Old-school buggies turn Gran Canaria into a playground. You get 70s VW buggy driving plus a 3-hour stretch by the sea and through canyon terrain, guided and packed with scenic stops. I also like the small-group feel and the hands-on way the guides keep things fun and safe.

One thing to think about: these classic engines can be a little temperamental, and the route to the mountain top is curvy. The upside is that the owner and mechanic help you out fast when needed, and the roads are reported as well maintained.

Why This 70s Buggy Ride Feels Different on Gran Canaria’s South

This tour is built around a simple idea: trade boring bus views for seat time behind the wheel of a classic machine, then reward yourself with breaks in places that feel more local than touristy.

You’ll be out for roughly three hours, with a big chunk spent exploring outdoors in the south of Gran Canaria. You’ll move along the coastline and into the canyon area, so you’re not stuck with one type of scenery. Then, when you’re ready to slow down, you get drinks in Cercado de Espino at a typical Canarian bar—plus an extra food-and-view stop on the mountain side where sangria and tapas show up.

I especially like that the guides don’t treat this like a strict script. Names I saw repeatedly linked with the experience include Philippe and Simon, and the vibe comes through as calm, friendly, and genuinely proud of the buggies.

As for drawbacks, plan your expectations around the vehicle itself. One review-style note that matters: the buggies use older VW-style engines (often described as 1960s/70s), and they can act a bit stubborn. That sounds scary until you remember there’s a mechanic mindset on the spot, and you’re not sent off on your own.

Quick Hits: What Makes This Tour Worth Your Time

• Classic VW-style buggies: The machines are part of the fun, and you’ll feel the era in how they drive.
• Sea and canyon time: You get a mix of coastline views and inland canyon terrain rather than one-note sightseeing.
• Cercado de Espino drinks: A typical Canarian bar stop with refreshments during the day.
• Mountain-side tapas and sangria: Stops are designed to break up the ride with food and big views.
• Philippe and Simon energy: Friendly, English-speaking guiding that keeps the day easy.
• Small-group setup: It’s priced per group up to two, matching a maximum of two travelers per activity slot.

Price and Group Size: Is It Good Value for Two?

The price is listed as $270.79 per group for up to 2 people, with a duration of about 3 hours. That may sound like a lot until you compare it to what you’re actually buying: you’re paying for access to a classic buggy experience, guided route support, and multiple stops that include drinks and food.

This is also a key point: it’s designed around a maximum of 2 travelers for the activity slot, and it allows 2 people per vehicle. If you’re traveling as a couple or close friends, this setup can feel like “private tour energy” without the usual private-tour cost.

If you’re solo, you’ll want to check how the operator handles the vehicle arrangement, since the activity caps at two travelers total. The good news is that the tour is also marked as “most travelers can participate,” so it’s not pitched as extreme adventure gear-only.

The Real Star: Driving a 70s VW-Style Buggy

This isn’t a slow, sit-there-and-look tour. The best part is the sensation of driving the buggy—classic feel, steering response, and the kind of engine sound that makes the whole day feel like a movie scene.

In the experience notes, the buggies are described as 1960s VW engines / 60s and 70s-style vehicles. That matters because old-school mechanical setups sometimes come with quirks. One major consideration I’d flag: if you’re the kind of traveler who gets stressed when something isn’t modern and perfectly predictable, you might need a quick mindset shift.

Here’s the practical reassurance: the operator team includes an owner/mechanic presence, and the day is run so you’re not stranded. You get instructions from the guides and active oversight to keep things safe while still letting you enjoy the ride.

Also, the route includes curvier mountain roads going up toward the top. That’s part of the adventure. The roads are reported as well maintained, and the driving time is framed as the “best part” by repeat praise—especially for people who want something more than scenic photo stops.

Sea, Canyons, and How the Day Flows

The tour promises a walk of at least 3 hours by the sea and in the middle of the canyons. In practice, it reads like a day where you’re not just sitting on a buggy seat; you’ll be outdoors a lot, moving between viewpoints and activity points where the terrain changes.

Here’s how I’d think about the flow if you’re planning mentally:

1. Start with briefing and buggy time

You’ll meet during the operational window, get instructions, and get rolling. The tour runs daily with a wide start range from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so timing can be adjusted to your day plan.

1. Coastal and canyon stretch

This is where the day’s scenery gets its contrast. You’ll be moving along the south with the sea involved, then into canyon terrain, so it feels like you’re traveling through different parts of the island rather than doing one loop.

1. Cercado de Espino break

The tour includes drinks in Cercado de Espino in a typical Canarian bar. This is the kind of stop that makes the experience feel local, not staged. You’re not just grabbing a drink; you’re taking a real pause in a real setting.

1. Mountain-side food and views

Then the day climbs toward the mountaintop area. Reviews point to a restaurant stop with sangria and tapas and big views around the top/side of the mountain. Even if you don’t love food tours, this stop is about taking in the island from the right angle.

1. Return with the feeling that you did something

By the time you’re back, you usually feel like you actually spent your Gran Canaria day doing the island, not just passing through it.

Cercado de Espino: Drinks in a Typical Canarian Bar

One of the cleanest parts of the experience is the Cercado de Espino stop. You’re told there will be drinks there in a typical Canarian bar, and that’s exactly how this kind of break should work.

This stop is useful for two reasons:

• It gives you a social moment during the ride. Driving and sightseeing is fun, but your brain needs a reset.
• It helps you feel the rhythm of the area. A typical bar stop often feels more like being welcomed into everyday life than consuming a packaged attraction.

If you’re choosing between tours in the south, this kind of stop is a big differentiator. It’s the difference between a day that feels like logistics and a day that feels like a story.

Mountain Roads, Curves, and Why the Top Stop Gets Big Praise

The climb to the mountain top is described as curvy and a little scary by at least one rider, but also framed as the best part. That combination is important: it’s not a slow, flat drive, and it’s not meant for people who want zero intensity.

Good news: the route is reported as well maintained, and the driving team knows what they’re doing. So even if you’re nervous at the start, the day is set up to help you build confidence as you go.

At the top/side stop, I like that you’re rewarded with food and drinks and views all around. Sangria and tapas are specifically mentioned, which tells you the operator isn’t just throwing in a quick viewpoint photo and calling it a day. You get a real break that makes the effort feel worth it.

Pickup for Cruisers: A Simple Convenience That Changes Everything

If you’re on a cruise, the biggest advantage here is the pickup angle. One clear example from the experience details: Philippe will pick you up if you’re coming from a cruise ship, then drive you about 45 minutes to where it’s sunny and where the buggies/activities are set up.

This is a practical win. If you’ve ever tried to coordinate a taxi at a port on a schedule, you know how stressful it can get. A pickup reduces that friction and lets you stay in vacation mode.

One more useful note: the weather can differ by side of the island. If rain is in your forecast back at the port area, it’s worth asking the operator how conditions look where the tour runs—because that difference is part of why they’re able to keep the day moving.

Guides and Communication: English On a Small-Group Day

The tour is offered in English, and the guides give instructions to keep you safe while having fun. Based on what’s shared, Philippe and Simon show up often, and the consistent theme is that they love the job.

That matters because classic buggy driving needs more than just a map. You’ll want guidance on how to drive the buggies and how to handle the route. In a small group (up to two travelers), communication is simpler. You don’t get lost in a crowd, and you’re more likely to get a direct answer when you have a question.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if:

• You want to drive something fun, not just look at scenery from a bus
• You like small-group adventures and don’t want a crowded schedule
• You’re into a day that includes drinks and tapas, not just transit
• You’re comfortable with curvier mountain roads and a classic-engine feel

It might be less ideal if:

• You want everything modern, perfectly predictable, and hands-off
• You’re easily stressed by older mechanical quirks (even with a mechanic there)
• You prefer low-intensity sightseeing only

Also, the experience requires good weather. If weather moves in, you’ll either reschedule or get a full refund, so check the forecast and be ready to adjust.

A Few Practical Tips for Making It a Great Day

You’ll get the most out of this if you come ready for driving and outdoors time.

• Wear clothes and shoes that work well for driving and walking around viewpoints.
• Bring sun protection. Even when you’re close to the sea, the south can feel strong.
• If you’re cruise-based, double-check your timing and ask about rain differences between port-side and where the tour operates.

Should You Book the 70s Buggy Ride?

I’d book it if you want a Gran Canaria day with a real activity engine: classic buggy driving, a sea-and-canyon route, and breaks that include drinks in a typical bar plus sangria and tapas with mountain views.

Skip it if you want a calm, predictable tour with no mechanical quirks and no curvy-road intensity. This is for people who like an adventure with personality, not just a checkbox day.

If you’re on a cruise, the pickup angle is a strong reason to choose it. The route-change logic (different weather by side of the island) also makes it more flexible than many shore excursions.

FAQ

How long is the 70s buggy experience?

The duration is listed as about 3 hours.

How much does it cost, and what group size does it cover?

The price is $270.79 per group, up to 2 people. The activity also has a maximum of 2 travelers.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered.

What time does the buggy tour run?

You can start anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The operating window is listed Monday through Sunday during the stated season dates.

What language is the tour offered in?

English is offered.

Will I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. A mobile ticket is offered.

Is there confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.