Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

Tenerife looks different from horseback. From Xanadu riding center in Arona, you follow volcanic ground through southern Tenerife, passing cacti, tabaiba, cardones, and other Canarian plants before reaching broad ocean views. The ride is designed for beginners, with calm horses, an instructor, and a small group limited to six people.

I especially like the gentle horses and the chance to reach the coast on the two-hour outing. The volcanic scenery, sea breeze, and beach stop give this more character than a simple ride around a paddock. The main consideration is communication: instructors speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but the lead instructor may speak only a little English and is usually a native Spanish speaker.

Quick points about the ride

• The two-hour route reaches the coast: You ride from the Arona center toward the beach, with time for sea views and, when suitable, horses to enter the water.
• The horses suit first-timers: Horses are matched to rider size and experience, and beginners receive basic instruction before setting off.
• The scenery is volcanic and dry: Expect lava beds, rugged ground, ocean views, cacti, tabaiba, and cardones rather than lush forest.
• Small groups keep the pace manageable: With no more than six participants, the guide can keep an eye on nervous or inexperienced riders.
• You need proper clothing: Bring sunscreen and water, and do not arrive in shorts, swimwear, or bare feet.
• The timing may shift: Xanadu is a small center, so your chosen start time can change if another ride is full or running late.

Starting at Xanadu in Arona

The experience begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife. This is not a large commercial ranch with a long line of visitors. The center is small, and that has two effects: the group feels personal, but the schedule can be less fixed.

You may be asked to change your selected time if the center is full. A few riders have also waited for a previous group to return before being fitted out and taken to the horses. That can be frustrating if you have arranged a tight day, so leave breathing room around the booking.

The wait does not appear to reduce the paid riding time. One rider arrived at 10 and set off around 11:15 after preparation and practice, but still received the full tour. I would still avoid booking this immediately before a flight, dinner reservation, or another timed excursion.

A restaurant next to the stables is a useful extra. You can make this a relaxed morning or afternoon rather than rushing away the moment you dismount. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to pay separately if you use it.

Meeting the horses and learning the basics

Before you ride, the instructor introduces you to your horse and explains how to handle it. You receive a helmet, and the horses are selected with rider size and experience in mind.

That matching matters. A first-time rider does not need a spirited horse that requires constant correction. The horses used here are repeatedly described as calm, friendly, and easy for beginners, with some riders saying their mounts seemed to understand that they were new.

You should still listen carefully. Horseback riding is not passive transport, and even a quiet horse responds to your hands, legs, posture, and confidence. One beginner felt the horse speed up near the end, but the guide brought it back under control. That is a good reminder to tell the instructor at once if you feel uneasy.

Instruction can vary depending on the guide and the language mix. Some riders received clear, step-by-step help, while others wanted more detail about steering and controlling the horse. If you speak Spanish, communication will likely be easier. If not, learn a few basic riding words before you arrive and pay close attention to demonstrations.

The one-hour ride through volcanic southern Tenerife

The one-hour option is the sensible choice if you are a complete beginner, nervous around horses, or unsure how your body will feel after riding. It gives you time to learn the basics, settle into the saddle, and enjoy the scenery without committing to a longer outing.

The route leaves the center and moves through the dry volcanic country above the coast. You see lava beds created thousands of years ago, rugged slopes, and the ocean below. The scenery has a stark southern-Tenerife look, with black and brown volcanic ground broken by hardy plants.

Look for tabaiba, cacti, and cardones along the way. The guide may also point out local fruit trees, prickly pear, plants, drainage channels, and details about the volcanic ground. The quality of this commentary depends on the instructor and language, but guides including Dori have added information about the plants and the area as the group rides.

The pace is usually a walk. That is important to understand before booking. This is a scenic trek, not a fast equestrian outing. Some groups have been allowed to trot, and experienced riders may get more action when the group permits, but the ride has to match the least confident person.

One guide may let riders canter in the arena after the main outing, but you should not book this expecting guaranteed trotting or cantering on the trail. The calm pace is exactly what makes the experience approachable for first-timers.

The two-hour route to the beach

The two-hour option earns its higher time commitment. It follows the route toward the coast and gives you the best chance to experience the striking contrast between dry volcanic ground and the sea.

The ride to the beach can take much of the first portion of the outing. One account described about an hour and a half to reach the coast, leaving a shorter period for photographs and time beside the water. The exact balance depends on the group and route, so do not expect a long beach session.

At the coast, you get the fresh sea air and wide views that make this option special. The horses may splash in the sea or walk into the water, which is a memorable sight and a welcome change from ordinary trail riding. No one is rushed, so you can enjoy the moment, but the time at the beach is limited by the return journey.

The ride back may include a little more speed if everyone agrees and the instructor feels it is suitable. One beginner group was invited to trot on the return and enjoyed it, though the rider found the body position unfamiliar. If you are new, ask the instructor how to sit and move with the horse before trying a faster pace.

The two-hour route is best for riders who want the coast, not simply a short introduction. It also gives you more time to settle in. Some beginners found the longer outing surprisingly relaxing, while others may prefer the one-hour version because saddle time can tire your legs.

What the scenery feels like from the saddle

From a vehicle, southern Tenerife’s volcanic ground flashes past the window. On horseback, you move slowly enough to notice it. You smell the dry vegetation, feel the ocean air, and see how plants survive in a sun-baked setting.

The route offers views in several directions: mountains above, the sea below, and rugged ground spreading between them. The appeal is not a manicured riding trail. It is the sense of moving through a real piece of Tenerife, where lava, scrub, cacti, and drainage channels tell part of the island’s story.

The guide can add meaning to these details. Dori has explained local plants, fruit trees, volcanic features, and the area’s past. Another guide named Germain has been praised for leading the group carefully and making the ride enjoyable. The amount of commentary can be limited if the language does not match yours, but the scenery still works without a running lecture.

The bright sun is part of the experience and part of the challenge. Bring water and sunscreen. Tenerife often has a pleasant climate, but a slow ride in exposed country can still feel hot, especially in summer.

Gentle horses and a good setup for beginners

This ride’s strongest point is its welcome for people who have never been on a horse. Couples with no riding background, families with older children, and adults returning to the saddle after decades have all found the horses manageable.

The age limit is six and older. Children must still be comfortable around animals and able to follow instructions, but the activity is not limited to experienced riders. One family enjoyed it as a birthday outing, and several adults who expected to participate only for someone else ended up wanting to ride again.

The small group limit of six helps. A guide can watch the line, adjust the pace, and give extra help to someone who is nervous. One first-time rider received a slower horse and had an instructor walking alongside throughout the ride.

That said, small does not mean private. You ride at the pace of the group, and a mixed group can contain confident riders and complete beginners. The trail pace must remain controlled, which is good for safety but may feel tame if you already ride regularly.

The horses are also a major part of the pleasure. Riders have described them as friendly, smart, well behaved, and well cared for. The experience feels less like being placed on an animal for a quick photograph and more like a guided introduction to riding.

Clothing, weight limits, and comfort

Do not arrive in shorts. Long trousers are the practical choice, especially because the saddle and repeated leg movement can cause rubbing. One rider who forgot trousers finished with sore legs and wished they had dressed differently.

Swimwear is also not allowed, even on the two-hour beach outing. You may see the horses enter the water, but this is still a riding activity, not a swimming excursion. Bare feet are prohibited, and shoes or boots are not supplied, so arrive with suitable footwear.

The activity information gives two different upper limits, one of 200 pounds or 91 kilograms and another of 209 pounds or 95 kilograms. Because the figures conflict, I would contact the center before booking if you are near either limit. Do not assume the higher number applies.

Your helmet is included. Food, drinks, clothes, and shoes or boots are not included. At minimum, pack water, sunscreen, long trousers, and secure footwear. A small amount of preparation will make the ride far more comfortable.

Price and value at $47 per person

At $47 per person, the one-hour ride is a reasonable introduction to horseback riding in Tenerife. You receive the horse, instructor, helmet, and guided scenery without needing previous experience. For a first ride, the price compares well with paying for a short arena session that never reaches the coast.

The two-hour version offers the stronger value if the coast is your main reason for booking. You get a longer route, volcanic scenery, sea views, and the possibility of taking the horse into the water. The beach section is not an all-day stop, but it adds a memorable element that the one-hour route cannot provide.

The value is also practical for couples and families looking for something beyond Tenerife’s usual beach day. You are paying for an activity that combines animals, scenery, local plants, and a slower pace. It is not the right choice if you want a high-speed ride or a formal riding lesson.

Guides sometimes take photographs during the outing, and some riders received them through WhatsApp without an added charge. This is a welcome extra, but I would treat it as a possibility rather than a guaranteed inclusion.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 836 reviews, which fits the experience: strong satisfaction, with the main cautions being delays, language limits, and the generally gentle walking pace.

Language and guide style

The listed languages are English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. Still, the instructor leading your particular ride may speak mainly Spanish, with only a little English.

That has not stopped people from enjoying the ride. Demonstrations, gestures, and the horses themselves make the basic activity fairly easy to follow. But you should not expect detailed English explanations every time.

If local information matters to you, ask simple questions and confirm that you understand commands before leaving the center. Guides such as Dori have given useful explanations about plants, drainage, volcanic ground, and the area. Other rides have been more about the scenery and the horses than extended commentary.

The guide’s manner matters more than polished language. The best reports describe patient, friendly instructors who keep watch over the group and help riders feel safe. That attentive approach is especially valuable when someone is gripping the reins too tightly or losing confidence.

Who should choose one hour or two?

Choose the one-hour ride if you are riding for the first time, feel nervous around horses, or have a busy holiday schedule. It is enough to learn the basics and get a taste of the volcanic scenery.

Choose two hours if you specifically want the coast and beach experience. You will spend longer in the saddle and may need patience during the ride to and from the sea, but you gain the most distinctive part of the outing.

This is a good fit for:

• First-time riders and cautious adults
• Couples seeking a quiet outdoor activity
• Families with children aged six or older
• Riders who enjoy scenery more than speed
• Visitors who want a different view of southern Tenerife

It is less suitable if you want extended cantering, an advanced riding lesson, or a precisely timed activity. It may also be uncomfortable if you are near the published weight limit or cannot wear trousers and proper footwear.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Tenerife plans are still shifting, especially since the center may need to adjust the start time.

Should you book the Xanadu horseback ride?

I would book it if you want a gentle, scenic ride and have never tried horseback riding before. The calm horses, patient instruction, small groups, and dramatic volcanic setting make it an easy activity to recommend.

For the best version, choose the two-hour ride if your schedule allows it. Reaching the coast, feeling the sea breeze, and watching the horses step into the water gives the outing its most memorable moment.

Book the one-hour option if you want to test the idea without committing to a longer saddle session. Just bring long trousers, water, sunscreen, and secure shoes, and allow extra time in case the small center runs behind.

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 availability for the available starting times.

Does the two-hour ride reach the beach?

Yes. The two-hour route goes to the coast, where you can enjoy sea views and the sea breeze. The horses may also enter the water.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience includes an instructor, and the horses are matched to rider size and experience. Many first-time riders have taken part comfortably.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear trousers, and do not arrive in shorts, swimwear, or bare feet. Helmets are included, but shoes and boots are not.

What languages does the instructor speak?

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