Tenerife: Horseback Ride with Instructor

Horseback riding beats most plans in Tenerife. From Xanadu riding center in Arona, you get a guided way to see southern scenery, with ocean air and volcanic terrain you can’t really reach on foot.

I especially love the gentle, well-matched horses for first-timers. I also love the small group (up to 6) plus an instructor who stays right with you, like Dori or Germain, so you are not guessing what to do.

One possible drawback: the center is small, so if it is full you might be asked to adjust your chosen start time. Also, English can be limited because instructors are native Spanish speakers, so pick a time when you feel comfortable asking questions.

Key things to know before you book

• Small group ride (max 6), which makes it feel calm and controlled
• Helmet and instructor included, so you are not showing up unprepared
• 2-hour option adds the coast and beach, where the sea breeze is the real payoff
• You ride past Canarian plants and lava-bed terrain, including tabaiba, cacti, and cardones
• Horses are matched to you, and beginners often get a slower partner and extra support
• Photos may be sent after, since some guides share images via WhatsApp

Why a Xanadu Horse Ride is a different way to see southern Tenerife

Southern Tenerife has a way of making you forget you are on a developed island. The air smells like salt and sunblock. The ground you ride over is old and dramatic, shaped by volcanic activity. And when you are on horseback, the views feel slower and more intentional, like you are moving with the island instead of just watching it.

This specific ride also has a built-in structure that makes it easier. You start at Xanadu riding center in Arona, you get an instructor guiding you, and you ride as a small group. That matters, because Tenerife can be busy along the main roads, while this experience keeps you in that quieter zone where the coastline and volcanic terrain meet.

You’re also not stuck with a generic route. The ride is built around what the south is known for: rugged slopes, ocean views, and Canarian vegetation like tabaiba (a hardy succulent), cacti, and cardones. It sounds like a botany lesson on paper. On the horse, it becomes something else, you start noticing the shapes, the textures, and how the plants cling to rocky ground.

Pick your ride length: 1-hour versus 2-hour beach time

You get two main options: a 1-hour ride or a 2-hour ride. The biggest difference is how much time you spend toward the coast.

If you choose the 2-hour ride, you also go to the coast and enjoy sea breeze on the beach. That extra time is the part that turns a nice outing into a memory. Several riders specifically highlight the beach segment, including horses entering the water and that special feeling of being out where land meets ocean.

If you go with 1 hour, think of it as a shorter taste of the same experience. You still get the Tenerife scenery, but you are less likely to have as long on the shoreline. For nervous riders or families with tighter schedules, 1 hour can be the smarter choice.

Practical tip: because the center is small and start times can shift if it is full, decide which duration you want based on your tolerance for flexibility. Longer rides are usually worth it, but only if your day can handle a slight timing change.

From Arona stables to your first steps: what happens before you ride

The meeting point is at Xanadu riding center in Arona. Once you arrive, the pace is generally straightforward. You get matched to a horse based on size and experience, then you receive instructions from your guide.

A lot of first-timers worry about two things: steering and control. The setup here is designed to calm that down. The instructor gives clear directions before you set off, and because the group is small, they can correct hand position or seating basics without crowding.

Some riders also describe a brief practice moment in an arena or follow-up riding moments afterward. For example, one review notes being allowed to canter in the arena after the ride. That may not happen every time, but it tells you the training is real, not just a slow walk and done.

Then you start moving. Even if you have never ridden before, expect a mostly steady pace. The whole point is to keep the ride enjoyable, not stressful.

The trail: Canarian plants, volcanic lava beds, and big ocean views

The route through southern Tenerife is not random. It is built to show you the island’s signature terrain: volcanic shapes plus vegetation that looks like it survived a movie set built by nature.

As you head out, you should look for typical Canarian plants. The ride is described as passing tabaiba, cacti, cardones, and more. Those names matter because they clue you into the kind of environment you are seeing. You are not just passing green scenery, you are moving through arid coastal ecosystems where every plant is adapted to tough conditions.

You also ride along a lava bed created thousands of years ago. That detail is more than trivia. When you are on horseback, it changes the way the ground feels under you, and it changes the way you experience the horizon. Volcanic terrain tends to open up longer sightlines, so the ocean can appear in layers as you descend.

And yes, you get mountains above and ocean below. That contrast is why horse riding here feels different from beach-only days. You are seeing Tenerife in two directions at once.

If you like stories, your instructor may add them too. Many riders highlight guides explaining the area, pointing out plants, and talking about local history. People mention different instructors like Dori and Germain, and the common thread is that the ride has context, not just motion.

The coast and beach segment: ocean air, splashing horses, and photos

This is where the 2-hour ride tends to pay off most. The route goes toward the coast, and the sea breeze becomes part of the experience, not just a nice smell.

Several reviews call out horses going into the sea. Watching a well-trained horse step into water, then come back to dry ground, has a surprisingly calming effect. If you are nervous, this kind of controlled moment can help you realize the staff has it handled.

You may also spend time on the beach itself. Riders describe the views as breathtaking, and the beach segment is often linked to the idea of extending the ride if you could.

Photo moments are another big plus. Some guides take pictures and share them afterward. One rider specifically mentions receiving photos via WhatsApp at no additional cost, and another notes the guide sending photos. Not every group will have the exact same workflow, but it is clearly a common practice.

One more detail that matters: the ride back can include some action. A review mentions trotting back for part of the journey after the coast time. That said, how much speed you get is dependent on the group and comfort level. If you want mostly relaxed walking, you can usually ask for the pace you are comfortable with.

Horses, safety, and who this ride is best for

This is a gentle, guided horse ride. That’s the promise, and the reviews back it up with lots of first-time riders feeling safe. Horses are matched to your size and experience, and beginners often get slower horses, with an instructor walking alongside if needed.

Still, this is horseback riding with real physical limits. The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years old. There is also a weight limit: people over 200 lbs (91 kg) and over 209 lbs (95 kg) are listed as not suitable. If you are near the limit, it is worth checking carefully before you book.

Other safety rules are about preventing uncomfortable or unsafe gear choices. Not allowed: bare feet, shorts, and swimwear. Plan to ride in clothing that covers your legs and fits properly. In warm weather, you will feel hot at times, but you also want your legs protected from friction and from the saddle.

If you are thinking, will I be stressed? For many people, the answer is no, because the instructor is with you and the horses are used to the environment. But if you know you have a strong fear of animals, bring a very honest mindset. You can still try it, but you should be ready to take things slowly.

Instructors and communication: what English level to expect

Your guide is part of the value here. The activity lists instructor languages as English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. But it also notes that the instructor speaks a bit of English and is a native Spanish speaker.

So plan for communication that works, not communication that is perfect. If you only speak English, you might still be fine. Many reviews suggest people managed through basic communication and kindness from the guides. Names you might hear include Dori and Germain, and riders note their guides were friendly, funny, and patient.

If you want an easier time, learn a couple of basic Spanish phrases for horses and safety, or be ready to rely on gestures and short instructions. The good news is that horseback riding is mostly muscle memory and practice, not high-speed conversation.

Value for $47: what you actually get for the money

At around $47 per person for a 1 to 2 hour experience, the value comes from what is included and how the ride is structured.

You get:

• The horseback ride for your chosen duration
• An instructor
• A helmet

That is a solid package because it removes the big hassle items. You are not arranging gear. You are not figuring out how to handle a horse alone. And you are not walking around trying to interpret volcanic terrain yourself.

The small group size (limited to 6) is also where value shows up. It helps the instructor manage pace and safety. It means you can ask questions without being lost in a crowd. And it typically leads to a more personal experience, especially for beginners.

Now for how to decide if it is worth it for you. If you want the ocean connection and the beach time, the 2-hour option usually justifies the extra cost. If you want something shorter and calmer, the 1-hour ride still gives you that Tenerife scenery and the guided horse part without turning your whole day into a single activity.

Practical packing tips so you do not end up uncomfortable

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water

That’s it, simple. You are outside, you get sun, and you are moving. Tenerife sun is not shy.

Wear:

• Clothing that meets the rules: no shorts, no swimwear
• Covered feet, since bare feet are not allowed

Footwear matters less than you might think, because you are not given boot rules in the info. But since bare feet are banned, plan on shoes or appropriate footwear that you can wear for the full duration. If you only bring sandals, you might be turned away.

Also consider bringing a hat and sunglasses, even though they are not explicitly listed. Not adding extra gear can be a mistake on a sunny coast.

Lastly, arrive with a mindset for a timed outdoors experience. If your group starts a bit late due to the previous tour, you should still expect the full selected duration, but being flexible helps you enjoy it instead of watching the clock.

Should you book this Tenerife horseback ride?

Book it if you want a guided way to see southern Tenerife that is scenic, low-stress, and beginner-friendly. The small group, the helmet, and the instructor support are strong reasons to choose it. If you pick the 2-hour option, you also get the coast and beach, which is the part most likely to turn a fun afternoon into a clear highlight.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You fall outside the listed age and weight limits.
• You do not want to follow the clothing rules (no shorts, no swimwear, no bare feet).
• You are expecting a fully English-led experience, because the guide may be primarily Spanish, with limited English.

If your goal is something authentic but not complicated, this is one of the easiest “yes” activities in Arona. It gets you out of the usual sightseeing loop and onto the kind of terrain Tenerife is famous for, one calm step at a time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the ride?

The meeting point is at Xanadu riding center in the town of Arona.

How long is the horseback ride?

You can choose between a 1-hour or a 2-hour ride.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the horseback ride (1 or 2 hours, based on your option), an instructor, and a helmet.

Do I need to bring my own helmet or safety gear?

No. A helmet is included.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The instructor can speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch.

Is it a small group?

Yes. The ride is a small group with a limit of 6 participants.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunscreen and water.

What clothing is not allowed?

Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

Who is the ride not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years old, and people over the listed weight limits of 200 lbs (91 kg) and 209 lbs (95 kg).

Can I get a refund if I change my plans?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.