino, and Mogán. These are the kind of places that feel “local” even when you’re seeing them from the road. You’re not just going from one major attraction to another; you’re passing through the island’s different moods.

What to watch for:

• The moments where the road drops and the coastline stretches out beneath you
• The canyon sections where the light gets dramatic
• The transitions where you can feel the island moving from sea air to mountain air

And because this is a buggy, you feel it more. An open-top drive makes you pay attention. You notice gusts before you even see the turn, and you’ll likely remember the day by sensations as much as by photos.

Mogán and the wind-in-your-hair road feel

Mogán is part of the big scenic loop, and it’s one of those areas people associate with relaxed coastal beauty. On this tour, it’s not a quiet “walk-around and shop” stop. It’s a drive-through with viewpoint time built in, which keeps the day feeling like a journey.

The wind-in-your-hair feeling is real. Multiple guests describe the open top experience as a highlight—wind, speed, and the feeling that you’re in the middle of the landscape, not parked in front of it. If you’re the type who likes travel days that feel active, this is a strong match.

Just be honest with yourself about comfort. If you hate wind or you’re sensitive to driving in exposed vehicles, you might prefer a closed-car tour. But if you’re okay with the breeze and want the classic-car vibe, this is exactly the kind of tour you’ll remember long after you get back home.

The Canarian village stop: coffee break with actual atmosphere

A key part of the experience is a stop at a quaint Canarian village, where you’ll get a complimentary beverage. Depending on what you choose, it’s coffee, tea, soda, or water—simple, practical, and perfectly timed.

This stop works because it breaks up the driving with something human. You’ll have a minute to stretch, look around, and catch your breath while the guide coordinates the group. It’s also a chance to reset your camera settings, since the lighting can change fast once you head back toward the inland sections.

One thing I like about this type of stop is that it’s not just a “grab a drink and run back to the car.” The tour is set up so you have enough time to actually enjoy the village pause and take photos without feeling pressured.

How Philippe and Simon make the ride feel personal

A tour like this lives or dies on the guide. Here, the names you’ll likely hear are Philippe and Simon, and their style comes through in the way they talk and move the day along.

From the way guests describe it, the best part is how the guide mixes driving with stories and friendly conversation. They know the roads, they keep things moving at a reasonable pace, and they’re happy to answer questions about the cars and the island.

That personal touch is also why this feels different from larger operators. Several guests talk about the small-group vibe—more like going out with people who love what they do, less like joining a line.

Value for money: $223 per group up to 2

This tour is priced at $223 per group up to 2, for a 3-hour excursion. That can sound steep until you do the math with how the experience is packaged.

If you’re booking with someone—partner, friend, or parent you trust—that price can be roughly half per person. More importantly, you’re paying for:

• a real vintage vehicle experience (not a photo-op car parked for show)
• a guided route through multiple scenic areas
• a drive or ride experience with time built in for viewpoints
• a complimentary drink
• a guide in Spanish, French, or English

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll feel the price more because you’re still buying the whole group slot. In that case, I’d only book if you’re specifically craving the driving thrill of a vintage buggy and not just looking for a scenic afternoon.

Who should book this buggy tour (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• want something different from beaches and standard day trips
• enjoy driving or at least love the excitement of open-top classic vehicles
• like scenic roads, viewpoints, and photo stops
• care about a small-group feel and a friendly, knowledgeable guide

You might think twice if you:

• need a fully relaxed, low-movement tour day (this is an active road experience)
• get stressed on windy, exposed vehicles
• have young kids—it’s noted as not suitable for children under 6

Practical tips before you go

A few things will make your day smoother:

• Bring your driving license if you want to drive, and bring it as the original document.
• Wear something comfortable for wind. The buggy experience is partly weather and air.
• Plan around favorable weather conditions. If conditions are rough, the tour may not run as scheduled.
• Skip alcohol before driving. Intoxication is explicitly not allowed.
• If you’re over 25 but still nervous, tell the guide up front. You’ll get a safer, more enjoyable pace.

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

I think this is a yes for the right traveler. If you want a memorable Gran Canaria day that feels like a road trip through real areas—coast, canyons, viewpoints—and you’re excited by the charm of a 1970s VW buggy, this tour hits the sweet spot.

If you’re purely chasing a calm, minimal-effort sightseeing plan, you may prefer something slower. But if you like the idea of tarmac mountain roads, wind-in-your-face driving, and a guide who actually connects with the group, book it.

One last nudge: go in expecting a classic-car feel. The steering and pace won’t be like a modern car, and that’s the point. When you lean into it, the day becomes the highlight, not just another excursion.

FAQ

How long is the 70s VW Buggy Tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

Can I drive the buggy myself?

You can drive if you are at least 25 years old and you have your original driving license. If not, the guide will drive.

What’s included in the price?

The 3-hour excursion and a complimentary drink (coffee, tea, soda, or water).

What languages are the guides?

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

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Does the tour run in all weather?

It’s subject to favorable weather conditions.

What should I bring?

A driving license is required if you plan to drive.

Is intoxication allowed?

No—intoxication is not allowed.