Reviewed · GRAN CANARIA BUGGY TOURS

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

5.0 · 101 reviews 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Operated by 70'sbuggy · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

A real 1970s Volkswagen Buggy is the star here. You are not sitting in a coach watching Gran Canaria pass by. You are holding the wheel, feeling the warm air, and following coastal and mountain roads in a small vintage car. Guides Philippe and Simon add a personal touch, with drinks, photo stops, and plenty of car talk along the way.

I especially like the route from the sea into the high country, and I like that the tour is limited to a maximum of four people. The price of $169.31 is per group of up to four, which makes it good value for a family or a small group. The main caution is important: the buggies are manual, and vehicle availability or pickup arrangements have occasionally caused trouble.

Quick points before you book

Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. - Quick points before you book

  • You drive a genuine 1970s Buggy: These are real vintage cars, not modern theme-park replicas.
  • The route mixes coast and mountains: You see Arguineguin, canyon roads, Soria, and Mogán in one outing.
  • Philippe and Simon lead the experience: Their relaxed, friendly style is a major part of the appeal.
  • The group is very small: The maximum is four people, so this feels more personal than a large motor tour.
  • Manual transmission is essential: Confirm that every intended driver can drive a stick shift before booking.
  • Drinks and photos are included: Expect water, soda, coffee or tea, and free excursion photos through the company’s Facebook page.

Why a 1970s Buggy changes the tour

Gran Canaria is easy to see from a hired car, but a vintage Buggy changes the pace and mood. The open design gives you a clear view of the coast, hills, and sky. You hear the engine, feel the road, and take part in the drive instead of simply being carried around.

That appeal is strongest for people who enjoy old cars. The vehicles are described as real 1970s buggies, and the guides are serious car enthusiasts. One vehicle from 1969 was reported to run well on both flat roads and mountain climbs, while another outing involved a fuel problem that Philippe handled by moving the group into his own Buggy. These details show both sides of the experience: the cars are fun and well loved, but vintage motoring can bring more uncertainty than a modern minibus.

You should also know that the experience is not an off-road safari. The route uses seaside roads, smooth mountain roads, winding climbs, and village streets. One person specifically noted that the group did not drive across open ground. If you want mud, tracks, and rough off-road driving, this is not that sort of excursion.

More buggy trips into the hills:

From Sunset Beach Meloneras to the open road

Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. - From Sunset Beach Meloneras to the open road

The stated meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras, at Playa C. Mar Blanco, 6, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The tour returns to this same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and the guides have also collected people from hotels and cruise ports in some cases.

Pickup deserves a quick check before you pay. The experience includes private transportation, but cruise-port arrangements have not always been simple. One booking involved a promised port pickup that later changed, creating an expensive taxi ride. Another cruise-port outing worked very well, with the guide collecting the group from the north side and getting them to the south side in under 45 minutes.

The practical lesson is plain: confirm your exact pickup point and return plan in writing, especially if you are arriving by cruise ship. If you must return to a ship at a fixed time, allow plenty of spare time and make sure the guide knows your departure deadline.

The advertised duration is about two and a half hours. Some outings have lasted closer to three hours, and one cruise-port group spent roughly three and a half hours including stops and transport. Ask about the expected timing for your date. A flexible schedule will help you enjoy the ride instead of watching the clock.

Arguineguin gives you the first big coastal view

Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. - Arguineguin gives you the first big coastal view

The first listed stop comes after a fine road beside the sea. The Buggy climbs to a viewpoint above Arguineguin, where you can look over the coast and out toward the horizon.

This is more than a quick roadside pause. From the viewpoint, you may see the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance. You can also look toward the former NASA space center connected with the first image from the Apollo 11 expedition. The stop lasts about 10 minutes and is free, with no separate admission fee.

Bring your phone or camera here. The open Buggy makes it easy to enjoy the view during the drive, but a short stop gives you time to take pictures without trying to photograph while driving. The route also gives you a sense of how quickly Gran Canaria changes from resort coast to high mountain country.

Cercados de Espinos brings a village and a drink stop

The road then heads into the canyon toward Cercados de Espinos, a small Canarian village. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and includes a drink.

Included refreshments are coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water. Some outings have also included mango juice, which became a memorable part of one family’s day. Food is not listed as a standard inclusion, though individual outings may have included shared food or snacks. You should not count on a meal unless the provider confirms it.

The village stop helps break up the drive. A vintage car is exciting, but you will appreciate a chance to stretch, take pictures, and cool down. Several of the route pauses are also chosen for mountain and canyon views, so the tour does not feel like one long driving test.

Same island, a completely different sort of day:

Soria is about the mountain views

Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. - Soria is about the mountain views

The Province of Soria appears as the third major stop, with about 15 minutes for scenery. The supplied details do not give a long list of attractions here, so think of it as a viewpoint and mountain-road section rather than a town visit with a formal sightseeing program.

This is where the route feels most different from a beach holiday. You climb through twisting roads and see the island from higher ground. Several people found the mountain roads to be the most memorable part, especially the combination of uphill driving, downhill bends, and broad views.

The road itself is part of the attraction. You need to pay attention, particularly in a manual vintage car. The experience is enjoyable because you are engaged, but that also means it is not a passive sightseeing ride. If you prefer to relax completely while someone else handles every bend, ask whether you can ride as a passenger.

Mogán closes the loop beside the sea

Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. - Mogán closes the loop beside the sea

The tour crosses Mogán at the wheel of the Buggy and stops to see a windmill. After that, the route heads back down toward the seaside.

Mogán adds a village element to the day and gives you another change of scenery. You have already seen coast and canyon, then climbed into the mountains. The return toward the sea completes that visual contrast without requiring a separate attraction ticket.

The stop is listed at about 10 minutes. That is enough for a look and a few photographs, but not enough for an extended visit. You should view Mogán as one part of a moving tour rather than a full town exploration.

What Philippe and Simon add to the drive

The guides are a key reason this works as more than a vehicle rental. Philippe and Simon are described as friendly car enthusiasts who enjoy conversation as much as driving. Simon is often praised for giving clear instruction and keeping the mood light, while Philippe is known for taking extra care with families and special occasions.

That personal style suits a small group. A birthday outing has included extra effort to make the day feel special, and families with children have found the guides welcoming. The tour has also worked for people who simply wanted to talk about cars and island life while driving.

The experience is offered in English. The supplied material also includes comments in French, German, and Swedish, but English is the stated language for the activity. If you need another language, confirm that before booking.

Manual cars are the biggest practical issue

Do not skip this point. The buggies are manual, and the original details do not promise an automatic option. One group arrived expecting an automatic vehicle and discovered that all the cars were stick shift. Because only one person could drive manually, three people had to share one Buggy.

Before booking, ask two questions:

  • Can every person who wants to drive use a manual transmission?
  • Will the planned number of working buggies be available?

The tour allows a maximum of four people, but that does not automatically mean four separate vehicles. The normal arrangement may place two people in a Buggy, and the guide drives a separate vehicle. The number of cars can vary, so clarify whether you are paying for one or more buggies and how the seating will work.

This matters for both comfort and value. If four people can share two cars and take turns driving, the price is attractive. If only one person can drive, the others may spend much of the tour as passengers. That can still be enjoyable, but it is a different experience from what some people expect.

How good is the $169.31 group price?

At $169.31 for up to four people, the cost works out to about $42 per person if the group is full. That includes the vintage vehicle, private transportation, drinks, all fees and taxes, and the guided route.

I consider that a fair price for a small group, particularly if you value the unusual car and the personal guiding. A standard sightseeing trip may show you similar parts of the island, but it will not give you the same hands-on driving experience. The private-group format also keeps you from being tied to a large coach schedule.

The value drops if you cannot drive, need an extra vehicle that was not clearly arranged, or have to pay a large taxi fare because of an unclear pickup. Confirm those details before your cancellation deadline. The price is strongest for two to four people who are comfortable sharing a manual Buggy and want the drive itself to be the main attraction.

Heat, sun, and comfort on the road

The open-air design is one of the best features, but it also exposes you to the sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water even though bottled water is included. Mountain air can feel cooler, while sun on the coast and during stops can be strong.

Wear practical clothing for a moving vehicle. The information provided does not specify helmets, protective equipment, or a dress code, so ask the operator if you need details about those points. The roads are described as smooth compared with roads in the United Kingdom, but you are still driving a vintage open car on winding mountain routes.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation. No special fitness requirement is given, but you should be comfortable sitting in a small vehicle for several hours and handling a manual gearbox if you plan to drive.

A strong choice for families and car fans

This suits families, couples, and friends who want something more personal than a standard island outing. Children have taken part in family groups, including a family with children aged six and nine. The provider sets the maximum at four people, which makes it easier to keep the day social and flexible.

It is especially good for:

  • People who enjoy classic cars
  • Families celebrating a birthday
  • Cruise passengers with a carefully confirmed schedule
  • Couples who want coastal and mountain scenery in one outing
  • Small groups happy to share a manual vehicle
  • Anyone who likes meeting a guide and chatting along the way

It is less suitable for anyone who expects an automatic car, a guaranteed separate vehicle for each driver, a strict two-and-a-half-hour finish, or a true off-road adventure. The experience depends on old vehicles, so a little patience helps.

Photos, refreshments, and the small extras

All excursion photos are free to collect through the company’s Facebook page, listed under 70’sbuggy. That is useful if you want memories of the group and the cars without stopping constantly to photograph yourselves.

Drinks are included, with coffee or tea, soda, and bottled water specified. Mango juice has also been served on an outing. These small touches matter because the route includes warm open-air driving and several pauses.

The tour also includes all fees and taxes, so the advertised group price is easier to understand. There is no separate admission charge for the listed stops.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is normally received at booking. If you book within three hours of departure, confirmation may arrive later and depends on availability.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the outing, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the Buggy is open, that weather rule is sensible rather than a minor technical condition.

Should you book the Gran Canaria 70s Buggy tour?

I would book this if the idea of driving a real vintage Buggy sounds as appealing as the views. The route gives you a lively mix of coast, canyon, mountain bends, village roads, Mogán, and a windmill, while Philippe and Simon bring warmth and humor to the day. The small-group price is particularly good when four people share it.

I would not book without first confirming the manual gearbox, number of vehicles, pickup point, and return timing. Those details can make the difference between a smooth outing and an expensive nuisance.

For a flexible family or small group of classic-car fans, this is a memorable way to see parts of Gran Canaria that you might otherwise miss. For anyone wanting a guaranteed automatic, strict timing, or rough off-road driving, choose a different excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Sunset Beach Meloneras, Playa C. Mar Blanco, 6, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. Some outings have taken closer to three hours or longer when transport and stops are included.

How many people can join?

The maximum is four people.

Is the price per person or per group?

The stated price of $169.31 is per group of up to four people.

Are the buggies automatic?

The buggies are manual. Confirm the driving arrangements before booking if more than one person wants to drive.

What stops are included?

The route includes Arguineguin, Cercados de Espinos, the Province of Soria, and Mogán, with coastal, canyon, mountain, and village scenery.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Coffee or tea, soda, and bottled water are included.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos from the excursion are free to collect through the company’s Facebook page under 70’sbuggy.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included. Confirm the exact pickup location and return plan directly, especially for a cruise-port pickup.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Just reviewed around Gran Canaria

More like this

Gran Canaria Buggy Tours, compared.

The full Gran Canaria Buggy Tours list →
Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,743 reviews· from $85

Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour

Read our review →
Buggy Tour Gran Canaria
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 914 reviews· from $90

Buggy Tour Gran Canaria

Read our review →
3 Wheel Motorcycle like Quad/Buggy Tour Gran Canaria (Maspalomas)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 237 reviews· from $90

3 Wheel Motorcycle like Quad/Buggy Tour Gran Canaria (Maspalomas)

Read our review →
Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 205 reviews· from $141

Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour

Read our review →
Volcanic Landscapes 4-Seater Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 195 reviews

Volcanic Landscapes 4-Seater Buggy Tour

Read our review →
Dirt Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 97 reviews· from $147

Dirt Buggy Tour

Read our review →
Ryker Moto Tour to Fataga (Mountain buggy)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 88 reviews· from $88

Ryker Moto Tour to Fataga (Mountain buggy)

Read our review →
Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 73 reviews

Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

All of Gran Canaria, by kind of day

Pick a coast, a barranco or a table.