Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

Riding from the volcanic slopes of southern Tenerife down toward the sea gives you a view of the island that a bus tour cannot match. You pass tabaiba, cacti, and cardones, then feel the sea air beside an old lava bed. The two-hour ride reaches the coast and beach, where the horses may step into the water.

I like the calm, gentle horses and the way the staff match them to your size and experience. I also like the small group, limited to six people, which gives the instructor room to help nervous beginners. The main drawback is communication: the instructor speaks some English, but Spanish is the stronger language, and the center can run late when an earlier ride returns behind schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• The two-hour option reaches the beach: The longer ride includes the coast, ocean views, and time near the water.
• Beginners are welcome: You receive basic instruction, and the horses are selected for your ability and size.
• The setting is volcanic and dry: Expect cacti, tabaiba, cardones, rugged ground, mountains, and broad sea views.
• Groups stay small: A maximum of six people makes personal help easier.
• Bring practical clothing: Sunscreen and water are essential, and shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.
• Allow extra time: The ride itself lasts one or two hours, but preparation and delays can extend your visit.

From Xanadu riding center into southern Tenerife

The meeting point is Xanadu riding center in Arona, in the south of Tenerife. This is not a quick photo stop beside a stable. You arrive, meet the horses, receive a helmet, and get instructions before setting off.

The center is small, so the pace can feel personal, but that also means schedules are not always rigid. If the previous group is late or the chosen time is full, you may be asked to change your start time. One-hour rides have sometimes begun well after the planned time, though the full paid ride was still provided.

Your first task is getting comfortable around the horse. Staff introduce you to the animal and explain the basics of steering and stopping. If you have never ridden before, say so clearly. The horses are generally chosen according to your size and experience, and a slower horse may be used for a complete beginner.

The instruction appears practical rather than classroom-heavy. That suits a relaxed outing, but you should not expect a long riding lesson. One person without much English found that controlling the horse could have been explained in more detail. If you know a little Spanish, use it. If not, pay close attention to demonstrations and ask the guide to show you again when needed.

One hour through cacti, lava, and mountain views

The one-hour ride is the sensible choice if you are new to horses, unsure about your balance, or simply want to fit another activity into your day. It gives you time to settle into the saddle without committing to a longer outing.

The route passes through the dry volcanic country around the ranch. You may see tabaiba, cacti, cardones, prickly pear, and other Canarian plants. The path follows ground shaped by old lava flows, with mountain slopes above and the ocean below. That combination is what makes this more than a standard horseback loop.

The pace is mainly walking. This matters. If you are hoping for a fast gallop along the coast, this is not that kind of trip. Some groups have been allowed to trot, especially on the return, and one guide offered a short canter in the arena after the ride. Those faster sections depend on the group, the horses, and the instructor, so treat them as a possible extra rather than part of the promise.

The one-hour option works well for families with older children, couples trying riding for the first time, and anyone who wants a gentle introduction. Children must be at least six years old. The published limits also exclude people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, and separately list a limit of 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Because those figures conflict, ask the provider to confirm the current limit if your weight is close to either figure.

The two-hour route and the ride to the beach

The two-hour option is the better pick if the coast is your main reason for booking. The route heads from the riding center toward the sea, crossing the volcanic terrain before reaching the beach area. One account described roughly an hour and a half to reach the coast, leaving a shorter period for photos and time near the water.

That timing shows why the longer option is not simply an extra hour of the same ride. The coast is the main feature. You get sea views from the saddle, a fresh breeze, and the chance to take the horses toward or into the water when conditions and the guide allow it. Horses splashing in the sea can be a memorable sight, especially for first-time riders.

Do not expect a long beach gallop. The outing is controlled and mostly relaxed. A guide may ask if the group wants more action on the way back, and trotting may be possible. Your answer should match your ability. If you are nervous, there is no prize for going faster.

The approach to the beach can include roads or crossings, and one nervous rider found this part unsettling at first. The guide kept the group slow and controlled. Stay close, follow instructions, and tell the instructor if you feel uncomfortable. The staff’s job is to manage the horses and the group, not to push you into a pace you cannot handle.

Gentle horses and careful matching

The horses are the heart of this activity, and the strongest reason to choose it if you are a beginner. The animals are repeatedly described as calm, friendly, and easy to handle. Some first-time riders felt comfortable quickly because the horses followed the guide and seemed to understand the slow pace.

That does not mean a horse is an automatic machine. You still need to hold the reins correctly, steer, stop, and keep your balance. One rider reported that a horse briefly went too fast before the guide brought it under control. That is a useful reminder: even a calm trail horse needs your attention.

The staff appear to take ability seriously. A complete beginner may be placed on a slower horse, with an instructor walking nearby for extra support. More experienced riders may find the pace restrained, especially when the group contains several newcomers. This is a beginner-friendly outing first, and a spirited riding session second.

The horses have also been described as well cared for, which matters on a trip like this. You are not only buying a view from the saddle. You are spending time with working animals, so the condition and behavior of the horses are central to the experience.

Guides, language, and the small-group advantage

The activity lists English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. In practice, Spanish is the main language, while English support varies. Some guides speak enough English for the essential instructions, and the language gap has not stopped people from enjoying the ride. Still, explanations about local plants, volcanic ground, and the area’s past may be shorter if you do not speak Spanish.

Dori, also written as Dorry in one account, has led rides to the beach and explained drainage channels and the history of the land. Germain has also been singled out for keeping beginners comfortable and guiding the group well. Other instructors have pointed out fruit trees, prickly pear, plants, and volcanic features along the route.

The small group limit of six is a real advantage. A large line of horses can feel impersonal, while a small group gives the guide a better view of each rider. It also makes it easier to ask for help, adjust the pace, or pause for photos.

Photography can be part of the service. Guides have taken photos during the ride and sent them through WhatsApp at no extra cost in some cases. Do not rely on this as a guaranteed feature unless the provider confirms it for your date, but you should be able to enjoy the scenery without constantly trying to take your own picture.

What the price delivers at $47

At $47 per person, this is a fair price if you choose the two-hour ride and care about the beach section. You are paying for the horse, helmet, instructor, and a guided route through terrain that would be difficult to explore in the same way on foot.

The one-hour ride offers better value if you want a short activity or are testing your interest in riding. It is long enough to learn the basics, see the volcanic scenery, and decide if you enjoy the saddle. The two-hour ride costs more in time and effort, but the coast gives it a clear point of difference.

Food and drinks are not included. A restaurant is located next to the stables, which is handy after the ride, but plan to pay separately. Clothes, shoes, and boots are also not included, so arrive dressed for riding rather than assuming the center supplies everything beyond the helmet.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when weather or holiday plans are uncertain. One group successfully moved its booking after poor weather, though you should still contact the provider promptly if conditions look bad.

What to wear and how to prepare

Bring water and sunscreen. Southern Tenerife can be bright and dry, and you will be exposed to the sun even when the ride feels cool because of the sea breeze.

Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Long trousers are the practical choice, especially because time in the saddle can rub your legs. One rider who wore shorts found the rubbing uncomfortable by the end. Wear secure footwear that lets you ride safely, and avoid turning up as if you are heading straight to the swimming pool.

You may feel stiff after the ride, particularly if you have not ridden before. A one-hour booking is kinder to your body if you are uncertain. The two-hour option is more rewarding for scenery, but it asks more of your legs and balance.

This is not suited to children under six, or to people above the listed weight limits. If you have any doubt about the weight restriction, contact Xanadu before paying rather than discovering the issue at the center.

Who should book this horseback ride

I would choose this for a first-time rider who wants scenery rather than formal training. You get a gentle introduction, a guide close by, and horses selected for different levels of confidence. It also suits couples, families with children aged six or older, and riders returning to the saddle after a long break.

The two-hour trip is particularly good for someone who wants a different view of Tenerife’s south. The coast, beach, volcanic ground, and ocean air give the ride a strong sense of place. It is not just an arena lesson with a few palms around it.

Experienced riders should adjust expectations. You may spend most of the time walking, and the group’s least confident rider usually sets the pace. If you want independent riding, repeated cantering, or technical instruction, choose a more specialized equestrian outing.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a relaxed, scenic ride with gentle horses and you are happy to follow a guide. I would pick the two-hour coastal option for the best overall experience, especially if the chance to ride near the beach matters to you.

Choose one hour if you are nervous, short on time, or completely new to riding. Be ready for a possible delay, bring trousers, water, and sunscreen, and do not count on detailed English explanations. With those limits understood, $47 buys a memorable look at southern Tenerife from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride meet?

The meeting point is Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife.

How long is the activity?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour horseback ride. Check the available start times when booking.

Does the two-hour ride reach the beach?

Yes. The two-hour option goes to the coast and beach, with ocean views and sea air. The horses may go into the water when the guide allows it.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners receive basic instruction, and horses are selected according to size and experience. A slower horse and extra walking support may be provided for a complete beginner.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The activity lists English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. The main instructor is a native Spanish speaker and may speak only limited English.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to six participants.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear suitable riding clothes, including trousers, and bring secure footwear.

Are shorts or swimwear allowed?

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

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included with the horseback ride.

Who cannot join the activity?

Children under six cannot participate. The activity also lists weight limits of over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, and over 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Because both figures appear in the conditions, confirm the current limit with the provider if necessary.