70s VW buggies beat the usual sightseeing.

This Gran Canaria ride is built around real 1970s buggies and a small group of up to four, with time for photo stops and included drinks. You’ll cruise past viewpoints over Arguineguin, pause in the canyon at Cercados de Espinos, swing through the Mogan area, then head back down toward the sea. I especially like the hands-on driving feel and the way the route mixes cliff views with village moments instead of turning into a checklist tour. One thing to consider: the buggies are manual, so if anyone in your party can’t drive a stick, plan for that before you show up.

What makes this tour feel different is the pace and the people behind the wheel. Guides (often Philippe/Phil and Simon) lean into the car passion and coaching, and you get a real break between stops for photos and a drink. The route runs about 2.5 hours (give or take a bit depending on the day), so it’s long enough to feel like an outing, but not so long that you’re stuck in traffic or bored at the stops.

Why This Buggy Tour Feels Like Gran Canaria, Not a Script

This isn’t a big-bus day. It’s closer to a fun, guided drive with a few planned view breaks, in open-air classic cars. The small size matters. With a maximum of four travelers, you get less waiting around, and the guide can actually help people get comfortable—especially if you’ve never driven a vintage manual buggy before.

Price also works in your favor. It’s listed at $169.31 per group (up to 4). That means you’re paying for one experience with a shared vehicle setup, not per person like many “adventure” tours. If you’re traveling as a couple plus friends (or a small family), it can be a strong value versus paying separate transport and separate tours.

The trade-off is that a manual drive experience is less forgiving than an automatic. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to sit back and never touch a clutch, you might feel stressed here.

What You’re Really Paying For: The 70s Bugs and the Small-Group Route

Let’s talk value. For about 2 hours 30 minutes, you get:

• Coffee or tea, soda/pop, and bottled water
• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes
• Use of 1970s-style VW buggies
• Free photo collection after the tour (via the operator’s Facebook page)
• Time at multiple scenic stops where entrance is listed as free

On a practical level, that includes the “hard parts” of your holiday planning: transport, driver handling, and the scenic route itself. You’re also not stuck finding parking, re-checking opening hours, or trying to coordinate multiple taxis.

And you’re not just buying scenery. You’re buying the driving experience—sun on your face, the road under you, and the sense that you’re moving through the island instead of being transported through it.

Manual VW Buggy Reality Check (This Is the Main Decision Point)

This tour uses 1970s buggies, and expect manual driving. Some guests have highlighted that all vehicles can be manual, and not every person in a group may have been able to drive. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go—it just means you should sort your comfort level before you arrive.

Here’s what helps:

• If at least one person in your group is comfortable with stick, you’re in great shape.
• If nobody in your group drives manual, you should treat that as a signal to ask the operator ahead of time what flexibility exists for your situation.
• If you do drive, go in expecting a more active experience than a modern car. You’ll be paying attention to the road and the feel of the buggy as you climb and descend.

Also, wear real driving clothes. Not fancy. Just practical shoes and sun protection. The mountain areas can get hot, and you’ll be outside for the ride and stops.

Meet the Route: Arguineguin, Cercados de Espinos, Soria, and Mogan

The route is built around views plus a few “real island” stops. You’re not just racing from one photo spot to another. Each stop has a purpose: lookout, canyon village, inland scenery, then a return toward the seaside.

Stop 1: Arguineguin Viewpoint Over Coastline and Apollo 11 Details

First up is Arguineguin, after a “superb” road by the sea. Then you reach a viewpoint above Arguineguin where the coastline stretches out in front of you. You can look toward the Maspalomas lighthouse in the distance, and you’ll also hear about a former NASA space center connected to the first image of the Apollo 11 expedition.

What I like about this stop is the mix: you get natural beauty plus a little island story that feels specific, not generic. It’s the kind of information that makes your photos more interesting than just another coastline shot.

Possible drawback: view stops are short (about 10 minutes). If you want slow roaming and lots of time for photos, be ready to move quickly and choose your best angles fast.

Stop 2: Cercados de Espinos Canyon Village With a Drink Break

Next is Cercados de Espinos, in the heart of a canyon. You’ll pull into a small Canarian village for a pause, including a drink stop included in the price. There are also multiple chances along the road to admire canyon and mountain views.

This is where the tour starts to feel less like driving and more like “being there.” You’re not just passing through scenery—you’re stopping inside it.

Possible drawback: you’ll likely be looking up and around a lot. That’s great for photos, but it also makes you realize how bright the sun can be. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and keep water handy.

Stop 3: Province of Soria for Quick Hits of Inland Scenery

The tour continues to the Province of Soria, described as stunning landscapes. The stop time is around 15 minutes, so think “walk, look, and photograph,” not “explore all day.”

This stop is useful because it changes the vibe. You go from coastal viewpoints and canyon views into more inland terrain, and the route keeps variety high without ballooning the total time.

Possible drawback: the stop is brief. If you’re the type who loves wandering without a timer, you may wish it lasted longer. The good news is the driving portion is the main event anyway.

Stop 4: Mogan Village, Windmill Stop, Then Back Down by the Seaside

Finally, you reach Mogan. You’ll drive through the village, stop to see the windmill, then head back down by the seaside. This last stretch is a satisfying payoff: you start to feel the shift from mountains back toward the sea.

Why it’s a strong ending: the windmill stop gives you something distinct and local, and ending on the seaside approach helps the day feel complete. It’s the kind of finish that makes you say, okay, that was a full loop, not just random driving.

Possible drawback: the “down by the seaside” portion depends on the day and timing. In general, you’ll want to stay loose—don’t expect a perfect minute-by-minute show.

The Guides Matter: Philippe and Simon’s Style

This is a guided tour, and the guides are part of why it works. In the car-world, a good guide isn’t just a driver—they’re a teacher and an entertainer.

Philippe (often called Phil) and Simon come up again and again as hands-on, upbeat, and very comfortable coaching people into the buggy driving experience. Some guests also describe the guides as true “petrolheads” who enjoy talking cars and making the day feel easy.

In plain terms, this matters because:

• Manual driving feels easier when someone explains it clearly.
• The route feels more meaningful when the guide adds context.
• Small stops feel more relaxed when you’re not waiting around for instructions.

Photos, Drinks, and the Little Touches That Save Your Day

You don’t just get a ride; you also get simple comfort items that keep the tour from feeling harsh.

You’ll have:

• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Free access to collect the photos taken during the excursion on the operator’s Facebook page (listed as 70’sbuggy)

These are small, but they matter. The day is outdoors and you’re outside in the sun. Having drinks built into the plan means you don’t need to waste time hunting for refreshments during a tight schedule.

Pickup, Meeting Point, and How to Avoid Stress

The tour starts and ends at the same place: Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, C. Mar Blanco, 6, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

Pickup is offered, and some guests have mentioned pickup timing and cruise-port coordination. Since you’re dealing with real logistics (and other groups), I’d treat pickup as something you confirm early in your planning:

• If you need pickup, check the pickup details before the day of.
• If you’re on a cruise, plan extra time so you’re not sprinting when the schedule gets tight.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is listed as in English. The group maximum is four travelers, and service animals are allowed.

How Long It Really Takes (2.5 Hours Means 2.5 Hours + Road Life)

The duration is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes. In real life, tours can run a little longer due to driving conditions, small delays, or how fast the group settles at the stops.

Think of it like this: you’re not just driving nonstop for two hours. You’re driving, stopping, drinking, and taking photos. If the weather is good and the group is ready, it should feel smooth.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Feel Friction)

This tour suits people who want:

• A driving-focused experience (not just a guided walk)
• Classic vehicles with character
• Scenic viewpoints and short village stops
• A small-group day with a guide who teaches and talks cars

It may be less ideal if:

• Nobody in your group can drive manual and you’d rather not risk it
• You’re strongly sensitive to schedule changes caused by multiple groups
• You want long, slow sightseeing rather than “stop, look, and move on”

On the other hand, if you’re flexible, curious, and okay with a hands-on ride, this can be one of the more memorable days on the island.

So, Should You Book 70’sbuggy in Gran Canaria?

I’d book it if you fit the vibe: you want open-air driving in a real 1970s-style VW buggy, you’re traveling with up to four people, and you’re ready for manual driving to be part of the experience.

I’d hesitate only if your group’s comfort with stick shifts is a question mark. In that case, message ahead and ask how vehicle assignments work for mixed driving abilities.

If you want a safe bet for an authentic-feeling Gran Canaria day, this is a strong choice—especially for couples and small groups who want something more fun than typical tours.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to drive a buggy?

The buggies are manual, so it helps if someone in your group can drive stick. Your group’s ability to drive may affect how you’re assigned.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What is the meeting point for the tour?

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

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, bottled water, private transportation, all fees and taxes, and the use of real 1970s buggies are included.

How many people are in a group?

This activity has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

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