Gran Canary: 70’s VW Buggy Tour

A vintage Volkswagen buggy is a fine way to trade the usual coach window for open air and a proper feel for Gran Canaria’s winding roads. This three-hour trip heads from Meloneras toward the coast and mountains, with views around Arguineguin and Mogan, and the chance to spot Maspalomas lighthouse and a former NASA space center in the distance.

I like two things in particular: you can drive the classic buggy yourself if you are at least 25 and bring your original licence, and the route goes beyond the resort strip into mountain country and a Canarian village. One consideration: the roads are paved, but the mountain bends call for attention, and the buggy is not a modern car.

At a glance

• A real 1970s VW buggy: The open-top classic is the main event, not just transport between stops.
• A south-coast-to-mountain route: Expect coastal views, canyons and winding roads near places including Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino and Mogan.
• You may take the wheel: Drivers need to be at least 25 and carry their original driving licence. Otherwise, the guide drives.
• A village break is included: The trip includes a complimentary coffee, tea, soda or water, with a stop in a Canarian village.
• A small, personal feel: Guides Philippe, known as Phil, and Simon are named in accounts of the tour. Hotel pickup has sometimes been offered, but confirm it rather than counting on it.
• Three hours, for up to two people: The listed price is $223 per group of up to two, so it suits a pair looking for a shared outing.

A vintage buggy, not a standard island transfer

This tour makes a simple promise: see parts of southern Gran Canaria from the seat of a classic 1970s Volkswagen buggy. That matters because the car is not a prop parked beside a photo spot. If you meet the age and licence requirements, you can drive it along the route, following your guide.

The contrast is part of the appeal. You leave the resort area near Meloneras and head for coastal roads and mountain routes, where the views change and the drive itself becomes a central part of the outing. The vehicle’s open top adds to the sense of being out in the elements, so expect wind and sun rather than the sealed comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

The trip is guided, not a free-roaming rental. You follow the guide, who knows the route and leads the group through the bends and stops. That’s useful on unfamiliar roads, especially when the route climbs into the mountains. You still need to pay attention behind the wheel: one driver described the mountain bends as a challenge, and another noted that a 1970s car feels quite different from a modern one.

From Meloneras toward the coast and mountains

The stated starting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, with the tour returning there after about three hours. The broad route includes Maspalomas and sights around Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino and Mogan. It is not a stop-by-stop sightseeing bus ride, so treat those names as a guide to the area covered rather than a guarantee of a long visit at each place.

Early views include the southern coast and the area around Arguineguin. You may see Maspalomas lighthouse from a distance, a useful landmark even if the route does not stop beside it. The tour also offers a far-off view of a former NASA space center. These are glimpses along the way, not separate visits, so bring a camera and be ready to take photos when the guide pauses.

As the route moves inland, the scenery shifts from the coast to canyons and mountain roads. This is where the buggy becomes more than a novelty. You can feel the curves and changes in the road rather than simply watching them through glass. The route is on paved roads, but expect tight turns and a more involving drive than a flat coastal cruise.

Mountain bends and a Canarian village pause

The mountain section is a major reason to book this experience. It takes you away from the familiar resort strip and into quieter inland areas, with high viewpoints and long views back toward the coast. The combination of an old car, open air and winding roads gives the trip a different rhythm from a conventional excursion.

There is a trade-off: the route’s curves may be exciting for a confident driver and less relaxing for someone who dislikes hairpin bends. If you are unsure, remember that your guide can drive instead. The minimum age to drive is 25, and you must bring your original licence. If you do not meet either requirement, you can still join with the guide at the wheel.

A stop in a small Canarian village provides a welcome pause. A complimentary drink is included, with coffee, tea, soda or water available. The break is a chance to stretch, take in the surroundings and chat with the guide. The exact village and timing are not specified, so think of this as a refreshment stop rather than a planned cultural visit.

Some accounts describe more than one stop for drinks, but the included information guarantees a complimentary beverage, not a set number of café visits. If a second pause matters to you, ask the operator before booking.

The guide shapes the day

The guide is central to the experience because you follow their lead on unfamiliar roads and rely on them to keep the group moving between stops. Philippe, also called Phil, is named most often, while Simon is also mentioned as a guide. Accounts describe a friendly, personal style, with conversation about the cars and the island adding a human touch to the drive.

Hotel pickup has sometimes been offered by the guide, but the stated meeting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. Do not assume pickup is part of the price; contact the operator to check what is available for your date and hotel. That small question can make the start of the day much easier, particularly if you are staying outside Meloneras.

The tour is offered in Spanish, French and English. If you want detailed explanations about the route or the car, it is sensible to ask how the tour works before setting off. One participant wished for more instruction on handling the vintage vehicle, a fair point when you are used to modern steering, controls and braking. Take a moment to get comfortable before the group leaves.

What the $223 price buys

The listed price is $223 per group of up to two, for a three-hour excursion. For a pair, that makes the cost easier to judge than a per-person price: you share one booking and get a guided outing centered on a distinctive car, scenic driving and several opportunities to stop for views and photos.

The value depends on what you want from your day. If you are interested in classic cars, enjoy driving or want a small-group experience rather than a large coach tour, the buggy is likely to feel like a worthwhile use of your holiday budget. You are paying for the unusual vehicle and the guided route, not simply for a ride between sights.

If you mainly want a detailed history tour or long visits at major attractions, this may not be the best fit. The main attraction is the drive through changing scenery, with brief stops along the way. The included drink is a pleasant extra, but it should not be the deciding factor.

The group limit is up to two people per booking. The information does not specify the total number of buggies on a departure, so ask if the size of the full group matters to you. The outing is listed as wheelchair accessible, and children under six are not suitable for the experience.

Practical details before you set off

Bring your original driving licence if you plan to drive. You must be at least 25; if you are younger or do not have the licence with you, the guide will drive. The tour is not suitable for children under six, and intoxication is not allowed.

The trip depends on favorable weather. Since the buggy is open-top, conditions matter more than they would in a closed vehicle. Check the forecast and ask the operator what happens if the weather turns poor. Wear clothes that work for the day’s conditions, and keep your camera easy to reach for photo stops.

The activity lasts three hours, and starting times depend on availability. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms can help if your plans are still shifting, but check the specific booking details for your date.

Who will enjoy this buggy tour most?

This is a strong choice for a couple who want a shared activity with a little character, especially if one or both of you enjoy classic cars. It also suits drivers who like mountain roads and people looking for a different way to see the south of Gran Canaria without spending the day on foot.

You do not need to be a car enthusiast to appreciate the route, but the vehicle is a big part of the fun. If you prefer a smooth, quiet ride, dislike winding roads or want to spend hours at each attraction, a different tour may suit you better. You can opt for the guide to drive, but the mountain route remains part of the experience.

Should you book?

Book this if the idea of a vintage VW buggy, open-air views and a guided mountain drive sounds better than another standard sightseeing transfer. The strongest reasons are the classic car, the scenic route and the personal guiding style associated with Philippe and Simon. Before you commit, check whether you will drive or ride as a passenger, confirm any pickup arrangements, and decide how comfortable you are with mountain bends.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The stated starting point is Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa. The tour returns to the same location after about three hours.

Can I drive the buggy myself?

Yes, if you are at least 25 and bring your original driving licence. Otherwise, the guide will drive.

What places does the route include?

The route covers the area around Maspalomas, Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino and Mogan, with coastal and mountain scenery. You may also see Maspalomas lighthouse and a former NASA space center from a distance.

Is a drink included?

Yes. A complimentary coffee, tea, soda or water is included during a village stop.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, French and English.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under six are not considered suitable for this tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check with the operator if you need to know what will happen to a booking in poor weather.