70s Buggy ride in Gran Canaria.

Southern Gran Canaria looks especially good from the seat of a 1960s or 1970s VW buggy. You move from the coast into steep canyons and mountain roads, while the old cars attract waves and smiles from people along the way. I like the friendly, personal guiding from Philippe and his team, plus the chance to stop for drinks in Cercado de Espino.

I also like that the experience is built around driving, not sitting in a coach and staring through glass. The main consideration is that these are old cars, so they can be temperamental, and the curvy climb into the mountains may feel exciting or unsettling if you dislike winding roads.

Key points to know before you book

• Classic cars with character: You drive original Volkswagen buggies using older 1960s and 1970s engines, so expect charm rather than modern polish.
• Coast, canyons, and mountain roads: The route gives you a broad look at southern Gran Canaria during an outing of about three hours.
• A small and personal format: Each buggy carries two people, making this a good choice for couples or close friends.
• Pickup can save cruise passengers time: Pickup is offered, and Philippe has collected people from the cruise port for the drive to the sunnier south.
• A Canarian bar stop: The route includes drinks in Cercado de Espino, with some outings also including food stops such as tapas or lunch.
• Weather matters: Poor weather can lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund, and the south can have better weather than the port area.

Why an old VW buggy makes this tour different

A modern sightseeing vehicle gives you comfort and a clear view. This tour gives you something more playful: an old Volkswagen buggy, open to the surroundings and full of mechanical personality.

The cars use 1960s and 1970s VW engines. That matters because you are not booking a polished driving simulator. The buggy may feel a little noisy, basic, and occasionally temperamental. That is part of the fun for some people, but it is worth knowing before you pay.

If the vehicle needs attention, Philippe and his mechanic take care of it. You are not simply left to manage a problem on your own. Still, I would book this because you want an old-fashioned motoring experience, not because you expect a silent, air-conditioned ride.

The format is limited to two people per buggy. You can share the driving experience with a partner or friend, and the small vehicle count keeps the outing more personal than a large bus excursion. It also means you should be clear about who will drive and how you want to share the time behind the wheel.

Leaving the coast for southern Gran Canaria

The tour explores the southern part of the island, beginning with a coastal section before heading into the canyons and hills. Exact stops can vary, but the basic appeal is the change in scenery. You see the sea, then watch the roads rise into drier mountain country.

The southern part of Gran Canaria is often sunnier than other parts of the island. That is a useful point if you are visiting from a cruise ship and find rain or cloud near the port. Philippe has driven cruise passengers for roughly 45 minutes to the other side of the island, where conditions were brighter.

Do not treat that transfer as a guaranteed sightseeing stop or a fixed travel time for every booking. Pickup details depend on your starting point. But if the weather looks poor at the port, it makes sense to ask the operator before cancelling. The south may be enjoying a different day entirely.

The old buggy adds a social element to the drive. People along the roads may wave as you pass, and the cars tend to draw attention. You get a better sense of the island as a place where daily life continues around you, rather than moving through it behind dark coach windows.

The mountain climb is the most exciting part

The road into the mountains is curvy. That is not a minor detail. One person described the climb as a little scary, but also the best part of the outing. I can see why: the narrow bends, rising road, and open buggy create a stronger sense of movement than a standard island tour.

The mountain roads used for the outing are well maintained, which helps. Your guide gives instructions before you set off and keeps safety in mind during the drive. Even so, you should expect bends and changes in elevation. If you get carsick or feel tense on mountain roads, this may not be your ideal excursion.

For confident drivers, the curves are exactly what make the experience memorable. You are not just looking at the mountains from a viewpoint. You are handling an unusual vehicle as the road climbs, with the scenery opening around you.

The pace is intended to be fun and manageable, not a race. You should listen carefully to the briefing and follow the guide’s instructions. The activity is designed for most people, but anyone who is nervous behind the wheel should say so at the start.

Cercado de Espino and the stop for drinks

A stop in Cercado de Espino gives the drive a welcome pause. You are offered drinks at a typical Canarian bar, which is more appealing than rushing from one photo stop to the next.

This break also gives you time to chat with Philippe or the other people in your buggy. The setting is part of the point. A local bar offers a simple look at island life, and the stop helps turn the outing into a social day rather than a nonstop driving session.

The included information specifically promises drinks. Some arrangements have also included sangria, tapas, or lunch at a mountain restaurant. I would not assume a full meal is included in every booking unless the operator confirms it. If you need lunch, ask before setting off.

The stop works well because three hours in an old buggy can feel longer than three hours in a comfortable car. A drink, a change of pace, and a chance to stretch make the route easier to enjoy.

What the guides add to the day

Philippe, also referred to as Philip, is closely involved with the experience. He speaks English well and has been described as a Frenchman, which may be useful if you need clear instructions before driving. Simon is also part of the guiding team on some outings.

The tone is relaxed and personal. You are not dealing with a large operation where the guide disappears at the front of a crowd. Philippe has picked up cruise passengers, driven them toward the south, and returned them to the port afterward. Pickup is offered, but confirm your exact location and timing when you book.

The guides also handle the practical side of using older buggies. They explain how to drive safely and deal with mechanical issues if needed. That support matters because an old engine can be charming until you are the person wondering if it will start again.

I like the balance here: you get independence behind the wheel, but you are still part of a guided route. You can enjoy the thrill without having to plan mountain roads, find the bar stop, or figure out how to get back to your ship.

How long the three-hour format feels

The experience lasts about three hours, with the route described as at least three hours. That gives you enough time to leave the built-up coast, reach the canyons and mountain roads, stop for drinks, and return without giving up a full day of your holiday.

You can start at any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., subject to availability. Morning departures may suit cruise passengers with an afternoon sailing, while a later start can work if you want a relaxed morning. If you are booking around a ship schedule, leave plenty of spare time for the return journey and any unexpected delay.

The flexible start window is helpful, but do not read it as unlimited freedom to arrive whenever you like. Confirmation is subject to availability, and you should wait for the confirmed start time before planning the rest of your day.

Three hours is also a good compromise for people who want a driving adventure but do not want a full-day excursion. You get a real change of scenery without spending the entire day in the vehicle.

The price and what you receive for it

The listed price is $270.79 per group of up to two people, not per passenger. For a couple, that works out to about $135.40 each before any separate personal expenses.

That is not the cheapest way to see Gran Canaria, but it buys a private-feeling activity with one buggy shared by two people, guide support, and the chance to drive an unusual classic vehicle. Pickup can also add value if you are arriving by cruise ship and would otherwise need to arrange transport to the southern part of the island.

The price makes more sense for two people than for one. A solo participant pays the same group rate, while a pair can split the cost. You should also clarify what food is included, since the stated arrangement includes drinks but not a guaranteed lunch.

I would compare this with a standard island sightseeing tour only if your main goal is to cover many attractions. The buggy outing is less about checking off landmarks and more about the pleasure of the road, the old car, and the mountain setting.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a couple, friends, or a cruise passenger looking for something more active than a coach ride. You should enjoy driving, open-air travel, and a little mechanical uncertainty.

It is also a good fit if you want to see the southern mountains without renting a car and planning the route yourself. The guide leads the way, gives safety instructions, and provides support while you drive.

You may want to skip it if you dislike winding roads, are uncomfortable with older vehicles, or want a highly predictable luxury excursion. The buggy may be temperamental, and the mountain climb is genuinely curvy.

The activity is open to most people, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but pickup is the more useful choice if you are coming from a cruise port or hotel and want the day arranged for you.

Weather, clothing, and practical planning

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The weather can change between the coast and the mountains, and the south may be sunny when the port is wet. I would check the forecast for the southern route, not just the place where you wake up.

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle wind, dust, and changing temperatures. You should also bring anything you need for a few hours outdoors, including sun protection if conditions are bright. The supplied details do not specify helmets, driving licenses, or age rules, so ask the operator about those points before booking if they affect your decision.

Because the buggy carries two people, choose your driving partner carefully. You will spend the outing together, and one person may be more confident on the mountain roads than the other.

Should you book the 70s Buggy ride?

I would book this if you want a hands-on island outing with classic cars, mountain bends, and a friendly guide rather than a standard sightseeing loop. The strongest reasons are the unusual vehicles, the personal pickup option, and the way the route moves from the sea into southern Gran Canaria’s canyons.

I would hesitate only if you need modern comfort, dislike winding roads, or expect a fixed gourmet lunch and a perfectly predictable vehicle. Ask about the pickup point, what refreshments are included, and the driving requirements before confirming.

For two people who enjoy a little adventure, the price is fair for a three-hour guided experience with transport help and a memorable car. It is not the most practical way to see every major sight, but it may be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a morning or afternoon in the south.

FAQ

How long is the 70s Buggy ride in Gran Canaria?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, and the activity description refers to a route of at least three hours.

How many people can ride in each buggy?

Each vehicle accepts two people. The maximum for the activity is two participants.

Can I be picked up for the buggy tour?

Yes. Pickup is offered. Philippe has also collected cruise passengers from the port, but you should confirm your exact pickup point and time when booking.

What time can the tour start?

You can start anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., subject to availability and confirmation.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are offered at a typical Canarian bar in Cercado de Espino. Food is not specifically guaranteed in the tour details, so ask the operator if you want lunch or tapas included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the local start time.