A 1970s VW buggy turns Gran Canaria into movie mode. This tour is interesting because you get a classic-car drive (not just sightseeing) and you roll through coast-and-mountain roads with stops for views like Maspalomas Lighthouse and the Arguineguin area. I like that it mixes scenic photo moments with the fun of steering a real vintage vehicle. The one drawback to plan for: driving is only for guests 25+ with your original driving licence, and the ride depends on favorable weather.

You start at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, then you’re guided onto the route with Philippe, the host many people call Phil for short. From what I’ve pieced together, he runs a more personal setup than the big “line up and move on” tours, with time to chat and practical tips before the roads get twisty.

You’ll spend about 3 hours on the move, with guided stops to take photos, including time that can feel like it stretches (in a good way). Expect wind, sun, and tarmac turns in an open-top buggy, plus a break at a Canarian village with your complimentary drink. If you’re bringing kids, note it’s not suitable for children under 6.

Key highlights that make this VW buggy tour worth your time

• A rare 1970s Volkswagen buggy: you’re not renting a modern “golf cart” lookalike, you’re in the real vintage vibe.
• Tarmac mountain roads, not a theme-park track: the driving feels authentic, with hairpins and real handling.
• South Gran Canaria viewpoints: you’ll aim for scenic spots tied to Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, and Mogán.
• Maspalomas Lighthouse and distant landmarks: you may catch the lighthouse in views, plus a far-off glimpse of a former NASA space center.
• A village stop with an included beverage: coffee/tea/soda/water is part of the ride, not a surprise extra.

Why a 70s VW buggy in Gran Canaria feels different than a bus tour

This isn’t a “sit back and hope you can hear the guide” kind of tour. You’re in a vintage VW buggy, and that changes the whole rhythm. The open-top format means you feel the wind, you notice the turns, and you get a sense of speed that’s hard to copy in a regular van.

The best part is the combo: driving + scenery. Most tours in Gran Canaria will show you places. This one adds the feeling of traveling through them—hands on the wheel, the road rising into the mountains, and frequent stops to take pictures without rushing.

It’s also a strong match if you care about vehicles. The host’s passion for the cars comes through in the way people describe the experience: he talks, he explains, and he makes the whole setup feel personal. If you’re not a car person, you’ll still enjoy the novelty. If you are a car person, this is the kind of outing that becomes a headline memory.

Sunset Beach Meloneras to Maspalomas: where your buggy adventure starts

Your tour begins at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa, which is convenient if you’re staying in the Meloneras–Playa del Inglés orbit. Even better, Meloneras is close to where you’ll want to be anyway for sea views, cafés, and an easy start.

From there, the route builds into a Maspalomas sightseeing loop. You’ll get the chance to take in the coastal character of the south side, and some of the most recognizable landmarks in the area show up from viewpoints along the way. One highlight people love is the chance to see the Maspalomas Lighthouse in the distance when the sightlines are good.

Practical note: because you’re in an open-top buggy, the light and wind matter. If you tend to burn easily, plan sunscreen. If you hate dry eyes, bring something to protect them in sun and breeze.

Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogán, and the canyons in between

The route is designed for variety. You’ll go from coastal viewpoints toward interior areas and canyons, with photo stops timed so you can actually enjoy the views instead of just passing by.

Places included in the route description include Arguineguin, Cercado de Espino, Mogan, and additional stops along the way. That matters because Gran Canaria’s south can feel very different once you start climbing—sea air gives way to sharper mountain scenery, and roads that look tame on a map turn into real driving once you’re on them.

Some of the standout “wow” moments you should keep an eye out for:

• Picnic-view style overlooks above Arguineguin and the coast, where the scenery drops away below you.
• Canyon driving sections, which tend to be the best for feeling the buggy’s character—speed, turns, and wind all at once.
• A distant view tied to the island’s former NASA space center, visible from far away when conditions and angles line up.

If you’re choosing between a classic-car tour and another “scenic drive” option, this one has the advantage of being routed around the island’s recognizable geography. You’re not just going in circles around the resort strip.

A note on what you might miss

You won’t be doing long hikes here. This is a driving tour, with stops for photos and a beverage break, not a walking-heavy day. If you want hours of on-foot exploring, you’ll likely want to pair this with a separate day trip that includes trails.

The driving reality: age limits, your license, and how to handle the buggy

Here’s the key decision point: if you want to drive your own buggy, you need to be at least 25 years old and have your original driving licence with you. If you don’t meet those requirements, the guide will drive.

That one rule shapes the entire experience. Driving changes it from “cool ride” to “full participation.” Even if you’re a confident driver, don’t expect a modern-car feel. One review points out that the buggy isn’t like a modern vehicle, which is exactly what you should assume: you’ll have to drive it like a vintage machine, not like a car you rent in a city.

Also, the roads are tarmac, and they can be challenging. Hairpin bends in the mountains are part of the deal. That can be great fun—just keep it smooth and follow your guide’s lead.

Quick tips for feeling comfortable fast

• Bring your licence, the original paper version, and keep it handy.
• Tell your guide if you’re nervous about mountain driving, and start slow on the first turns.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that into account. Open-top + twisty roads can be a lot for some people.
• No intoxication. This is stated clearly, and it’s also just common sense for mountain driving.

Photo stops and the complimentary drink in a Canarian village

A big part of what makes this tour work is pacing. It’s set up with several carefully chosen stops, enough time to soak in the views and get camera shots that don’t feel rushed.

One stop is specifically described as a quaint Canarian village, where you’ll be treated to a complimentary beverage. The drink options listed are coffee, tea, soda, or water, so you’re covered whether you want something warm or a cool break.

This is more than a free drink. It’s where the tour becomes “real Gran Canaria,” because you pause in a small local setting rather than only looking out from a moving vehicle. You’ll also get a chance to breathe, reset, and talk with your guide for a minute—which is where the host’s car stories and local knowledge tend to come through.

What the stops feel like in practice

Because the itinerary is framed around scenic sections and then a village break, you’ll usually feel like you’re doing a loop: drive, stop for views, drive again, then relax with your beverage. If you’re traveling in hot weather, this kind of pacing can be a relief compared with long walking tours.

Time on the road: making the most of the 3-hour session

The total time is 3 hours, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to feel like you got out of the resort bubble and into the island’s character. It’s short enough that you still have time afterward for a meal, a beach walk, or a sunset drink.

Because it’s also subject to favorable weather, check the day before and keep your plans flexible. In a windy or stormy day, the ride may not run as planned. That’s not a small detail—this is the kind of activity where weather can directly affect comfort and safety.

What to wear and bring (based on how the ride is described)

The buggies are open-top, so plan for wind. Comfortable shoes help if you’re stepping in and out at stops. Sunglasses and sunscreen are smart in Gran Canaria sun. And yes—bring your driving licence if you plan to drive.

Price and value: is $223 per group up to 2 actually fair?

The price is listed as $223 per group up to 2, with the tour lasting 3 hours and including a complimentary drink.

Is that good value? For the right person, yes—because you’re paying for three things at once:

1. A rare vehicle experience (a 1970s VW buggy, not a generic rental).
2. Guided scenic routing through recognizable south-island areas.
3. Driver engagement if you qualify to drive (25+ with your original licence), which turns the experience from passive to active.

If you’re a couple, splitting the group cost often makes this the kind of outing that feels pricey on paper but reasonable in real life. If you’re solo and the pricing structure still holds as a “per group up to 2” cost, it may feel steeper. In that case, you’re really buying the chance to drive and get the vehicle-and-roads story, not just a sightseeing loop.

The biggest value factor is that it doesn’t sound like a factory tour. People describe it as personal, with time and attention. With classic-car experiences, that difference is often the entire point.

Who this 70s buggy tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great fit if you’re:

• A car fan, especially with interest in vintage Volkswagens.
• Interested in south Gran Canaria scenery and viewpoint stops like Arguineguin areas and Maspalomas.
• Someone who wants a break from the resort-style routine but doesn’t want a full-day hike.
• A driver who’s 25+ and can bring your original licence.

You should think twice if you:

• Have kids under 6 (it’s not suitable).
• Don’t meet the age/licence driving requirements and aren’t excited about being driven. You can still enjoy it, but it changes the feel.
• Prefer slow, easy travel where you don’t deal with twisty mountain bends.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is a helpful plus. If you’re bringing a wheelchair user, I’d still plan around the fact you’re stepping around vehicles and making stops outdoors.

Should you book this VW buggy tour from Meloneras?

Book this tour if you want a classic-car experience that’s more than photo bait. The 3-hour format works, and the mix of driving (if eligible) plus scenic stops tied to Arguineguin, Mogán, and Maspalomas gives you a real change of pace. If you like the idea of tarmac mountain roads and wind-in-your-hair driving, this is your kind of day.

Skip it if you’re mainly seeking low-effort sightseeing or you’re not ready for mountain driving dynamics (hairpins and all). In that case, you might be happier with a calmer, more walk-and-view style outing.

If you do book, the best way to get the most out of it is simple: bring your licence if you plan to drive, dress for sun and wind, and keep your expectations aligned with a hands-on vintage-car ride—not a museum tour.

FAQ

How long is the 70’s VW Buggy Tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and arrives back at Sunset Beach Meloneras Playa.

What does it cost?

It costs $223 per group, up to 2 people.

Do I need a driving licence to drive the buggy?

Yes, to drive you need a valid driving licence, and you must be at least 25 years old. You also need your original driving licence with you.

What if I’m under 25 or don’t have a valid licence with me?

If you don’t meet the driving requirements, the guide will drive you through the tour route.

Is intoxication allowed?

No. Intoxication is not allowed.

What’s included in the price?

The 3-hour excursion includes a complimentary drink (coffee/tea/soda/water).

What languages are the tour guide’s?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, French, and English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair accessibility is listed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.