A 70s buggy makes Gran Canaria feel different. This tour pairs open-air classic driving with a short, well-paced route that shows big island scenery in just 2.5 hours. I especially like how the guides (Philippe and Simon) treat it like a proper fun day, not a rushed bus stop parade.

Two big likes jump out right away. First, you’re not just looking at views from a viewpoint bench. You’re actually driving the twisty roads in a real vintage VW buggy. Second, you get real downtime built in—snacks and drinks, plus photo breaks where the horizon and coastline do the talking.

One thing to think about: the buggies are manual, so if your group includes someone who can’t drive a stick shift, the logistics can get awkward. Also, this is weather-dependent, and one review pointed to timing changes for pickup timing and tour length, so keep expectations flexible.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Real 1970s VW buggies, the kind you remember from road trips and car-nerd dreams
• Small group, up to 4 travelers, so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Philippe and Simon guide and teach you how to drive so you feel confident quickly
• Drink stops are part of the price, including coffee/tea, soda, bottled water, and a village refreshment stop
• Photo pickup after the ride via the 70’sbuggy Facebook page
• A classic route: Arguineguín viewpoints, canyon village vibes, then Mogan’s seaside windmill area

Entering the driver’s seat: what this tour is really like

If you’re picturing a typical sightseeing tour, this is the opposite. You’re in a 70s VW Buggy, open-air, and the driving is part of the experience. Even on flat stretches, it feels connected to the road. Up in the mountain sections, the steering and grip make you pay attention, in a good way.

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes and is built around a handful of scenic stops. That matters because you’re not spending most of your time waiting in traffic or parked somewhere underwhelming. You get motion, viewpoints, and breaks, all in one loop.

The company’s operation is designed for a max of 4 in total. That usually means you’re sharing the fun without the awkwardness of half the group wandering off for photos at the same time.

The route in plain English: stops, timing, and what each one delivers

This ride works because it’s short and varied. You’ll start with coastal scenery, then climb into higher viewpoints and canyon territory, and finish by dropping back toward the sea.

Here’s the tour flow you can expect, with what each stop is good for.

Stop 1: Arguineguín viewpoint break (about 10 minutes)

You’ll head along a superb road by the sea, then arrive at a viewpoint above Arguineguín. This is where the horizon opens up and you can see far along the coast. On clear days, you get a strong visual anchor: the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance.

The guide also points out an Apollo 11 link connected to a former NASA space center, tied to the first image from that mission. It’s a quick bit of context, but it makes the viewpoint feel more specific than just pretty scenery.

What I like about this stop: it’s early enough that you’re still excited, not exhausted. You can breathe, take photos, and get the lay of the island quickly.

Potential drawback: because it’s only around 10 minutes, don’t plan on a long photo session or a slow stroll. If you want lots of pictures, be ready to move fast.

Stop 2: Cercados de Espinos canyon village refresh (about 15 minutes)

Next comes Cercados de Espinos, right in the heart of the canyon area. This stop feels more local and human than the viewpoint: a small Canarian village setting where you pause and reset.

You’ll get an included drink stop here. The tour also schedules multiple chances to appreciate mountain and canyon views along the way, so even between stops you’re not just sitting.

Why this stop is valuable: it breaks up the driving with an actual pause. And the canyon setting changes how the island looks—different angles, different light, and more sense of altitude than the coast provides.

Watch-outs: it’s a short stop, so use the time for water, a quick sit down, and photos. Don’t treat it like a full café break.

Stop 3: Province of Soria viewpoint/sightseeing stop (about 15 minutes)

Then you’ll move into the Province of Soria area for another stretch of big views. The emphasis here is on the scenery itself—short, scenic, and scenic again.

This stop works like a “credit check” for your legs: not too long, but long enough to appreciate what you came for. After driving twisty roads, a brief pause helps your eyes catch up.

Tradeoff: it’s only about 15 minutes, so you’ll be ready to roll again quickly.

Stop 4: Mogan village, windmill sight, and seaside return (about 10 minutes)

Finally, the ride turns toward Mogan. You cross through the village and stop to see a windmill, then you go back down by the seaside.

This is the fun finish. The shift from higher views to sea-level scenery gives you that end-of-tour “we made it” feeling. And because you’re driving, you’re not stuck watching from behind glass.

One practical note: because it’s short—about 10 minutes—this is about seeing and photographing, not lingering.

70s VW Buggy driving: the manual detail you should not ignore

Let’s talk driving reality, because it matters.

From a review, I learned that the buggies are manual, not automatic. That’s huge for who should book. If your group includes someone who can’t drive a stick shift, you may need a workable plan—like having only one person drive in your buggy, while others ride.

The good news: you’re not left to guess. Reviews mention instruction and guidance so you can handle the driving safely and confidently. If you can drive manual already, you’ll likely enjoy the “connected to the road” feeling even more.

If you don’t drive manual, you can still enjoy the tour—just go in knowing you might not all be driving the same car at the same time, depending on the setup that day.

Why the guides make this better than a generic buggy ride

The biggest pattern in the feedback is that the experience feels personal. Philippe shows up as a true car-and-road enthusiast, and Simon often gets called out for being social, funny, and good at teaching driving basics.

I like that they don’t treat the tour like a checklist. You’ll get breaks for drinks and photos, but you’ll also get conversation. Several reviews mention chatting about cars and life in general, which is exactly the difference between a ticket and a day.

For first-timers, the “petrolhead” energy is actually helpful. When someone is excited about what you’re doing, you tend to absorb the driving tips faster. And when you’re on mountain roads, that confidence is worth more than one extra scenic stop.

Also worth noting: some reviews mention buggies running out of fuel or not every vehicle working. The guides still handled it, including taking people back so they could continue the ride. That doesn’t mean you should ignore operational risk, but it does suggest they manage problems on the spot.

Price and value: $169.31 for up to 4

The price is listed as $169.31 per group (up to 4). That’s the part that makes this feel fair.

If you split it four ways, the cost is about $42 per person for a classic VW buggy experience with included drinks and transportation. For Gran Canaria, that’s hard to beat when you consider you’re paying for a vehicle experience and guided route, not just sitting on a bus.

It also helps that the tour includes coffee or tea, soda, bottled water, and local refreshment during the ride, plus all fees and taxes. You’re not scrambling for spending money every hour.

Where value can drop: if you come as a group of fewer than four, the per-person value goes up. Still, the max group size keeps it from turning into a chaotic tourist cattle line.

Practical stuff that affects your day

Here’s what I’d plan around so the tour feels smooth from start to finish.

Meeting point and timing

The meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, C. Mar Blanco, 6, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered. A review mentioned pickup arrangements from a cruise port on the north side, but the only sure “fact” here is that pickup is available. If you’re on a cruise, confirm your pickup details after booking so you’re not relying on hope.

Also note: one review said there was a change in timing expectations (2 hours versus 3 hours). So treat the duration as about 2.5 hours, not an exact minute-by-minute promise.

What to bring

This is an open-air driving experience. Bring sun protection, because you’re climbing and descending in bright island light. Reviews also suggest it can get hot in the mountains, so a hat and sunscreen are smart.

Bring your mobile device for the mobile ticket. Also keep a little cash-free mindset: the included drinks reduce the need for extra purchases during stops.

Photos after the ride

You’ll have free access to all the photos of the excursion collected on the 70’sbuggy Facebook page. That’s a nice touch because it saves you from trying to be both driver and photographer.

Service animals and general participation

Service animals are allowed, and it says most travelers can participate. The real limiter for participation is likely driving ability if you want to spend your time behind the wheel, since buggies are manual.

Should you book this? A clear yes-or-no guide

Book this tour if you want:

• A real driving experience in a 1970s VW Buggy, not a slow sightseeing ride
• Stunning coastal views plus mountain roads in one compact afternoon
• A small-group day with guides like Philippe and Simon who actually interact and teach

Skip or rethink if you:

• Need a fully automatic vehicle, since the buggies are manual
• Have a super tight schedule tied to a strict docking or pickup time, because a small number of reviews mention timing complications
• Hate short stops and quick photo opportunities. This is designed for motion and brief viewpoints, not long hikes

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria 70s buggy tour?

It’s listed as about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What’s the group size limit?

This activity has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Do you offer pickup, and where do we meet?

Pickup is offered. The meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, C. Mar Blanco, 6, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Are the buggies automatic or manual?

The buggies are manual, so you should be comfortable with stick shift driving if you plan to drive.

What’s included for drinks and comfort?

Coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, and bottled water are included. There’s also a drink stop in the canyon village included in the price.

Where do I get the photos from the excursion?

All the photos are free to collect on the 70’sbuggy Facebook page.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me how many people are in your group and whether anyone drives stick, I can help you gauge whether this is a great fit or a potential headache.