Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

The best part of this ride is the change of scenery: you leave the stables above Arona and follow a volcanic route toward the coast, passing cacti and other Canarian plants on the way. I love that beginners are welcome and horses are matched to riders’ size and experience, and that the two-hour ride reaches the beach, where you can take in the sea air at a slower pace.

One thing to plan for: the instructor may speak only a little English, so don’t count on a detailed running commentary in English. Wear long trousers and proper shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and allow a little flexibility around your start time if the small center is full.

At a glance

• Ride through volcanic terrain: See tabaiba, cacti, cardones, and old lava beds on the southern Tenerife route.
• Choose your length: The one-hour ride is a shorter introduction; the two-hour option goes to the coast and beach.
• Good for first-timers: Instructors give guidance, and horses are matched to riders’ size and experience.
• Small group: The ride is limited to six participants, though the center may ask you to change your selected time if it is full.
• Bring sensible gear: A helmet is included, but clothes and shoes are not. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.
• Check the weight limit: The activity information gives two different upper limits, 200 pounds and 209 pounds. Confirm the current limit before booking if this may affect you.

From Xanadu to Tenerife’s volcanic slopes

The ride starts at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife. From the stable, the route enters terrain shaped by old lava flows, with the mountains rising above and the ocean opening out below. It is a different way to see this part of the island than from a car or a resort walkway: you move at horse pace, with time to notice the plants and ground around you.

The route features typical Canarian vegetation, including tabaiba, cacti, and cardones. The horses follow a guided path, so you do not need to plan a route or navigate. That makes this outing approachable if you are new to riding, while still giving you more than a simple circuit in an arena.

The terrain is the point, but it also shapes the pace. This is a guided ride, not a fast trail challenge. Expect a relaxed walk for much of the outing. Some groups may trot, depending on the riders’ abilities and the instructor’s judgment, but faster riding is not something to assume when you book.

What happens before you set off

At the center, you meet the staff and get fitted with a helmet, which is included. Instructors explain the basics and help riders get settled. Horses are selected with riders’ size and experience in mind, which can help a nervous beginner feel more comfortable. If you have never ridden before, say so clearly before mounting and ask for any instruction you need.

Small-group size helps keep the outing manageable: no more than six participants are listed. Still, the center is small, and your chosen time may need to change if the activity is full. Keep some flexibility in your plans rather than scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward.

Language is worth considering. English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch are listed, but the instructor may be a native Spanish speaker who speaks only a little English. Basic instructions and a friendly manner can go a long way, but if you feel uncertain about handling a horse, ask for clear guidance before you leave the stable.

One hour or two: what changes

The one-hour option is a good fit if you want a taste of riding without committing a large part of your day. It gives you time to settle into the saddle and take in the route, but it does not include the coast visit described for the longer ride. If you are unsure how you will feel on a horse, an hour may be the sensible first choice.

The two-hour ride adds the trip to the coast and beach, a highlight of this outing. The way there takes you through the volcanic terrain and down toward the sea; the longer format gives you more time in the saddle and a chance to enjoy the ocean setting. Horses may splash in the water, though that should be treated as a possible moment, not a promise.

Do not book the longer ride expecting a beach gallop or a long stop for swimming. The experience is a guided horseback ride, and the pace depends on the group. If you are keen to trot, ask the instructor what is suitable for your group rather than assuming it will be part of the route.

The horses and the guide make the difference

For beginners, the horse is as important as the scenery. The horses are often described as calm and well behaved, and first-timers have found the guided format reassuring. You are not expected to arrive with riding experience, but you should still listen closely to the instructor and speak up if you feel uneasy.

The guides’ approach can make this a more personal outing than a simple ride around a property. Some have pointed out local plants and explained the area’s history along the way. Guides named Dori, Dorry, and Germain have led rides, though you should not expect a particular person on your date.

Photos may also be taken during the ride. Some riders have received pictures through WhatsApp at no extra charge, but this is not listed as a guaranteed part of the activity. Bring your phone only if you can keep it secure and are comfortable carrying it while riding.

What the scenery is really like

This is not a green forest ride. The setting is southern Tenerife’s volcanic ground, with cacti and other dry-climate plants, open views, and the contrast of mountains above and ocean below. That arid character is part of the appeal: you get a close look at a side of the island that can be easy to miss from a beach resort.

The coastal view is the main payoff of the longer route. From horseback, you approach the sea gradually, with the change from high ground to shore adding variety to the ride. The beach gives you a memorable pause in the route, but the activity remains a horseback outing rather than a beach day.

A few practical details shape your comfort. The sun and sea breeze can both be strong, so bring sunscreen and water. Shorts are not allowed, and a long ride in the saddle can rub your legs, so long trousers are the sensible choice. Shoes and boots are not provided, and bare feet are prohibited; wear footwear suitable for riding.

Is $47 a fair price?

At a listed price of $47 per person, the value depends in part on which length you choose and the rate available for that option when you book. The cost includes the guided ride and helmet, so you are paying for a small-group outdoor activity with instruction and a route through terrain that is hard to appreciate in the same way from a vehicle.

The two-hour option offers more time in the saddle and the coast visit, making it the stronger choice if you want the full route and feel comfortable with a longer ride. The one-hour option can be better value for a first-timer who would rather test the waters before committing to two hours. Food, drinks, clothes, and shoes are not included, so factor in your own preparations.

The center’s small size is a plus for group scale, but it can mean a start-time adjustment if the selected slot is full. The ride may also begin later than expected if the previous group is still out. You should still expect the duration you booked, but avoid planning an important appointment right after the activity.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a strong choice for couples, families with older children, and beginners who want to try horseback riding in a scenic setting. Children under six are not suitable. The gentle pace and instructor-led format make it more approachable than a ride that assumes prior skill, while the volcanic route and coast keep it interesting for people who have ridden before.

It is also a good pick if you want a break from Tenerife’s usual beach-and-pool routine. You get fresh air, views, and a close look at local plants, with no need to be an experienced rider. If you prefer fast riding, need a detailed English-language explanation, or are uncomfortable around horses, this may not be the right outing.

There is an inconsistency in the stated weight restrictions: one line says people over 200 pounds (91 kg) are not suitable, while another says over 209 pounds (95 kg). If you are near either limit, contact the provider before booking rather than guessing which number applies.

Should you book the Xanadu ride?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly way to see southern Tenerife’s volcanic terrain and ocean views, and you are happy with a guided ride that is mostly relaxed in pace. Choose two hours for the coast and beach; choose one hour if you want a shorter first ride. Bring water, sunscreen, long trousers, and proper shoes, and be ready for an instructor whose English may be limited.

If language support or the weight limit is a concern, ask the provider before you commit. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve-now, pay-later is available, which can help if you are still arranging your plans.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride meet?

At Xanadu riding center in the town of Arona, in southern Tenerife.

How long is the ride?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour ride. Check availability for the starting times.

Does the two-hour ride go to the beach?

Yes. The two-hour option includes a route to the coast and beach.

Is this suitable for a beginner?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the instructor gives guidance. Tell the instructor if you have never ridden before.

What languages are available?

English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch are listed. The instructor may be a native Spanish speaker and speak only a little English.

What is included in the price?

The selected one-hour or two-hour horseback ride, an instructor, and a helmet.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Clothes and shoes are not included, so wear long trousers and suitable footwear.

Are shorts or swimwear allowed?

No. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

Is there an age or weight restriction?

Children under six are not suitable. The stated weight limits conflict: the information gives both 200 pounds (91 kg) and 209 pounds (95 kg), so confirm with the provider if relevant.

Can I cancel, and do I have to pay when I book?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later is available, so you do not have to pay immediately when booking.