Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

The best part of this ride is the change in scenery: you leave Xanadu riding center near Arona and move through volcanic ground, cacti, and Canarian plants toward wide ocean views. The two-hour option reaches the coast and beach, where horses may walk into the water.

I like the calm, gentle horses and the small groups, limited to six people. I also like that instructors match horses to your size and riding experience, making this a sensible first ride rather than a white-knuckle stunt.

The main thing to consider is communication. The instructor may speak only basic English and is usually a native Spanish speaker. Rides can also start late when an earlier group runs over, so do not schedule this too tightly against another activity.

Key points to know before you ride

• The two-hour route reaches the coast: You get extra time for the beach, sea air, and ocean views.
• Gentle horses suit beginners: Instructors choose horses according to your size and experience.
• The scenery is volcanic and distinctly Canarian: Expect tabaiba, cacti, cardones, lava beds, mountains, and the sea.
• The pace is usually relaxed: Most of the ride is at a walk, though trotting may be possible for suitable groups.
• Small groups help with safety: No more than six participants join each ride.
• Wear proper riding clothes: Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Bring sunscreen and water.

Leaving Xanadu for Tenerife’s volcanic south

Your ride begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in the south of Tenerife. This is not a grand equestrian estate. It is a small center, which helps explain the personal feel but also means that the schedule can be less flexible than at a large commercial operation.

Allow time to meet the staff, get fitted with a helmet, and be paired with a horse. The horses are selected with your size and experience in mind. First-time riders have been given slower, steady horses, with an instructor staying nearby when extra help was needed.

The initial briefing covers the basics of handling the horse. This matters if you have never ridden before, though you should not expect a long riding-school lesson. A few people have found that the instructions on steering and controlling the horse could be more detailed, particularly when English was limited.

I suggest you ask simple questions before setting off: how to stop, how to turn, what to do if the horse speeds up, and how the group will handle a nervous rider. The instructors generally keep control of the group, but it is better to understand these basics before you leave the yard.

You receive a helmet, but the activity does not provide riding clothes, shoes, or boots. Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a secure sole. One rider who wore shorts found that the saddle rubbed by the end, a useful warning for anyone tempted to dress for the beach.

The one-hour ride: a gentle introduction

The one-hour option works well if you are a complete beginner, short on time, or unsure how your body will feel in a saddle. Several first-time riders found the shorter trip enough to enjoy the horses and scenery without becoming uncomfortable.

The route takes you through the dry southern countryside, where volcanic rock and native vegetation give Tenerife a look quite different from the resort strip. You may see tabaiba, cacti, cardones, prickly pear, and other plants adapted to the island’s warm, dry climate.

The scenery is the star rather than speed. You look up toward the mountains, down toward the ocean, and across old lava beds formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The fresh sea breeze helps keep the ride pleasant, though the exposed setting also means strong sun is a real concern.

This is generally a walking ride. That is good news for beginners, families, and anyone who wants time to take in the views. It is less suitable if you are looking for fast riding, jumping, or a serious training session.

The exact one-hour route can vary with the group. Some accounts describe a route down toward the coast and back, while the two-hour ride is the option specifically described as reaching the beach. Ask at the center which route your chosen time includes.

The two-hour route: mountains, lava, and the beach

For most people, the two-hour option offers the better value. It gives you more time in the saddle and adds the most memorable part of the experience, the ride toward the coast and beach.

The route runs from the ranch through the volcanic countryside, with the mountains above and the ocean below. You pass dry channels and volcanic ground, and the guide may explain local plants, fruit trees, volcanoes, and the way water moves across the area.

The trip to the coast can take a large part of the outing. One account described roughly an hour and a half to reach the beach, leaving a short but peaceful period beside the water before the return journey. Timing depends on the group and the pace, so do not assume the beach stop will be a long free-roaming session.

At the beach, the horses may go into the sea. This is a special moment, but it is not a guaranteed swimming experience. The horses walk into the water with the guide’s direction, and the group may have time for photographs and a little standing in the shallows.

The beach section is also where the ride feels most unusual. You are not simply looking at Tenerife from a viewpoint. You are sitting on a horse with the sea around you, volcanic terrain behind you, and the guide managing the group. For many people, this is worth paying for the longer option.

On the return, the group may be invited to trot if the riders and horses are ready. Do not count on this. The ride is shaped by the least experienced person in the group, and the usual pace remains controlled. One beginner found the transition to a faster pace awkward, so ask the instructor how to position your body before trying it.

What makes the horses a good match for beginners

The horses receive the strongest praise in this experience. They are described as gentle, friendly, calm, and well behaved outside the stables. That does not remove every risk, but it makes a major difference when you are sitting on a horse for the first time.

The group is not treated as if everyone has the same ability. A nervous or inexperienced rider may be placed on a slower horse, while a more confident rider may receive a horse suited to that level. This matching process is one of the most valuable parts of the outing.

Some people arrive expecting to entertain a child or partner and end up enjoying the ride themselves. That makes sense: the slow pace gives you time to get used to the animal, learn basic steering, and notice the countryside instead of concentrating only on staying balanced.

You should still listen carefully. A horse is a large animal, and even a calm one can react to its surroundings. Keep enough space between horses, follow the guide’s directions, and tell the instructor immediately if you feel uncomfortable.

The center’s horses are frequently described as well cared for. You will see them at the stables before the ride, and the staff’s handling of them is part of the experience. If your main interest is animals and a quiet outdoor outing, this may appeal more than a faster trail ride.

The guide, language, and group size

The group is limited to six participants, a useful size for a guided ride. A small group gives the instructor a better chance to watch beginners and keep everyone together, especially on uneven volcanic ground or near roads.

Guides speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but the level of English can vary. Some instructors speak only a little English, while others provide explanations about local plants, volcanic activity, and the area’s past.

Dori, also written as Dorry in one account, is singled out for explaining the land and making the beach route interesting. Germain is also praised for introducing the horses, teaching beginners, and leading the group carefully. Staff members have been friendly and patient, but do not assume that every guide will give a long explanation in English.

You can bridge the language gap with a few practical words and clear hand signals. The most important instructions are usually easy to understand through demonstration, but ask for help if you are uncertain. A smile and a little patience go a long way here.

The guide may also take photographs during the ride. Several people received pictures through WhatsApp at no extra cost. This is convenient because taking your own action shots while holding reins is not easy. Still, bring your phone only if you can secure it safely.

How the pace affects the experience

This is a guided trail ride, not a private lesson. The pace depends on the whole group, the horses, and the instructor’s judgment.

Most of the route is at a walk. That makes the ride accessible and leaves room for views, conversation, and explanations about plants and volcanic features. It also means experienced riders may find the outing slower than expected.

Trotting has happened on some rides, especially on the return from the beach or when the group was comfortable. In the arena, some riders have been allowed to canter afterward. These moments are optional and depend on ability, conditions, and the guide.

If you are an experienced rider, explain your background clearly at the start. The center may be able to give you a little more action, but safety and group balance come first. If you are a beginner, do not feel pressured to trot. A relaxed walk is the normal experience and still gives you the best chance to enjoy the scenery.

Timing, comfort, and practical value

The advertised duration is one or two hours, depending on your selection. In practice, plan extra time at the center for preparation and mounting. One ride started more than an hour late while the previous group returned, although the full paid ride was provided afterward.

This is important when planning a day in Tenerife. Do not book a restaurant reservation, airport transfer, or another timed activity immediately afterward. The center is small and may ask you to change your selected start time if the session is full.

At $47 per person, the one-hour ride is fairly priced for a guided outdoor activity that includes the horse, instructor, helmet, and a small group. The two-hour option gives the stronger value if the coast and beach are priorities, since the extra time changes the outing from a short introduction into a proper half-day-style memory.

Food and drinks are not included. A restaurant sits next to the stables, which is handy before or after the ride, but you should still bring water. Sunscreen is essential, even when the breeze makes the temperature feel mild.

The southern part of Tenerife can be warm and exposed. Long trousers protect your legs from rubbing, and sturdy closed shoes give you a better position than sandals. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed, even though the longer ride reaches the beach.

Who should choose this horseback ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a patient introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet activity away from the resort pool
• Families with children aged six or older
• Riders who enjoy scenery more than speed
• Anyone wanting an unusual way to see southern Tenerife
• Experienced riders who are happy with a relaxed group pace

Children under six cannot join. Published weight limits are inconsistent, with one limit listed at 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, and another at 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. If your weight is close to either figure, confirm the current rule before paying.

This is not the right pick for someone seeking galloping, technical trails, or a private advanced lesson. It may also disappoint if you expect to spend most of the two-hour ride on the beach. The beach is an important stop, but the route there and back is the main event.

Should you book the one-hour or two-hour ride?

Choose one hour if this is your first time on a horse, you have limited time, or you are worried about saddle discomfort. It gives you the core experience: a gentle horse, a guided route, volcanic scenery, and ocean views.

Choose two hours if you want the coast and beach. The longer route costs more in time and demands more stamina, but it provides the most distinctive setting and the best chance to enjoy the sea breeze with the horses.

I would book this experience if you want a calm, personal outdoor activity and do not mind basic English communication or a possible wait at the center. The combination of quiet horses, small groups, volcanic countryside, and the beach route gives you something you will not get from a standard sightseeing bus.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

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

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $47 per person.

How long does the ride last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour horseback ride.

Does the two-hour ride go to the beach?

Yes. The two-hour option includes a route to the coast, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and beach views. Horses may go into the water.

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Instructors explain the basics, match horses to your experience, and guide the group. The normal pace is relaxed and mainly at a walk.

Can children join?

Children under six years old are not permitted. The provided information does not give a maximum age.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The activity is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. The instructor may speak only basic English and is generally a native Spanish speaker.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear long trousers and closed shoes suitable for riding.

What clothing is not allowed?

Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Clothes, shoes, and boots are not provided.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity is limited to six participants.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though a restaurant is located next to the riding center.

Is faster riding included?

The ride is mainly at a walk. Trotting may be offered depending on the group, and some riders have been allowed to canter in the arena afterward, but neither should be treated as guaranteed.