Manual VW buggies turn Gran Canaria into a small adventure, not a checklist. You’ll ride a real 1970s Buggy, with a tight group size and enough stops to actually enjoy the scenery.

I especially love the mix of coast-horizon viewpoints and inland mountain roads. The route takes you past Arguineguin with that dramatic line of sight toward Maspalomas lighthouse and even a nod to the former NASA space center linked to the Apollo 11 first image, then keeps climbing toward canyon and village areas.

One thing to weigh: these are manual buggies, so if you do not drive stick, plan on needing instruction or sharing driving time. Also, since these are vintage vehicles, I would build in a little flexibility if you are on a cruise day and your timing is tight.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Real 1970s VW buggies with the feel of old-school driving, not a modern rental
• Small group max of 4 travelers, so the guide can actually teach and help
• Stunning viewpoints like Arguineguin, with Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance
• Stop-and-sip breaks with coffee or tea, soda, and bottled water included
• Windmill stop in Mogán, plus a return down toward the seaside
• Photos provided free via the operator’s Facebook page (70’sbuggy)

Entering The Buggy World: Why This Ride Feels Different

A bus tour gets you places. This kind of tour gets you moving, and moving feels different in Gran Canaria. The buggy is open-air, you hear the engine, and you feel the road as it bends along the coast and up into the mountains.

What makes this special is the pairing of vintage machinery with real local scenery. You’re not just looking at the island from a viewpoint sign. You’re traveling between Arguineguin, canyon villages, and Mogán using roads that give you that twisty, cliff-side and hill-climb sensation.

And you get a guide who treats it like a hobby, not a shift. In the experience I’m reviewing, Philippe and Simon both come across as true car people. That matters because they tend to help you understand how to drive, what to watch for, and how to enjoy it safely.

Price and value: $169.31 per group (up to 4)

This tour costs $169.31 per group, up to 4 people. If you book as a full group, the cost per person drops a lot, and the value improves fast.

Here’s what you’re really paying for beyond the buggy itself:

• Private transportation for your group during the excursion
• Coffee or tea, soda, and bottled water
• All fees and taxes included
• Free photo collection afterward via Facebook

So if you want classic-car fun plus guided sightseeing without paying for a pile of separate entrances, this is one of the cleaner “all-in” ways to do it.

Also, it’s generally booked ahead (about 24 days on average). If you can travel on a specific day, I’d treat it as a book-now activity rather than a last-minute one.

Getting there: meeting point, pickup, and timing you should plan for

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

Pickup is offered, and the tour is marked as near public transportation. You’ll also receive a mobile ticket.

My practical advice: if you are arriving by cruise or you’re traveling with a strict schedule, confirm pickup timing clearly when you book. In one experience, pickup expectations got messy, and it ended with extra taxi time. That isn’t the norm in every situation, but it’s enough that you should not gamble with a “we’ll figure it out” approach.

The 2.5 to 3 hour route, with real stops that matter

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (though some schedules can run closer to 3 hours once you’re on the road). You’ll cover a mix of coastal viewpoints, mountain areas, and village driving.

Stop 1: Arguineguin viewpoint and the coast horizon

You start by taking a superb road by the sea and arrive at a viewpoint overlooking Arguineguin and the coast. Expect big horizon views, and on a clear day you can spot Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance.

This is also where the tour connects scenery to story. The viewpoint includes a reference to the former NASA space center, known for its role in the Apollo 11 first image. Even if you’re not a space-nerd, it gives the island a sharper context than “pretty view, next stop.”

Time on this stop is about 10 minutes, so it’s quick. If you want photos, aim to have your camera ready before the group fully stops.

Stop 2: Cercados de Espinos canyon village and included drink break

Next you’ll head into Cercados de Espinos, described as being in the heart of a canyon. This stop feels more village-like: a small Canarian village setting where you get a drink stop included in the price.

You’ll also have multiple opportunities along the road to enjoy mountain and canyon viewpoints. This is a good segment for anyone who wants more than scenery. It’s where you feel the change from coast to inland terrain.

Time here is about 15 minutes.

Stop 3: Province of Soria, the scenic “keep going” stretch

Then you move through the Province of Soria area with stunning landscapes and another 15-minute stop.

I like stops like this because they often become the easiest place to slow down and take it in. The driving sets you up for it, and then you get a small window to regroup, hydrate, and take photos before heading onward.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to stretch out and actually look, this stop will feel worthwhile.

Stop 4: Mogán, windmill stop, then down toward the seaside

Finally, you cross Mogán at the wheel of your buggies. There’s a stop to see the windmill, then you go back down by the seaside.

Time here is about 10 minutes. In practice, this last stretch can feel like the reward segment, because after inland driving, dropping toward the coast is when you often get the “wow, this island is insane” feeling.

Driving reality check: manual buggies are part of the deal

Let’s talk driving, because this is the core of the experience.

The buggies are manual. That changes the whole vibe. The driving keeps you engaged, especially on winding roads. If you already drive stick, you’ll probably feel comfortable quickly.

If you do not drive stick, you still might be able to join. But based on the experiences shared, you should expect some kind of arrangement: either you get coaching, or driving shifts so not everyone is trying to learn at once.

My advice:

• If stick driving is a dealbreaker for you, confirm it before booking.
• If you can drive stick a little, tell your guide that early. They can usually judge the best way to support you.
• Wear shoes you can comfortably use with pedals. Open-air driving makes your feet feel more important than you’d expect.

Also, vintage vehicles are not appliances. One account mentioned not all buggies were working properly on their day. That doesn’t mean it will happen, but it’s why I recommend booking with a flexible mindset and avoiding a tight “must be back at a specific minute” plan.

Guides Philippe and Simon: the human engine behind the ride

A classic car tour can be either a production or a real hang. The best versions are the second one.

In this experience, the guides include Philippe and Simon. They come across as welcoming and a bit playful, with Simon often described as funny and sociable, and Philippe as helpful and energetic.

What I like about this style: you’re not just following directions. You’re learning how to drive the buggy and how to read the roads and corners. People also mention the guides include time for drinks and pictures, not just “stop, smile, move on.”

The overall atmosphere in the positive accounts is that you’re doing this together. That matters on a tour where you’re literally sharing the road in a quirky vehicle.

What’s included: drinks, water, and photos without extra hassle

This tour includes:

• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes
• Private transportation
• Free photo collection on Facebook (70’sbuggy)

In at least one enthusiastic account, mango juice was a highlight. While the exact drink list above is what’s officially included, the key point is that you will get a proper break for refreshments, and it isn’t an “end at the cafe, pay extra” situation.

Photos matter too. If you’re driving, you’ll often miss the best angles. Getting a batch of photos later makes it much easier to actually remember the day, not just keep a blurry dashboard shot.

Practical tips: heat, photos, and what to wear

Gran Canaria can be warm, and this route includes mountain driving. A practical tip from the experience: bring sun cream and a hat. If you run hot, you’ll feel it more in the uphill sections.

For photos:

• You’ll stop often enough to capture the viewpoints, but not long enough to fully set up a perfect shot every time.
• Keep your camera or phone accessible when you arrive. Arguineguin and the coastal views are the kind of scene where you want a clean shot quickly.

For comfort:

• This is an open-air ride. Pack accordingly.
• Driving is part of the fun, so treat the day like an active excursion, not a relaxed sedan tour.

Who should book, and who might regret it?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want classic car energy and don’t mind manual driving
• Like scenic driving with short stops for viewpoints
• Travel with 2 to 4 people, so you can fill the group and spread the cost
• Enjoy guided storytelling tied to what you’re actually seeing

You might want to think twice if you:

• Need automatic driving only
• Have mobility issues that make pedal operation difficult (the tour says most travelers can participate, but manual driving is still a factor)
• Have a very rigid schedule tied to cruise port returns and cannot absorb delays

In short, this is not the “sit back and forget it” option. It’s the “you’re part of the action” option.

Should you book this 70s Buggy tour?

If you want a memorable, different way to see Gran Canaria, and you’re happy to drive a manual vintage buggy (or at least share driving time), I think it’s an easy yes. The combination of stunning viewpoints, village stops, included drinks, and small-group attention makes it feel like good value, not just a ride for photos.

Book it sooner rather than later. And if you’re traveling by cruise, confirm pickup expectations clearly so your day stays stress-free.

FAQ

How long is the buggy tour?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

What is the price?

It’s $169.31 per group for up to 4 people.

How many people are in a group?

The experience has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and the tour normally starts from Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

English.

What is included in the tour?

Coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, bottled water, private transportation, and all fees and taxes. Photos are free to collect on the Facebook page 70’sbuggy.

Are the buggies automatic?

The buggies are manual.

What should the weather be like?

This experience requires good weather.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.