Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

A real 1970s Volkswagen buggy is the star here, not just a prop for a quick photograph. From Sunset Beach Meloneras, you head past Maspalomas and up into the mountains, with the wind in your hair and a small, open classic car between you and the road.

I like the personal feel, the coastal and mountain scenery, and the chance to stop in small Canarian places for a drink. Philippe is often the guide, with Simon and Silvia also involved, and the experience seems built around friendly conversation rather than moving a large crowd through a fixed route. The main drawback is that these are old cars on winding mountain roads, so driving requires attention and may not suit anyone who wants a soft, quiet sightseeing ride.

Key points to know before booking

• You can drive a genuine 1970s VW buggy if you are at least 25 and carry your original driving licence.
• The route links Maspalomas, the coast, Arguineguin, Mogan, and mountain roads in a three-hour outing.
• Philippe is the main name to know, with guides including Simon and Silvia also helping lead tours.
• Stops are part of the fun, with time for photos, views, and a complimentary coffee, tea, soda, or water.
• This is a small, personal experience, not a big coach tour with one group after another.
• The $223 price covers a group of up to two, so it makes most sense for a couple or two people sharing the booking.

A classic car tour with real character

Gran Canaria has plenty of ways to see its southern resorts. You can take a coach, rent a modern car, or join a standard buggy outing. This one offers something quite different: a chance to sit in and drive a rare 1970s Volkswagen buggy on public roads.

The charm comes from the car itself. You do not simply look at a restored vehicle in a garage. You feel the steering, the open air, the older controls, and the road beneath you. One driver described it as feeling like driving a real machine rather than a modern rental car. That is exactly the appeal, though it also means you should not expect modern-car comfort.

The buggies are described as well maintained and easy enough to drive, but one important detail remains: a vintage car does not behave exactly like a new automatic vehicle. You should listen closely when the guide explains the controls and take the first part of the route at a sensible pace.

Starting from Meloneras and Maspalomas

The meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, a convenient start in the south of Gran Canaria. The route includes sightseeing around Maspalomas before heading toward the coast and the interior.

Maspalomas gives the outing a familiar resort starting point, but the purpose is not to spend three hours circling the hotel strip. You are soon looking outward, toward the coast and the rising roads beyond the resort area. From higher ground, you may see the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance, with the southern coastline spread below.

The open buggy makes even ordinary road sections feel more noticeable. You hear the engine, feel the air, and have a far clearer sense of the temperature and changing scenery than you would inside a sealed coach. Bring sun protection, and remember that an open vehicle offers less shelter if the weather changes.

Coastal views near Arguineguin

As the route reaches the coastal side of the island, the views around Arguineguin become one of the strongest parts of the trip. You get broad views over the town and the sea, with several planned stops for photographs.

These stops matter because the tour is not only about driving. The guide gives you time to get out, look around, and take pictures with the buggy in the frame. If you enjoy taking holiday photographs, the classic car adds a clear sense of place and period to the images.

From the southern heights, you may also see the former NASA space center from far away. It is not presented as a visit inside the facility, so keep your expectations clear: this is a distant sight along a scenic route, not a space-center tour.

The coastal part is also a good test of your driving comfort. The route is on tarmac roads rather than an off-road track, but you still need to follow the guide, watch the bends, and leave room for other traffic. This is a road tour with scenery, not a high-speed race.

Up through the canyons and mountain roads

The tour then turns inland through canyons and winding mountain roads. This is where the experience becomes more than a novelty car ride.

Gran Canaria changes quickly as you leave the resort area. The road climbs, bends, and opens onto views of valleys and steep slopes. You may pass through or near places such as Cercado de Espino and Mogan, with the exact flow depending on the day and weather.

Several people who have taken the outing particularly enjoyed reaching the higher roads. One route description includes a climb toward the mountain tops, followed by a descent and a stop at a small taverna. That combination gives the day a nice rhythm: drive, stop, look, drink, then continue.

You should know that the mountain section is not a casual cruise for someone who dislikes bends. A guide described the roads as safe, but they can still feel challenging, particularly in an older open car. If you are driving, keep your speed under control and let the guide set the pace. If your companion is driving, you can concentrate on the views and take photographs when the group stops.

Canarian villages and drink stops

A complimentary drink is included, with coffee, tea, soda, or water available. The stop is more useful than it may sound. It breaks up the driving and gives you a chance to speak with Philippe or the other guide away from the road.

The route includes a small Canarian village and countryside stops, rather than only the main resort towns. That is one of the better reasons to choose this activity. You get a glimpse of a quieter side of the island, with local roads and small places that a standard sightseeing route might pass by.

Some outings have stopped at mountain tavernas and at a place described as Miguel’s taverna. The precise stop can vary, but you should expect a modest refreshment break rather than a full meal or a formal restaurant visit.

This part of the trip also shows the guide’s role. Philippe is known for talking about cars, the island, and the route, while keeping the mood relaxed. If you enjoy asking questions and chatting with a local guide, that personal contact adds real value. If you prefer to be left alone with your camera, the conversational style may feel more involved than you want.

What driving the buggy is really like

If you are at least 25 and have your original driving licence, you can drive. The licence requirement is specific, so do not rely on a photograph or a copy. If you do not meet the age or document requirement, the guide drives you instead.

That rule makes the trip flexible for couples. One person can drive while the other enjoys the scenery, and some outings have included a driver change during the route. The supplied information does not promise a set amount of driving time for each person, so ask the guide at the start if both of you want a turn.

The cars are old enough to provide a genuine classic-car feel. You may need a little more care with steering, braking, or gear controls than you would in a modern vehicle. One past participant felt the guide could have explained the car more fully before setting off, so I would ask questions at the garage or starting point rather than pretending you understand everything.

The guides lead the group, which takes pressure off route-finding. You do not need to plan a mountain route or navigate unfamiliar bends yourself. Your job is to follow safely and enjoy the drive.

Why the small-group format matters

The price is $223 per group of up to two people. That is not a cheap three-hour sightseeing ticket, but the comparison is not quite fair if you treat it like a standard bus excursion.

You are paying for the classic vehicle, a guide-led route, a small-group setting, scenic stops, and the option to drive. For a couple who care about old cars or want a memorable half-day activity, the cost can make sense. The value is weaker if you are mainly looking for a low-cost way to see Maspalomas.

The personal scale is important. This is not described as a large convoy or a high-volume commercial operation. The group is small, and the guide can spend time talking with you, adjusting the pace, and making extra effort where possible. Some outings have included hotel pickup and return, although you should confirm that directly when booking rather than assume it is guaranteed for every location.

The excursion lasts three hours, though one outing ran longer than expected. I would still plan your day around the stated three-hour duration, with a little spare time before your next fixed appointment.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you fit one or more of these descriptions:

• You like classic cars and want to drive rather than simply look at them.
• You want coastal views and mountain scenery in the same outing.
• You prefer a small personal tour to a large organised excursion.
• You enjoy winding roads and do not mind an open, older vehicle.
• You want to see a quieter side of southern Gran Canaria.
• You are happy to stop for conversation, photos, and a simple drink.

It is also a good option for people over 50 who still enjoy driving and want something more distinctive than a standard rental car. The open buggy has a playful feel, but this is not only for young visitors. Families have taken part too, although children under six are not suitable for the activity.

I would think twice if you dislike mountain bends, want air conditioning, need a silent ride, or expect a polished luxury excursion. The buggy is part of the point, and its age brings both character and a few compromises.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information provided does not explain how wheelchair transfer or storage works in the buggy. If that detail matters to you, contact the provider before paying.

Weather, clothing, and practical preparation

The tour depends on favorable weather. Since the vehicle is open, conditions matter more than they would on a coach trip. A light layer, sunglasses, sunscreen, and secure footwear are sensible choices. Keep your phone or camera protected and easy to reach during stops, not while driving.

Bring your original driving licence if you plan to take the wheel. You must be at least 25 to drive, and intoxication is not allowed. Those rules are straightforward, but they are important because the route uses public mountain roads.

The guides speak Spanish, French, and English. Philippe is the name most closely linked with the experience, while Simon and Silvia have also guided or helped with outings. If you have questions about the car, driving turns, pickup, or accessibility, ask before departure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your island plans may shift, but weather can still affect the running of the tour.

My verdict on the 70s VW buggy tour

I like this outing because it gives you a proper sense of Gran Canaria beyond the resort roads. You see the coast near Arguineguin, look back toward Maspalomas, climb through canyons, stop in a village, and share the road with a guide who clearly enjoys old cars.

The strongest feature is the mix of classic-car driving and mountain scenery. The second is the personal approach. Philippe, Simon, and Silvia appear to treat the trip as a shared outing rather than a conveyor belt of bookings.

The tradeoff is comfort. You need to be happy with an open car, winding roads, changing weather, and a vehicle that requires more attention than a modern automatic. At $223 for up to two people, I see good value for a couple who will drive and care about the car. I see less value for anyone seeking only a quick view of the island.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the thought of steering a rare 1970s VW buggy through Gran Canaria’s mountain roads sounds more exciting than sitting in a coach. Bring your licence, leave room in your schedule, and expect a friendly, informal outing with photo stops and a simple drink.

Skip it if you want a smooth, quiet ride or dislike hairpin bends. For everyone else, especially car fans and couples looking for a memorable three hours in the south of the island, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the 70s VW buggy tour start?

The tour starts at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa and returns there after the three-hour outing.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is three hours. Availability depends on the selected starting time.

Can I drive the Volkswagen buggy?

You can drive if you are at least 25 years old and bring your original driving licence. If you do not meet those conditions, the guide drives you.

What driving licence do I need to bring?

You need to bring your original driving licence. A copy or other substitute is not specified as acceptable.

Which places can I see on the route?

The route includes sightseeing around Maspalomas and can take you toward Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogan, coastal viewpoints, canyons, and mountain roads. You may also see the Maspalomas lighthouse and a former NASA space center from a distance.

Is a drink included?

Yes. The excursion includes one complimentary coffee, tea, soda, or water.

Which languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, French, and English.

Can children join the tour?

Children under six are not suitable for this activity. The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical arrangements if a wheelchair user is joining.