Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

The best part of this ride is the route itself. You leave Xanadu riding center in Arona and pass through southern Tenerife’s black lava terrain, cactus plants, and Canarian vegetation before reaching wide views of the Atlantic. Choose the two-hour ride if you want the coast and beach, not just a short countryside circuit.

I like the calm, beginner-friendly horses and the way guides match each animal to your size and riding ability. I also like the small groups, limited to six people, which makes it easier for an instructor to watch nervous riders. The main consideration is communication: some instructors speak only a little English, and the pace may stay at a walk when the group includes first-time riders.

Key points

• Two hours reaches the coast: The longer route includes beach time, sea air, and the chance to take photos beside the water.
• A strong choice for beginners: Horses are selected according to your experience, and guides lead the group at a steady pace.
• Volcanic scenery all the way: Expect lava beds, mountain views, ocean outlooks, tabaiba, cacti, and cardones.
• Small groups help: The maximum group size is six, so the guide can give more attention to individual riders.
• Wear proper trousers and closed shoes: Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.
• Budget around $47 per person: That is a fair price for a one or two-hour ride, but confirm which duration your chosen option includes.

Riding from Xanadu into southern Tenerife

This is not a polished resort attraction with a short photo stop and a few laps around a ring. The route begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona and heads into the dry, volcanic scenery of southern Tenerife. From the saddle, you can look up toward the mountains and down toward the ocean, with the trail passing through old lava formations created thousands of years ago.

The setting gives the ride its character. You are not simply sitting on a horse in a fenced paddock. You are moving through terrain shaped by volcanic activity, with rough black ground, open views, and hardy plants that suit Tenerife’s warm climate.

You can expect to see tabaiba, cacti, cardones, and other native or typical Canarian vegetation. Some guides also explain local plants, fruit trees, volcanic features, drainage channels, and the history of the area. The amount of commentary depends on the guide and the language you share, but the ride offers more than scenery alone.

The route is especially appealing if you have already spent time around the beaches and hotels of southern Tenerife. Horseback gives you a slower view of the area. You notice the changing ground, the plants close to the trail, and the way the ocean appears between the hills.

The one-hour route is the sensible first try

The one-hour ride suits first-time riders who want to test their balance, confidence, and comfort around horses without committing to a longer outing. You receive an introduction to the horse, basic instructions, and a helmet before setting off with the group.

The horses are generally chosen to suit your size and experience. A nervous beginner may be paired with a slower, more forgiving animal, while a more confident rider may receive a horse with a little more energy. The guide leads from the front, and the horses are accustomed to following the group.

Do not expect an intense riding lesson. The emphasis is on a guided walk through the scenery, not on learning advanced control or dressage. That is useful for a holiday activity, but you should know what you are booking. Some first-time riders have wanted more detailed instruction on steering and stopping, so ask questions before leaving the center if you are unsure.

A one-hour ride may include mountain or lava scenery and views toward the sea. Depending on the route and group, you might cover part of the way toward the coast, but the beach visit belongs to the two-hour option. If you are nervous, traveling with a child, or simply want a gentle introduction, one hour is the safer choice.

The two-hour ride earns its higher price

The longer option is the better buy if you want the most memorable part of the outing. It adds the coast, with the horses reaching the beach or shoreline area so you can enjoy the sea breeze and take in the views from a different position.

The route can take about an hour to reach the coast, leaving time near the water before returning to the center. You may have a chance to take photos and, depending on the conditions and the guide, bring the horses into the water. This is not guaranteed as a long swim or a dramatic gallop along the beach. It is a calm coastal stop, and the horses may splash in the shallows.

The return journey completes a loop through the volcanic surroundings. Some groups may be offered a short trot if the guide considers the riders and horses ready. That depends on the ability of everyone in the group, so do not book this expecting fast riding. The normal pace is a walk, especially when beginners are present.

I would choose the two-hour outing for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants the ride to feel like a proper half-day memory rather than a quick activity. The extra hour matters because the coastline is the highlight, and the longer route gives you time to enjoy it without being rushed.

Gentle horses make this welcoming for beginners

The strongest feature here is the horses. They are described as calm, friendly, and used to inexperienced riders. Several beginners have found that the animals followed the guide faithfully and seemed to understand when a rider was uncertain.

That does not mean you can switch off completely. You still need to listen to the instructor, keep your feet positioned correctly, and learn the basic signals for slowing and steering. Horses are animals, not moving benches. A guide is present throughout, but you remain responsible for following instructions.

The center matches horses to riders by size and experience. This is important for families and mixed groups, where one person may have years of riding experience and another may never have sat on a horse. A slower horse and closer instructor attention can help a first-timer relax.

One useful detail is that the group can include riders of different abilities. In practice, this may affect the pace. If everyone is new, the ride will likely remain at a walk. More confident riders may be allowed to trot for a short stretch, but the guide’s priority is keeping the whole group comfortable and safe.

The activity is not suitable for children under six. Weight limits are listed inconsistently as over 200 pounds, or over 209 pounds, so anyone near that range should confirm directly before booking.

Guides, language, and the value of personal attention

The instructor is included, and the listed languages are English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. In practice, English ability can vary. Some guides speak enough English for basic instructions, while others are native Spanish speakers with limited English.

That should not automatically stop you from booking. Riding signals are visual, the group follows the guide, and several people have managed comfortably with simple communication. Still, if you are nervous, have never ridden before, or need detailed explanations, you will feel more at ease if you speak Spanish or travel with someone who does.

Names that appear in the experience include Dori or Dorry and Germain. You cannot assume that a particular guide will lead your outing, but the individual attention is part of the appeal. Guides have helped beginners mount, explained how to handle the reins, selected suitable horses, and stayed close to uncertain riders.

Some guides also take photos during the ride and send them through WhatsApp at no extra cost. This is a useful bonus because taking your own action shots from horseback is difficult. Do not treat it as a guaranteed professional photo package, but it can leave you with better memories than a phone kept in your pocket.

What the scenery looks like from the saddle

Southern Tenerife is not all palm-lined beaches. The ride shows you the drier, rougher side of the island. The trail crosses volcanic ground and old lava beds, with cactus species and other plants adapted to hot, low-water conditions.

The views change as you move. From higher ground, you can see the mountains above and the Atlantic below. Closer to the coast, the sea becomes the focus, and the fresh breeze offers a welcome break from the heat.

The plants are worth paying attention to. Tabaiba has a distinctive shape, while cardones and cacti give the route a sharp, desert-like look. A guide may point out fruit trees, prickly pears, or other local features. One ride included a chance to taste prickly pear, but that should be treated as an occasional guide-led detail, not a promised part of every outing.

The volcanic setting also adds useful context to a normal beach holiday. You see how lava shaped the ground and how plants took hold in the dry terrain. The route is not a full geological tour, but the combination of scenery and short explanations gives the ride more substance.

Timing, comfort, and what to wear

Plan more time than the advertised riding duration. The ride itself is one or two hours, but you need time for arrival, introductions, fitting a helmet, choosing horses, and practicing basic handling. A previous outing started later than planned while the earlier group returned, though the full paid riding time was provided.

The center is small, so the schedule can shift if another group is still finishing or the selected time becomes full. Keep this in mind if you have a restaurant booking, airport transfer, or another timed activity afterward. The center may ask you to adjust your selected start time.

Wear long trousers and sturdy closed shoes. Shorts can rub against the saddle and leave your legs uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. Swimwear and bare feet are not permitted, even though the two-hour route reaches the coast.

Bring sunscreen and water. Tenerife’s pleasant climate can still mean strong sun, and you are exposed while riding. Food and drinks are not included, but a restaurant next to the stables has been a convenient option for some visitors before or after the ride.

A helmet is included. Clothing, boots, and shoes are not, so arrive dressed for riding rather than assuming the center will supply a full outfit.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, this is good value if your chosen option includes the full two-hour coastal route. You are paying for the horse, instructor, helmet, guided route, and access to scenery that would be difficult to see in the same way on foot.

The value is even better for a first-time rider who wants help throughout the outing. You do not need to arrange a horse independently, judge a safe route, or work out how to handle the animal alone. The instructor and small group reduce the stress of trying something unfamiliar.

The one-hour option is still fairly priced if you want a short activity between sightseeing plans. It gives you the main elements, including the horse, guide, volcanic scenery, and ocean views. But if the price difference between the options is modest, I would spend more for the coast.

Food, drinks, clothing, and footwear are extra. The nearby restaurant may make the visit easier, but its meal costs are separate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Families with children aged six or older
• Riders returning to horses after a long break
• Anyone who wants volcanic scenery rather than another pool or beach day
• Experienced riders who are happy with a guided walking pace

I would be more cautious if you want a fast, technical riding session. This is mainly a guided walk, and the group sets the pace. You may trot briefly, but it is not promised.

You should also think carefully if you dislike heat, have difficulty mounting, or need detailed instruction in English. The activity is outdoors, and the English level may be limited. Ask the center about your needs before paying if language or physical comfort is a concern.

Should you book the Xanadu horseback ride?

Book it if you want a gentle, scenic way to see southern Tenerife and you are happy to trade speed for views. The calm horses, small groups, patient instructors, cactus-covered volcanic ground, and coastal finish make this one of the more personal ways to spend a morning or afternoon near Arona.

Choose one hour if you are unsure about riding. Choose two hours if you want the beach, sea breeze, and the best value from the route. Wear trousers, bring water and sunscreen, allow extra time for a possible delay, and confirm the weight limit and language support if either could affect your comfort.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride meet?

The meeting point is Xanadu riding center in the town of Arona, 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 reach the beach?

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

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The activity includes an instructor, and horses are matched to riders according to size and experience. The ride is generally led at a calm walking pace.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The listed languages are English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. English ability can be limited, and the instructor may be a native Spanish speaker.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water. Wear trousers and closed shoes. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

Are children and larger riders allowed?

Children under six are not suitable for the activity. The listed restrictions exclude people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, and also mention over 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. If you are near that range, confirm the limit with the center before booking.