Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

Sea air, volcanic rock, and a very calm horse. This ride gives you a fresh way to see southern Tenerife, with mountain views above, ocean views below, and a small group of no more than six people. I especially like the gentle horses and the chance to reach the coast on the two-hour route. The main point to consider is that the instructor speaks only a little English, so basic Spanish may help.

The one-hour ride is a sensible choice for first-timers or anyone unsure about sitting on a horse for long. The two-hour option offers more scenery and reaches the beach, where the horses may walk into the water. Waiting times can be longer than planned if an earlier group is late returning, so leave some space in your day.

Key points before you saddle up

• The two-hour route reaches the coast: You ride from Xanadu riding center toward the beach, with time for sea views and, when conditions allow, horses entering the water.
• Very friendly horses suit beginners: Horses are matched to your size and experience, and first-time riders are given extra attention.
• The setting is volcanic and distinctly Canarian: Expect lava rock, cacti, tabaiba, cardones, mountain slopes, and ocean views.
• Groups stay small: The activity is limited to six participants, which helps the guide keep an eye on nervous riders.
• Communication can be informal: English is offered, but some guides speak only a little English. Instructions are still possible through demonstration, gestures, and simple commands.
• Wear proper clothing: Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed. Bring sunscreen and water.

Starting at Xanadu in Arona

Your ride begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife. This is not a large riding resort with a polished visitor center. It is a small stable, and that gives the experience a more personal feel, but it also explains why start times can shift when the previous group has not returned.

Allow extra time at the center. Some rides have begun late, including one where riders waited about an hour before mounting. The full booked ride was still provided in that case, but a delayed start can affect plans for lunch, a boat trip, or an evening reservation.

At the stable, you are introduced to your horse and given basic instructions. The horses are selected according to your size and riding ability. This matters more than it may sound. A nervous beginner needs a steady horse that follows the group, while a more confident rider may be given a horse with a little more energy.

The guides have been praised for being patient with first-time riders. One guide walked beside a beginner for the whole route, and another rider was given a slower horse. You should still tell the instructor clearly if you are anxious, inexperienced, or have not ridden for many years.

A helmet is included. You need to bring your own clothing and footwear. Long trousers are the practical choice, since several hours in a saddle can rub your legs, especially in warm weather. Sturdy closed shoes are sensible, though the exact footwear supplied by the center is not specified.

The first lesson is simple, but important

This is a guided walking ride, not a formal riding lesson. You learn enough to handle the horse safely, then follow the instructor along the route.

Expect guidance on steering, stopping, and how to sit on the horse. The instruction appears to be aimed at beginners, and the calm horses do much of the work by following the guide. That makes the activity approachable for couples and families with older children.

Do not assume you will spend the whole ride trotting or cantering. The group moves at a pace that suits its least experienced rider, and several riders were limited to walking. Some groups have been allowed to trot on the return, while one experienced rider was permitted to canter in the arena afterward.

That variation is a useful thing to understand before booking. If your main goal is fast riding, this may feel restrained. If you want a safe introduction, it is a sensible format. The instructor keeps the group together, and the horses generally follow one another faithfully.

The language issue deserves a plain warning. English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch are listed as available languages, but the main instructor may be a native Spanish speaker who speaks only a little English. Riders have still managed well through demonstrations and gestures, and guides such as Dori, Dorry, and Germain have been praised for being kind and attentive. Even so, do not expect a long English explanation at every stop.

One hour through southern Tenerife

The one-hour ride is the best test of your enthusiasm. It gives you time to settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and see the volcanic surroundings without committing to a longer outing.

The route passes through dry southern Tenerife scenery, where black lava rock contrasts with hardy Canarian plants. You may see tabaiba, cacti, cardones, prickly pear, and other vegetation adapted to the island’s sun and limited rainfall.

The views change as the horses move between the riding center and the higher paths. Look for the mountains above and the ocean below. The appeal is not dramatic speed. It is the slow view, with enough time to notice the volcanic ground, the plants beside the trail, and the open sea.

Guides may explain local plants, fruit trees, volcanic features, drainage channels, and the history of the area. The amount of commentary depends partly on the guide and the language shared by the group. One guide even offered a prickly pear along the way, an unusual little taste of the local setting.

For a first ride, one hour is enough. Your legs may feel the saddle before the clock does, and beginners often appreciate finishing while the experience is still comfortable. This option also works well for families who want to try something different without spending a large part of the morning at the stable.

The two-hour ride adds the coast

The two-hour option is the stronger choice if you want the experience pictured in your mind: horses, sea breeze, volcanic shore, and the chance to enter the water.

The route heads down from the riding center toward the coast, with the group moving through dry volcanic terrain before reaching the beach. The ride to the sea can take much of the first part of the outing. One account put the journey at about an hour and a half, leaving a shorter period at the beach before returning.

That timing is worth noting. The two-hour ride is not two hours spent at the shore. You are paying for the full outing, including the approach and return, but the beach stop may feel brief if you want lots of photographs or time in the water.

At the coast, the horses may splash in the sea. This is one of the most memorable parts of the ride, especially for beginners who have never seen a horse behave so naturally around water. The fresh breeze and open view make a welcome change from the dry interior paths.

The horses are not necessarily rushed into the water. The guide may ask if the group is comfortable, and there is time to take photographs. Some riders have been allowed to trot on the return journey, but that depends on the group and the instructor. The safe assumption is a relaxed walk with possible extra action, not a guaranteed fast ride.

The beach route also gives you a better sense of Tenerife’s volcanic character. You are not simply riding beside a generic seaside. The ground was shaped by lava flows thousands of years ago, and the dark rock, dry plants, steep mountain backdrop, and bright ocean create a setting that feels specific to the island.

The scenery is the real attraction

I like this ride because it shows southern Tenerife without putting you behind glass or on a bus. You move at the speed of the horse, which makes small details easier to notice.

The vegetation tells the story of the climate. Tabaiba and cardones are built for dry conditions, while cacti and prickly pear add unmistakable Canarian character. The plants are not decorative extras. They are part of what makes the route feel like Tenerife rather than a standard riding trail.

The views also shift in a satisfying way. Near the center, you have the volcanic ground and mountain slopes. Farther along, the sea opens up below. At the coast, the air feels cooler and more open. On the return, you see the same route from a different angle and gain a better sense of how quickly the terrain rises away from the beach.

Guides may add local context about volcanoes, plants, fruit trees, and old drainage features. If you enjoy learning as you go, make a point of asking questions. If language makes that difficult, you can still appreciate the scenery, but you may miss some of the explanation.

The center may also send photographs through WhatsApp. This has been done at no extra cost for some rides, and it solves the problem of trying to take action shots while holding the reins. It is not wise to treat photographs as guaranteed unless the center confirms it, but ask the guide if pictures are being taken.

How beginner-friendly is it?

Very, provided you accept that the horses set the pace.

First-time riders have described feeling safe on calm horses, and the guides generally watch the group closely. The animals are selected for the rider, and many beginners find that the horses follow the guide without needing constant correction.

That does not remove all responsibility. You still need to listen, sit properly, and follow instructions. Horses are large animals, and one first-time rider had a horse move too quickly near the end before the guide brought it under control. The point is not to alarm you. It is to remember that this is an outdoor activity with real animals, not a mechanical ride.

The one-hour option is particularly good for a nervous rider. You can learn the basics without committing to a long saddle time. The two-hour route is better if you are comfortable after the first few minutes and want the beach.

Children under six cannot join. The experience has been enjoyed by older children, including an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old, but the center should confirm suitability for each child. Weight limits are listed inconsistently as over 200 pounds, or over 209 pounds, so check the current limit before booking if that applies to you.

What the $47 price gives you

At $47 per person, the activity offers reasonable value, especially for the two-hour option. The price includes the horse, instructor, and helmet. You are also paying for a guided route, small group attention, and access to a coastal setting that would be difficult to experience on horseback without local help.

The one-hour ride is still fairly priced if you want a short introduction. The two-hour option makes better value if you are comfortable riding and care about reaching the beach.

Food, drinks, clothing, shoes, and boots are not included. Bring water and sunscreen, and eat beforehand or plan for afterward. There is a restaurant next to the stables, which is handy after the ride, though its food is not part of the activity.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 836 ratings, a strong result for an activity involving weather, animals, timing, and mixed riding ability. The praise centers on the horses, scenery, friendly guides, and ease for beginners. The recurring cautions are delayed starts, limited English, and the fact that some groups walk rather than trot.

Who should choose this ride?

I would choose it for:

• A first-time rider who wants a calm introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Families with children aged six or older
• Anyone who wants ocean views without another boat or coach excursion
• Riders who enjoy scenery more than speed
• Visitors who like meeting animals and seeing a less usual side of Tenerife

I would think twice if you need a tightly timed schedule, dislike sitting in a saddle, or expect a proper gallop. You should also reconsider if you are not comfortable communicating with a Spanish-speaking guide through simple words and demonstration.

Wear long trousers, closed shoes, and sun protection. Bring water, avoid swimwear and shorts, and do not arrive expecting a polished English-language riding school. The charm is in the informal, small-scale setup, but that same setup can bring delays and uneven communication.

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

Book the one-hour ride if this is your first time, you are nervous, or you mainly want to try horse riding without tiring yourself. It is long enough to enjoy the volcanic plants, mountain views, and ocean air.

Choose two hours if reaching the coast matters to you. The beach, sea breeze, and horses in the water are the parts most likely to stay with you, though the time at the shore may be shorter than expected because the group must ride there and back.

I would recommend the experience for most visitors who want something gentle, scenic, and different from the usual southern Tenerife schedule. Just leave room for a late start, keep your expectations focused on walking, and confirm the weight limit and language arrangements before paying. For the best chance of a memorable outing, choose the two-hour route and wear trousers.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride start?

It starts at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife.

How long is the ride?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour horseback ride. Starting times depend on availability.

Does the two-hour ride go to the beach?

Yes. The two-hour route includes a trip to the coast, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and may see the horses enter the water.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is designed to welcome beginners, with an instructor, calm horses, and basic guidance before you set out. The pace depends on the ability of the group.

What languages are available?

The listed languages are English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. The instructor may speak only a little English and may be more comfortable speaking Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear suitable clothing and shoes. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

Who cannot join the activity?

Children under six cannot participate. People above the stated weight limit cannot join, but the supplied information lists both 200 pounds and 209 pounds, so confirm the current limit with the center.