Forget buses; this is real island road fun. This 70s buggy ride in south Gran Canaria mixes driving with time on foot by the sea and through canyon country, with guides who keep it safe and genuinely fun. I especially liked the feeling of classic VW-era buggy power and how the day builds toward big viewpoints and an easy Canarian break with drinks at Cercado de Espino. One thing to consider: the mountain roads can be curvy, and the buggies (with 1960s VW engines) can feel a bit temperamental in the real-world way old machines do.

Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go

• You drive classic 70s-style buggies with that old-engine vibe and real road sensations
• The route mixes driving plus a long walk by the sea and through canyons
• Guides give clear instructions in English and focus on keeping you safe while you have fun
• A drinks stop at Cercado de Espino adds a local rhythm to the ride
• Small and simple setup: up to 2 travelers per vehicle, with a maximum of 2 travelers total

Why This 70s Buggy Ride Feels More Like Gran Canaria Than a Typical Tour

Gran Canaria can be done two ways: fast and fixed, or slow enough to feel the island’s mood. This buggy experience leans hard into the second option. You spend real time moving around the south—part behind the wheel, part on foot—so you’re not just watching scenery go by from behind a window.

I also like the pacing. You get enough driving to feel the fun, but you’re not trapped the whole time in the buggy. The setup includes a walk by the sea and through the canyons, which matters because it gives your eyes a break and lets you see the places that buses usually skip.

The guides also keep the experience grounded. They talk you through what to do, they keep an eye on safety, and they make sure you’re not guessing your way through a challenging road. That balance—adventure plus guidance—is where this tour earns its strong reviews.

The Buggies: Vintage 1960s VW Engines, Old-School Feel, Real Mechanics

The star here is the buggy itself. These are 70s-style vehicles with engines described as 1960s VW units. That’s part of the charm. You’re not in some modern, silent amusement-machine. You feel the engine, you hear it, and you react to it like it’s a living part of the experience.

There’s also a practical side: old engines can be temperamental. The good news is that the guides and the mechanic are part of the equation. People specifically mention Phillipe and his mechanic looking after the buggies and taking care of passengers. So if you’re the type who worries about whether something will actually work, you’ll feel better knowing the day is run with local handling and support.

Handling-wise, expect a “real road” feel. One of the most repeated themes is that the ride to higher viewpoints involves curvy roads, and the climb can feel a little scary—mostly because it’s winding and because you’re in a small buggy instead of a big vehicle. If you like driving and you’re comfortable being on twisty roads, you’ll probably love it. If you get tense in tight turns or you’re very motion-sensitive, you should take that into account.

Getting There: Pickup From the Port and Why Weather Changes by Side

If you’re coming from a cruise ship, this is set up in a way that works for your day. One review mentions Phillipe picking them up at the cruise port and driving about 45 minutes to the sunnier part of the island. That detail matters because Gran Canaria’s weather can shift based on where you are. If rain is in the forecast, you should ask before you cancel. The experience runs only in good weather, but your odds can improve depending on how conditions line up for the area they operate in.

Even if you’re not on a cruise, you’ll still appreciate having pickup as an option. It reduces the stress of trying to time a bus or taxi on a fixed cruise schedule. The tour also notes that it’s close to public transportation, which is handy if you’re building the rest of your day independently.

The Road Trip Part: Curves, Climbing, and the Fun of Being Up Close

This is not a drive where you sit back and scroll on your phone. You’re in a buggy. That means the roads, the turns, and the altitude changes are part of the experience. Reviews repeatedly point to the road to the mountain top being curvy and a bit intense, but also described as the best part of the adventure.

What I take from that is simple: you’re not doing this for quiet and comfort. You’re doing it to feel the island’s terrain right up close. If you enjoy getting a little adrenaline and you like watching the world open up ahead of you, the climb will fit your style.

And since guides provide instructions and safety oversight, you’re not just dropped into chaos. You should still expect a learning curve, especially if you’ve never driven a buggy before. Plan to drive with patience. The best days usually happen when you keep your head clear and let the guide’s rhythm set yours.

The Sea and Canyon Walk: Where the Views Stop Being Background

The driving is the headline, but the walking is the part that turns the day into a real experience. The tour description says you get a walk of at least three hours by the sea and through the canyons. That’s a big chunk, and it’s the difference between a quick photo-stop tour and one where you actually spend time in the area.

Why this matters: the south of Gran Canaria has a rugged character. When you walk in canyon country, you notice textures—rock tones, shadows, and the way the light hits the cliffs. On a drive, a lot of that disappears behind speed and distance.

You also get a better sense of space. Mountains feel different when you walk near them. And sea air changes your experience of the coastline. Even on a day that’s mostly movement, that walking segment slows the whole thing down just enough to let you really look.

If you’re considering this and you know you don’t do well with longer walking periods, treat this as a key factor. You’re not just stepping out for ten minutes and getting back in the buggy.

Cercado de Espino Stop: Drinks, Tapas Vibes, and a Local Reset

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that you’re not driving non-stop. You get a drinks stop at Cercado de Espino in a typical Canarian bar. That pause breaks up the day and gives you time to reset without feeling like you’re on a tight schedule.

People also mention sangria and tapas at a higher viewpoint. One review describes enjoying sangria and delicious tapas at the top of the mountain with glorious views around. That lines up with the idea that the day builds toward a scenic payoff—then lets you relax while you take it in.

Even if you don’t make this a full meal day on your own, the drinks and bar stop make the tour feel complete. It’s the kind of break that also helps your group energy level. After curvy roads and a long walk, you’ll want that moment where you sit, hydrate, and let the day sink in.

Guides and the Human Touch: Phillipe and Simon’s Role in Making It Work

A great machine still needs great people. This tour seems to get that right. Phillipe shows up repeatedly in reviews, including cruise pickup and care for the buggies. Another guide, Simon, is also mentioned—especially in a review that calls out every aspect of the day as amazing, with stops breaking up the ride and food and drinks at the viewpoint.

That matters because a buggy day can go sideways if the guide is strict without clarity. In the best versions, you’re having fun and you still feel taken care of. Here, the guide presence appears to be practical: they give instructions, keep you safe, and manage the day so it flows.

When you book, keep your expectations realistic. You’re riding old machines and walking through canyon terrain. The value comes from how well the guides manage both sides of the experience.

Price and Value: Is $270.79 Worth It for Two?

At $270.79 per group (up to 2), you should think about value in terms of what’s included and what kind of experience you’re buying—not just in dollars.

Here’s the way I’d frame it:

• You’re paying for a small, guided adventure in vintage-style vehicles, not a big group bus tour.
• You get pickup offered (useful for cruise days), plus an all-in guided flow with instructions.
• You’re not only driving; you’re also doing a sea and canyon walk and stopping for drinks at Cercado de Espino.

If you split it as a couple (or two friends), the per-person cost drops quickly, and you’re getting something far more hands-on than standard sightseeing. It’s also booked fairly far in advance on average, which suggests the supply of these small-group days is limited.

A final value point: the buggies are part of the thrill, but the safety and mechanics support are what keep the thrill enjoyable. When a tour has to work with older vehicles, the “value” really includes whether it’s managed well on the day.

Who This Buggy Ride Is Perfect For (And Who Should Think Twice)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• Hands-on driving and you enjoy feeling close to the terrain
• A day that mixes movement with scenic breaks
• A guided experience that includes both adventure and a local bar stop
• A smaller group setup (up to 2 travelers per vehicle)

I’d think twice if:

• Curvy mountain roads make you anxious
• Longer walking time is a problem for you
• You want a perfectly smooth, modern vehicle experience (since engines are described as 1960s VW units and can be temperamental)

The best approach is matching the tour to your personality. If you like road challenges and local pace, you’ll likely have a top day. If you want calm and comfort above all, this may feel like too much.

Practical Tips to Help You Enjoy the Day

I’d go in prepared for two realities: old-vehicle driving and time on your feet.

• Wear footwear you trust for walking on uneven ground. You’re doing a long walk by the sea and through canyons.
• Drive with care on the curvy sections. The roads to the top are described as curvy, and the ride can feel a little scary.
• If weather looks shaky, ask about conditions. People specifically note that the weather can be different on the side of the island they operate in, especially for rain forecasts.
• Bring a mobile ticket and follow the guide’s instructions. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and the whole day runs on the guide briefing.

Small preparation like this makes a big difference on days where you’re part driver and part walker.

Should You Book This 70s Buggy Tour in Gran Canaria?

If your idea of a great holiday day is real terrain, classic machines, and guided freedom, I think you should book it. The combination of fun driving, a meaningful sea-and-canyon walk, and a drinks stop at Cercado de Espino turns it from a simple excursion into a full experience.

The main reason not to book is simple: if you strongly dislike curvy mountain roads or you’re not up for a longer walk, skip it and pick something calmer. Also, remember you’re in a vintage style vehicle with 1960s VW engines, so the experience has that real, slightly unpredictable mechanical charm—managed by the team, but still old-school.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is one of the most memorable ways to see the south of Gran Canaria without feeling like you’re just along for the ride.

FAQ

How long is the 70s buggy ride?

The duration is listed as approximately 3 hours.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 2 travelers, and it notes that up to 2 people ride per vehicle.

Do they offer pickup?

Pickup is offered.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is there a drinks stop?

Yes. Drinks are offered in Cercado de Espino in a typical Canarian bar.

What time can I start?

You can start anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

What if the weather is poor?

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

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