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

Four wheels, real charm, serious views. This Gran Canaria 1970s VW Buggy tour is a fun mix of driving and scenery, with included coffee, soda, and water during photo stops. The one real heads-up: the buggies are manual, so stick-shift comfort matters.

I like that this runs with a small cap of 4 people, which keeps the route personal and the pace relaxed instead of chaotic. You’ll start at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa and ride with car people like Simon and Philippe, who make the whole day feel like a friendly road trip with checkpoints.

Key highlights worth caring about

• A real 1970s Buggy from the company fleet, not a look-alike
• Small group size (max 4) so you spend more time actually driving
• Arguineguín viewpoint with sights toward Maspalomas lighthouse and an Apollo 11 era NASA site
• Cercados de Espinos canyon village stop with a included drink break
• Mogán village + windmill photo stop before heading back down by the seaside
• Free excursion photos available to download from the 70’sbuggy Facebook page

Meeting the 70s VW buggies in Meloneras (and what to expect)

Your day starts back at the same place it begins, at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. If you booked pickup, you still end at the meeting point, which keeps things simple when you’re planning the rest of your day in Gran Canaria.

The tour is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes, and in practice it can feel like a proper half-day because you’re not just passing through scenery. You’re stopping for views, drinks, and photos, and the driving itself is part of the fun because these are classic-style buggies.

A quick mindset shift that helps

Don’t think of it as a strict bus tour with quick photo stops. Think of it as a guided drive with scenic breaks, where your time is split between the road, the canyon air, and the seaside outlooks.

And if you’re wondering about the tone, the reviews match what you’d hope for from a vintage-car operation. Guides like Simon and Philippe come across as true petrolheads, and they’re happy to talk cars, driving, and island life, without making it stiff or formal.

Price and value: what you’re actually paying for

The price is $169.31 per group for up to 4 people, with all fees and taxes included. That matters because buggy tours can quietly turn expensive once you add “extras.” Here, the core experience is bundled, including transportation and refreshments.

Here’s why it can feel like good value. You’re paying for:

• A small-group guided drive, not a crowded run
• A classic vehicle experience with multiple scenic viewpoints
• Drinks and water included (coffee or tea, soda, bottled water)
• Photos you can pick up later from the 70’sbuggy Facebook page

For many people, the biggest value piece is the group size. When you keep it to four, you avoid the situation where you’re waiting too long for the next vehicle or the next turn. You also get more time to learn the basics if you’re driving.

Stop 1, Arguineguín: coastal road, horizon views, Apollo 11 era link

After an excellent road by the sea, you’ll reach a viewpoint overlooking Arguineguín and the coast. This is one of those moments where the island opens up all at once, with the horizon stretching out and the coastline dropping away below you.

Two specific things make this stop memorable:

• You get a view toward the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance
• You’re told about the former NASA space center that was connected to the first imagery of the Apollo 11 expedition

Even if you don’t want science history in your vacation, this kind of reference gives the viewpoint a sharper edge. It’s not just pretty, it’s meaningful, and it helps you understand why the island has that “there’s something big out there” feeling from certain angles.

Practical tip: bring your phone or camera with charging ready. This stop is about 10 minutes, so you’ll want to be ready to snap right when the views hit.

Stop 2, Cercados de Espinos: canyon village break and the drink pause

Next you head into Cercados de Espinos, described as being in the heart of the canyon. The vibe here shifts from coast-air to mountain-air, and you’ll feel that change as the route angles away from the sea.

This is also where you’ll get a small Canarian village stop and a drink break included. On paper it sounds small, but it’s a smart rhythm choice. You’re not just driving, then driving, then more driving. You get a chance to reset, cool down a bit, and take photos without feeling rushed.

The route also includes multiple stops on the road to enjoy mountain and canyon views. That means you’re not stuck watching one stretch of scenery from the same angle. You’ll likely get a few different angles on the canyon walls as the road winds.

What to watch for: canyon driving can be a little more “serpentine” in feel. If you get car-sick easily on winding roads, it helps to sit where you feel most stable in the buggy and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible.

Stop 3, Province of Soria: where the route turns scenic on purpose

You’ll spend about 15 minutes in the Province of Soria area, described simply as stunning scenery. With only a short time here, the goal is clear: enough time for you to step in, look around, snap pictures, and then keep moving.

This stop is valuable because the tour keeps varying your scenery. You’ve gone from seaside viewpoint to canyon village. The Province of Soria break adds a different kind of “high-road” perspective, which makes the day feel like more than one long drive.

If you’re trying to judge this tour before you book, this stop is a clue to the style. You are not getting a single big photo spot and calling it a day. You’re getting several chances to see different views and terrain in a short time.

Stop 4, Mogán: windmill stop and the ride back to the seaside

In Mogán, you cross the village at the wheel of the buggies. The day’s final viewpoint focus includes a windmill stop, then you head back down by the seaside.

This part works well because it brings the energy down to earth. After the climb and the canyon stretch, you shift into a more relaxed return route where the coastline comes back into view and the driving feels more flowy.

Also, the stop at the windmill is a classic travel win. It gives you a recognizable marker in the village setting, so your photos don’t all look like the same mountain view. You’ll likely remember the windmill stop later because it’s a clear “we were here” detail.

Time-wise, this final segment is about 10 minutes for the stop portion, so if you want photos at multiple angles, don’t wait until you’re half done. Aim for quick, clean shots while the moment is right.

Driving a manual VW buggy: thrills, but read this first

At least some buggies on this tour are manual, meaning a stick shift. One guest specifically pointed out that all cars were manual and that it affected who could drive.

So here’s the practical advice I’d give you:

• If you can drive stick, you’re set.
• If you cannot, plan on riding passenger-style, or confirm how driving is handled for your group before you show up.

Manual driving also changes the feel of the experience in a good way. You’re not just sitting there. You’re making small driving choices, which fits the whole classic VW vibe. Several reviews describe the driving as engaging, especially when the road tightens up on mountain sections.

Heat matters too. One review called out that it can get hot in the mountains, so pack sun protection. A hat and sun cream can make the difference between enjoying the stops and feeling drained by mid-route.

Guides Simon and Philippe: what makes the day feel personal

The tour is run by 70’sbuggy, and the names that keep coming up are Simon and Philippe. They’re described as welcoming, funny, and genuinely enthusiastic about the cars.

One of the best signs is how the day stays smooth even when something goes wrong. In one example, a buggy ran out of fuel partway up the mountain. The guide handled it and still got the group back with enough ride time to keep the experience feeling complete.

I also like that the guides emphasize instruction. If you’ve never driven a classic-style buggy, you don’t want to be thrown into it with zero support. From the feedback, the guides do more than point you toward the road. They help you get comfortable with how to handle it.

If you care about atmosphere, this is also not the stiff kind of tour where everyone stays quiet. The vibe tends to be social and upbeat, which makes the stops feel like moments, not interruptions.

Practical logistics that actually matter (meeting point, photos, and time)

You meet at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, and the tour ends back there. That’s helpful if you’re planning a later dinner in Meloneras or heading back toward your hotel.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is convenient when you’re juggling travel apps and tickets on the go. And you should know about the photo angle: the company says all photos of the excursion are free to collect on their Facebook page (70’sbuggy). That’s great when you realize you can’t stop for every shot during driving.

Timing-wise, stick with the idea that the tour is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. One negative experience mentioned a longer duration when they arrived, so it helps to have a flexible block in your schedule rather than tight connections right after.

Who should book this buggy tour, and who might skip it

This tour is a strong pick if you:

• Want a classic VW-style driving experience
• Like scenic viewpoints more than museum stops
• Enjoy small-group days where you get attention from the guide
• Are comfortable with winding roads and some warm mountain sun

It’s also especially good for people who like car culture. If you geek out a bit over vintage engineering and driving feel, you’ll likely enjoy the Simon and Philippe energy.

Who should think twice

If you don’t drive stick, you can still book, but you should plan for the possibility that not every person will be able to drive. Also, if you get motion sick easily on curvy roads, you might find this challenging, since the route focuses on mountain twists and canyon driving.

And if you’re on a cruise with a very rigid schedule, do extra confirmation. One cruise-related account described pickup issues at the port. I can’t promise the same thing will happen, but it’s smart to build a small buffer and confirm your exact pickup timing.

Should you book the 70sbuggy VW buggy tour in Gran Canaria?

I’d book this tour if you want an active, scenic Gran Canaria day that doesn’t feel like a template. The combination of a real 1970s buggy, multiple viewpoint stops (Arguineguín, Cercados de Espinos, Province of Soria, Mogán), and included drinks keeps it fun and practical. The small group size also seems to be a big part of why people give it such high marks.

I’d hold off or ask more questions first if stick driving is a problem for you, or if your schedule is so tight you cannot handle delays. The driving is part of the appeal, and the tour depends on the vehicles being available and the route working smoothly.

If you do book, bring sun protection, arrive ready to drive if you can, and keep your expectations flexible by a bit. This is a classic car adventure with great views, not a sterile checklist.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

How long is the buggy tour?

The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What refreshments are included?

Coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, and bottled water are included.

Do I need to bring a printed ticket?

No. A mobile ticket is offered.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What weather conditions are required?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid will not be refunded.