70s Buggy ride in Gran Canaria.

The fun here is the contrast: you set off in a vintage VW buggy, then leave the coast behind for the canyons and steep, winding roads of Gran Canaria’s south. I like the old-school cars and the chance to see the island from the open road rather than through a coach window.

I also like the small scale: each buggy takes two people, and guides such as Philippe, known as Phil, and Simon keep the outing personal. One thing to weigh is the ride itself. The mountain road is curvy, and the vintage engines can be temperamental, so this is not the best pick if you want a smooth, quiet drive.

• Vintage VW buggies: Expect cars described as 1960s and 1970s models, with character and occasional mechanical quirks.
• Coast, canyons, and mountain roads: The route explores Gran Canaria’s southern scenery, including a winding climb.
• A Canarian bar stop: Drinks are offered in Cercado de Espino.
• Two people per buggy: The stated price is for a group of up to two, not each person.
• Pickup may be available: This can be useful if you are staying farther away or arriving by cruise ship, but confirm your exact arrangements.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a change of date or a refund.

From the coast into southern Gran Canaria

This is a driving outing, not a sightseeing bus tour. You and your companion share a small, vintage VW buggy while a guide leads the way through the south of Gran Canaria. The route takes in the coast and canyons, then heads into the mountains on roads that climb and curve.

The itinerary is best understood as a scenic drive with pauses, rather than a string of formally scheduled attractions. The precise order and length of stops are not specified, so don’t expect a fixed timetable for every viewpoint. What is clear is the change in scenery: from the sea toward the island’s drier interior, with the road itself becoming part of the adventure.

A climb to higher ground is a highlight for many reasons. You see the island from a different angle, and the bends make the drive feel more active than a simple transfer between sights. The trade-off is that winding roads can be uncomfortable if you are prone to motion sickness or uneasy around steep, curving routes.

A vintage car with a few quirks

The buggy is part of the experience, not just transport. These are old VW vehicles, described as dating from the 1960s and 1970s. Their age gives the outing its charm, but it also means you should expect something less polished than a new rental car.

The engines can be temperamental. That does not mean you should expect a breakdown, but you should be ready for an old vehicle with its own personality. Philippe and his mechanic are mentioned as looking after the cars, and the guides give instructions before the activity so you know how to take part safely.

You’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of driving a vintage buggy rather than simply being chauffeured. The information provided does not spell out who must drive, what licence is required, or the exact safety equipment supplied, so ask the operator about those details before booking if they matter to you.

The mountain road is another part of the character of the ride. It has been described as well maintained, but it is also very curvy. If you enjoy a lively road trip, that can be a plus. If sharp bends make you nervous, consider that carefully and tell the guide before setting out.

The stop at Cercado de Espino

A break in Cercado de Espino gives the ride a local pause. The tour includes drinks at a typical Canarian bar, a welcome change after time on the road and a chance to take in the village setting. It is a modest stop, but that is part of its appeal: you are not just ticking off viewpoints from a vehicle.

Some outings have included food on the mountain, including tapas and sangria, or a restaurant stop. Those extras are not stated as guaranteed parts of every tour, so treat them as possibilities rather than promises. If a meal is important to your plans, check what is included before you go.

This stop also helps break up the driving. The advertised duration is about three hours, and the experience is described as lasting at least that long. A pause makes the outing feel less like a continuous stretch behind the wheel, though the overall focus remains the drive and the scenery.

What the drive feels like

The route is designed to show you a range of southern Gran Canaria, not to keep you on one type of road. You can expect a coastal stretch, canyons, and a climb into the mountains. Since the exact route is not given, there is no reliable way to promise which particular road, viewpoint, or canyon you will see.

That uncertainty is worth keeping in mind when comparing this with a more tightly scheduled tour. The strength here is the mix of driving and scenery, guided by someone who knows the area and can adapt the outing. The limitation is that you should not book expecting a detailed list of named stops or a particular photo opportunity.

The open buggy format can also make the trip feel more immediate. You are not looking through a coach window, and the small vehicle brings you closer to the road. That can be fun, but it may also mean more exposure to wind, sun, dust, or changing weather than in an enclosed vehicle. The supplied details do not specify what to wear, so sensible sun protection and clothing suited to the forecast are worth considering.

Why the guides matter

Philippe, also called Phil, is associated with pickup arrangements and guiding, while Simon is also named as a guide. The guides give instructions and are responsible for helping keep the activity safe. The personal feel is a major part of the appeal: you are in a small group, not one of dozens following a flag through a crowded attraction.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, pickup may be especially useful. One account describes a roughly 45-minute drive from the port to the sunnier south side of the island, followed by a return drop-off. That is a useful example, not a guarantee for every booking, so confirm pickup location, timing, and return arrangements directly.

Weather can vary across the island. One part may be cloudy or wet while the south is sunnier, so check with the operator before cancelling based on conditions where you are staying or where your ship docks. The activity does require suitable weather; if the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What the price gets you

The listed price is $270.79 per group of up to two people. For two sharing a buggy, that works out to about $135.40 each. The value depends on what you want: this is a private-feeling outing in a vintage vehicle, with a guide, a varied route, and a break for drinks, rather than a low-cost way to get from one town to another.

If you are travelling alone, the same group price may be harder to justify, since the stated rate covers up to two people. For a pair who both like cars, mountain roads, and informal sightseeing, the cost can make more sense. Pickup may add value if it saves you arranging transport, but don’t assume every pickup is included in the price. Confirm the details for your location.

The activity has a strong record of positive feedback, with a 5 out of 5 rating from 71 reviews and a recommendation rate of 100 percent. That is encouraging, though your own enjoyment will hinge on a few practical things: how you feel about old cars, how comfortable you are on curving roads, and whether you want a relaxed scenic ride or a more structured tour with named stops.

Who should book this ride

I’d put this high on the list for couples or pairs who enjoy driving and want a memorable way to see the south. It also makes sense for cruise passengers if pickup is confirmed, especially if you have limited time ashore and want a guide to handle the route. The small group size leaves room for a more personal outing than a large coach tour.

It is less suitable if you need a smooth, quiet ride, dislike winding roads, or want a precise itinerary with guaranteed meal stops. Families should check the operator’s requirements for children and passengers before booking; the available details do not specify age limits or child seating arrangements.

The booking window is worth noting. The activity is booked an average of 41 days ahead, which suggests planning early if your dates are fixed, though availability is not guaranteed. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is offered daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with a start time in that range.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate, but check with the operator about any personal needs that could affect driving or riding.

Should you book it?

Book the 70s Buggy ride if you want a small-group road adventure with vintage VW character, a curving mountain climb, and a taste of southern Gran Canaria beyond the resort strip. The best fit is a pair happy to share a vehicle and treat the old engine and winding roads as part of the fun.

Skip it if you want a calm, predictable ride or need a guaranteed lunch, specific stop list, or confirmed port transfer without checking first. For the right pair, this is a practical and distinctive way to trade the usual coach seat for an open-air buggy and a more personal view of the island.

FAQ

How long does the buggy ride last?

Plan on about three hours or more. The activity is described as lasting at least three hours, though the exact schedule is not provided.

How many people can ride in one buggy?

Each vehicle accepts two people. The price is listed per group of up to two.

What areas does the route cover?

The ride explores the south of Gran Canaria, including the coast, canyons, and mountain roads. Specific stops and the exact route are not listed.

Is a drink included during the ride?

Drinks are offered at a typical Canarian bar in Cercado de Espino. Food is not specified as a standard inclusion.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the location and arrangements with the operator, especially if you are coming from a cruise port.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel and receive a refund?

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