Horseback riding in Tenerife starts with real scenery. From Xanadu Riding Center in Arona, you’ll pick a 1- or 2-hour ride and follow your instructor over volcanic terrain toward dramatic ocean views. Expect a relaxed pace and a small group, so it feels personal.

What I like most is the two-hour coast option, because you’re not just riding in fields or around an arena. You get sea breeze time on the way to the beach, with ocean views and rugged surroundings below and mountains above. Second, I really enjoy the way the ride shows Tenerife’s natural details, including typical Canarian vegetation like tabaiba, cacti, and cardones, plus paths through a lava bed.

One thing to keep in mind: communication may vary. The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but the native language is Spanish, so if you rely on English only, ask about language support when you book or plan to point and follow cues.

Key things to love about this Tenerife horseback ride

• Gentle horses for beginners, matched to size and experience so you can relax faster
• Coast and beach in the 2-hour option, with that salt-air feeling that makes the route memorable
• Volcanic terrain and Canarian plant life, including tabaiba, cacti, and cardones
• Small group size (up to 6), which helps the instructor keep an eye on everyone
• Helmet and instructor included, so you start with the right safety gear and guidance

Tenerife horseback riding from Xanadu Riding Center in Arona

This is a straightforward, feel-good activity for south Tenerife. You meet at Xanadu Riding Center in Arona, then get kitted out for your ride. Helmet is included, and the instructor rides with you or guides your group throughout, which matters when you are new.

The overall vibe is calm, not showy. The horses are described as gentle and well behaved, and the group stays small, limited to 6 participants. That combination is a big deal. When you’re trying to learn steering and timing, fewer riders around you means less waiting, fewer surprises, and quicker help if you tense up.

You’ll spend your time outdoors, moving through volcanic terrain with ocean views. If you want Tenerife in a different “sense” than beach time and road trips, this is the kind of outing that swaps traffic noise for sea breeze and animal calm.

Choosing between the 1-hour and 2-hour rides

You get two duration options: 1 hour or 2 hours. The difference is worth planning for.

If you choose the 1-hour ride, you’ll focus on the calmer core of the experience: riding the trails with mountain views above and ocean scenery in the distance or below, depending on the stretch you pass. It’s often a great fit if you want a taste of Tenerife from the saddle without turning the whole morning into an event.

The 2-hour ride adds an important piece: you also go to the coast so you can enjoy the sea breeze on the beach. That extra time usually translates into more “Tenerife moments,” like watching the coastline unfold as you approach it and having that brief switch from inland terrain to shoreline scenery.

If you’re on the fence, I’d lean toward the 2-hour option unless your schedule is tight. The beach portion is the signature upgrade.

What you’ll actually see: lava beds, ocean air, and Canarian plants

This ride is built around Tenerife’s natural character. You’ll travel through a lava bed formed thousands of years ago, which gives the route a rugged, volcanic feel. Instead of flat countryside, you’ll sense the island’s structure under you, with dips and rises that shape the ride.

Along the way, you’re shown typical Canarian vegetation such as tabaiba, cacti, and cardones. These aren’t just decoration. They help you understand why the island looks the way it does, dry in parts, sculpted by volcanic history, and adapted to a sun-forward climate.

And then there’s the sensory part: the fresh sea breeze. On the way to the coast, you can feel the air change. Even if you don’t talk much, the scenery and wind do the explaining. Several riders mention the ocean views are breathtaking, and that fits with the idea that you’re riding into places where the island drops toward the Atlantic.

How the instructor and small group keep things manageable

This experience runs with an instructor who stays involved, not hands-off. The tour is capped at 6 participants, which helps the guide manage pace, spacing, and questions.

In practice, the instructor’s job is to keep the ride steady and safe, especially for first-timers. You’ll receive instructions before you mount, and the group dynamic means the guide can adjust to different comfort levels. Many people come as beginners, and the horses are described as following the guide faithfully.

Language is the only variable. The instructor can speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but the native language is Spanish. In other words, you might get clearer details in Spanish, and English speakers may have to rely more on body cues. If you’re traveling with someone nervous or you want the full explanation, having at least a few basic Spanish phrases can help, or you can simply focus on the safety cues and let the scenery carry the rest.

Horse matching, pace, and what riding feels like

A big part of the value here is the way horses are matched. You’re not just handed any horse. The ride notes that horses are selected based on size and experience, which is exactly what you want for a first ride.

Most riders experience a relaxed ride at the walking pace. That’s intentional. It gives you time to look around, learn steering, and avoid feeling rushed. Some groups may be offered more action, like cantering in an arena afterward, but that is not guaranteed. Treat it as a possible bonus, not a promise.

Also, if you worry about sea splashing or water time, the ride’s coastal option is something to consider carefully. The horses are described as calm, and the guide stays in control, but the ocean environment is still ocean. For peace of mind, the best approach is to tell your instructor you’re new and want everything slow and steady.

Meeting point, timing, and practical setup at Xanadu

Plan to arrive with extra buffer time at Xanadu Riding Center in Arona. The center is small, and if the activity is full, you might be asked to modify the selected time. That’s not unusual for small operations, but it can affect your schedule if you booked the first slot of the day.

In terms of duration, think of it as moving time plus the actual lead-up. You’ll get helmeted and briefed, then you’re on the route. Some riders arrive later than planned because of scheduling between groups, but the key point is that the experience generally stays organized enough to complete the full requested duration.

If you want to extend the day, there’s often a restaurant next door, so you can turn the ride into an easy half-day plan. It’s a simple way to avoid hunting for lunch right after you’re done.

What to bring and what to wear (so you stay comfortable)

You only need a few essentials, but they matter in a sun-and-wind environment.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water

Wear rules to follow:

• No shorts
• No swimwear
• No bare feet

That last one is important. You’ll want closed-toe shoes or boots that stay secure. If you forget this part, you could feel stressed in the saddle or get stopped before mounting.

Also, the ride doesn’t include clothes, shoes, or boots. So choose something that covers your legs and protects you from sun and friction while you’re sitting in stirrups. Comfortable pants, and shoes you trust, will make the difference between a fun memory and an end-of-ride complaint.

Price and value for $47 in south Tenerife

At around $47 per person for a 1 to 2 hour ride, the price feels fair when you factor in what’s included: an instructor and a helmet. You’re also getting access to a guided route through volcanic terrain with ocean scenery and, in the 2-hour option, a coast and beach segment.

The real value isn’t just the time on a horse. It’s the guidance that reduces the learning curve, plus the small group cap that prevents the ride from turning into a crowded line. If you’re paying to try something new in a place you don’t know, having a guide you can follow is part of what you’re buying.

Is it the cheapest thing in Tenerife? Probably not. But if you want a distinct experience that feels different from beaches and buses, it is good value for what you get: scenery, animal calm, and a guided route that helps you relax into it.

Who should book this horseback ride, and who should skip it

I’d book this if you want:

• A beginner-friendly way to see south Tenerife
• Real outdoor time with mountain views and ocean air
• A guided experience that keeps you safe and moving at a sensible pace
• A small-group outing, not a big production

It’s not a match for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 6, and there are weight limits listed (one at 91 kg / 200 lb and another at 95 kg / 209 lb). If you are close to the limit, double-check before booking so you don’t waste time or money.

If you hate waiting or you have very tight timing between activities, remember the center might adjust your start time if it’s full. That’s manageable, just don’t stack your schedule with zero slack.

Should you book this Tenerife horseback ride?

Yes, if you want a calm, guided Tenerife experience that mixes volcanic terrain, Canarian plants, and ocean views. The big deciding factor is the duration. If you can, go for the 2-hour ride for the coast and beach sea-breeze time.

Book it especially if you’re new to riding or you want a more personal feel, thanks to the small group size and the fact that the instructor stays involved. Bring sunscreen and water, wear legs-covered pants and closed shoes, and you’ll set yourself up for an outing that feels relaxed and scenic.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this Tenerife horseback ride?

You meet at Xanadu Riding Center in the town of Arona.

How long are the rides?

You can choose a ride length of 1 hour or 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

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

Do they offer this in English?

Yes, the instructor can speak English, along with Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. The native language is Spanish, so communication clarity can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water.

What clothing is not allowed?

Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

Is this suitable for kids?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Are there weight limits?

Yes. The information lists not suitable for people over 200 lb (91 kg) and over 209 lb (95 kg).

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.