Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

Tenerife’s best moment on horseback comes during the two-hour ride to the coast, when the trail leaves the ranch, crosses old lava ground, and reaches the beach. The horses may walk into the seawater, giving you a fine view of the island from a very unusual seat.

I like the gentle horses and the small groups of up to six people. I also like the setting: cacti, cardones, tabaiba, volcanic rock, mountains, and the Atlantic all appear in one outing. The main consideration is communication. English is available, but the instructor may speak only a little, with Spanish as the main language.

Key points to know before you book

• The two-hour option reaches the beach: The longer ride includes the coast, sea breeze, and time near the water.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are matched to your size and experience, and guides stay close to nervous or first-time riders.
• A volcanic setting: Expect lava beds, rugged ground, mountain views, ocean air, and typical Canarian plants.
• Walking is the usual pace: Some groups may trot, but the pace depends on the ability of everyone in the group.
• Bring proper clothing: Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Long trousers are the sensible choice.
• English help may be limited: The listed languages include English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but the instructor is a native Spanish speaker.

Riding from Arona through southern Tenerife

The ride begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in the south of Tenerife. This is not a polished resort attraction with a long string of horses parading around a fenced track. The appeal is the open setting and the sense of moving through real volcanic country.

Before setting out, you meet the horses and receive basic instruction. That matters if you have never ridden before. Several first-time riders have found the horses calm and easy to handle, with guides explaining steering, stopping, and what to do along the route.

The horses are selected with your size and experience in mind. A nervous beginner may be placed on a slower, more forgiving horse, while a more confident rider can be given a horse suited to that level. This matching is one of the reasons the experience works well for mixed groups.

Allow extra time at the center. The advertised ride lasts one or two hours, but the full visit can take longer because of fitting helmets, meeting the horses, practice, and waiting for the previous group to return. One person reported arriving at 10 a.m. and setting off around 11:15 a.m. The full paid ride was still provided, but you should not schedule a tight lunch or airport transfer afterward.

The one-hour ride: a gentle introduction

The one-hour option is the better choice if you are a complete beginner, unsure about horses, or simply want a short activity between other plans. It gives you time to settle into the saddle without committing to a longer outing.

The route takes you through the volcanic ground around the ranch, with mountain views above and the ocean below. You ride among plants that are strongly associated with the Canary Islands, including tabaiba, cacti, and cardones. The terrain is dry and rugged rather than green and pastoral, so the experience feels distinctly Tenerife.

You should expect a guided walk rather than an independent riding lesson. The group stays together, and the horses generally follow the guide. This is reassuring for beginners, but it can feel slow if you are an experienced rider hoping for a fast trek.

That slower pace has a benefit. You can look around, take photographs, and enjoy the sea air without constantly concentrating on speed. Some groups have been allowed to trot, but this depends on the skill level and confidence of the whole group. The guide has to keep the least experienced rider safe, so do not book the one-hour outing expecting a gallop.

The two-hour ride to the beach

The two-hour choice adds the part that makes this activity especially memorable: the route to the coast. The journey can take about an hour and a half to reach the beach, leaving a shorter period near the water before the return ride. The exact timing depends on the group and the pace.

At the coast, the horses may walk into the sea or splash through the shallows. This is not a swimming excursion, and the amount of time in the water can vary, but getting a horse close to the Atlantic is the defining feature of the longer ride.

The beach section also gives you the strongest photographs. Guides have taken pictures during the ride and sent them by WhatsApp at no extra cost in some cases. Do not rely on this as a guaranteed service unless the center confirms it, but it is worth asking about when you arrive.

The return can include some trotting if the group is ready. One first-time rider found the faster pace enjoyable but needed help understanding how to move with the horse. If you have never trotted, listen carefully to the instructor and do not feel pressured to take part.

The two-hour ride costs the same listed price of $47 per person as the general activity price, though you should check the amount shown for your chosen date and option. If the longer ride is available at that price, it offers strong value because it adds the coast and gives you much more time in the saddle. If you are nervous or inexperienced, the one-hour ride may be the wiser purchase.

Volcanic views, cacti, and ocean air

The scenery changes in a way that makes the ride more interesting than a simple loop around a ranch. You begin among the dry vegetation of southern Tenerife, then pass over old lava ground formed thousands of years ago. The black and brown volcanic earth, rough rock, prickly plants, and open ocean create a setting you will not get from a standard beach walk.

The route also gives you a higher view than you would have on foot. From the saddle, you can look down toward the water while the mountains rise behind you. The combination of ocean and volcanic terrain is the main visual reward, especially on a clear day.

Several guides have added useful explanations about the area, local plants, fruit trees, volcanoes, drainage channels, and the history of the land. Dori, also referred to as Dorry in one account, has been praised for explaining the countryside on the way to the beach. Germain has also been singled out for leading the group carefully.

The amount of commentary may depend on the guide and your language. You might receive a detailed introduction to the area, or you might communicate mainly through demonstrations and simple instructions. The activity is still possible without much English, but knowing a few Spanish riding terms could make you more comfortable.

Calm horses and careful guidance

The horses are the heart of this outing, and the strongest praise centers on their behavior and care. Beginners have ridden horses described as gentle, friendly, smart, and well behaved. One nervous rider began the day wary of horses and finished by finding riding an enjoyable way to travel.

The horses usually follow the guide, which reduces the need for advanced riding skill. You still need to sit securely, steer when asked, and understand how to slow or stop your horse. This is a guided ride, not a chance to ignore the reins and simply admire the view.

The guides also appear to adjust their support to the group. A first-time rider has had an instructor walk beside them for the route, while other riders received more freedom. That is a useful sign for families and couples with mixed confidence levels.

Still, instruction may be brief. One person wanted more detail about controlling the horse, and another found the English guidance limited. If this is your first ride, tell the instructor clearly before you mount. Ask for a slower horse and repeat any instruction you do not understand.

What the pace means for experienced riders

Experienced riders should set realistic expectations. The route is designed for a mixed group, and the guide keeps everyone together. Most of the ride may be at a walk, especially on uneven volcanic ground or near roads and the coast.

Some groups have trotted on the return route or in the arena after the main ride. This is not guaranteed. The guide will decide based on conditions, the horses, and the ability of the group.

For a skilled rider, the attraction is not technical riding. It is the setting, the calm horses, and the unusual chance to reach the beach on horseback. If you want sustained trotting, cantering, or a demanding mountain ride, this outing may feel too restrained.

For a rider who has not been in the saddle for years, it can be an ideal refresher. One person who had not ridden for more than 20 years rediscovered the pleasure of it, while a nervous companion gradually became comfortable with steering and braking.

Practical clothing, weight, and age rules

Wear long trousers. Shorts are not allowed, and a rider who forgot this found that bare legs rubbed against the saddle by the end. Swimwear is also prohibited, even though the longer ride reaches the beach.

Shoes and boots are not supplied. Bare feet are not allowed, so arrive with suitable footwear. The information does not specify a particular shoe type, but you should avoid turning up unprepared for riding.

Bring sunscreen and water. Southern Tenerife can be sunny, and the ride takes place outdoors with little reason to expect shade along the route. The fresh sea breeze can make the temperature feel pleasant, but sun protection still matters.

The activity is not suitable for children under six. The weight limits are presented inconsistently, with one limit listed as over 200 pounds or 91 kilograms and another as over 209 pounds or 95 kilograms. If you are near either limit, contact Xanadu riding center before booking and ask which rule applies.

Group size, language, and timing

The maximum group size is six participants. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on each rider, especially during the first minutes when everyone is adjusting to the horses.

The listed languages are English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. In practice, Spanish is the instructor’s native language, and English may be limited. Several people managed without difficulty, using gestures and simple phrases, but you should not expect a long English briefing every time.

The center is small, so your chosen start time may need to change if another group fills the slot. Confirm the final time before arranging transport or another booking. The activity provider is VILAFLOR PARK S.L., and the meeting point is Xanadu riding center in Arona.

There is a restaurant next to the stables, which is useful if you want to eat before or after the ride. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to pay separately.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, this is good value if your chosen option includes the two-hour coastal route. You are paying for the horse, helmet, instructor, and access to a setting that combines volcanic terrain, mountain views, and the Atlantic. The small group also adds value because the guide can match horses and attention to the riders.

The one-hour option is still fairly priced for a first ride. You get a manageable introduction, instruction, and a guided route through unusual scenery. It is a sensible way to test your comfort before committing to a longer saddle time.

Remember that the price does not include food, drinks, clothing, or footwear. The helmet is included, but you need to arrive dressed for riding. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still moving around.

The activity has a 4.4 rating from 836 ratings, a strong result for a tour with many different ability levels and language needs. The most consistent strengths are the horses, the scenery, the patient guides, and the coastal route.

Who should book the Xanadu ride?

I would choose this for:

• First-time riders who want a calm, supervised introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Families with children old enough to meet the age rule
• Riders returning to horses after a long break
• Anyone who wants a different view of southern Tenerife
• Confident riders who value scenery more than speed

I would think twice if you want a private lesson, a fast ride, or extensive instruction in English. The group pace may be gentle, and the language gap can make detailed coaching harder.

For most beginners, I would choose the one-hour ride unless reaching the beach is the main reason you are booking. For the full Tenerife experience, the two-hour outing is the better pick. It gives you the volcanic route, the coast, and the chance to take your horse into the sea.

Should you book this horseback ride in Arona?

Book it if you want calm horses, striking southern Tenerife scenery, and a small guided group rather than a fast or highly technical ride. The two-hour route is the clear choice for the beach, while the one-hour option suits nervous beginners and tight schedules.

Arrive with trousers, water, sunscreen, and patience for a possible delay. Tell the guide about your riding experience, ask questions if the English instructions are unclear, and confirm the weight rule if you are close to the stated limit. For a modest price, this offers a memorable way to see Tenerife’s lava fields and coast at a horse’s pace.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride meet?

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

How long is the horseback ride?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour ride, depending on the option selected.

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 coastal views. The horses may enter the seawater.

What scenery will I see?

You can expect mountain and ocean views, volcanic lava ground, rugged terrain, tabaiba, cacti, cardones, and other Canarian vegetation.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The horses are matched to riders based on size and experience, and instructors provide guidance. First-time riders have taken part successfully.

Can I trot or canter during the ride?

The usual pace is walking, and faster riding depends on the skill level of the group. Some groups have trotted, and cantering may be possible in the arena afterward, but it is not guaranteed.

What languages do the instructors speak?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear suitable riding clothes and shoes because clothing and boots are not provided.

What clothing is not allowed?

Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Long trousers are a practical choice for comfort in the saddle.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Children under six cannot take part. The published information gives weight limits of over 200 pounds or 91 kilograms and over 209 pounds or 95 kilograms. If you are near the limit, confirm the applicable rule with the riding center before booking.