You can feel the ocean before you even reach it. This gentle horseback ride from Xanadu in Arona pairs clear instructor guidance with south Tenerife views, from mountains down to the sea. I love that you can pick a 1-hour or 2-hour option, and the smaller group size keeps things calm and personal. One thing to consider: the operator has some clothing rules (no shorts, no swimwear, no bare feet), and the instructor’s native language is Spanish, so communication may be easier if you know a few basics.

You also get a real sense of Tenerife beyond the beach strip. The ride follows volcanic ground, with stops where you’ll notice typical plants like tabaiba and the big Canarian cacti, then it opens into ocean and lava-bed scenery. A possible drawback is timing, because the center is small, and you might be asked to adjust your start time if the activity is full.

Key Things That Make This Horse Ride in Tenerife Worth It

• Small groups (up to 6), so you get more attention when you’re learning
• Helmet included, plus an instructor who stays with you the whole time
• Real volcanic scenery, with time to notice tabaiba, cacti, and cardones
• 2-hour option includes coastline and beach time, where horses can wade in
• Horse matching for size and experience, which helps first-time riders feel steady
• Photos sent after the ride (many riders mention this), so you don’t have to manage your camera all day

First Look at Xanadu Riding Center (Arona) and How the Ride Starts

Your experience begins at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in south Tenerife. This is one of those places where it feels more like a working ranch than a theme park, and that matters. If you want an authentic, low-stress way to see the island on horseback, this setup keeps the focus on the animals and the route.

When you arrive, you’ll get geared up and meet your instructor, who is there to guide you. The ride runs with a small group, so they can actually check that everyone is comfortable. In the best moments, you’ll feel the horses do a lot of the work. Many first-time riders describe their horses as calm and cooperative, and that’s a big deal for a Tenerife activity that’s outdoors and on uneven ground.

You should also know how this ride is paced. It’s not an all-adrenaline “race the coast” thing. You’ll mostly move at a relaxed walk, and if your group and instructor allow it, you may get chances for faster movement in controlled areas like an arena. Even then, the vibe stays safe and guided.

Choosing 1 Hour vs 2 Hours: What Changes on the Route

This is one of the easiest decisions to make, because the difference is simple: the 2-hour ride is the full coast-and-beach experience.

The 1-hour ride

The 1-hour option is a great pick if you’re trying horseback riding as a one-time activity or you want something shorter that still shows you Tenerife’s volcanic-to-coast scenery. You’ll still get that classic feel: mountains above, ocean below, and time to enjoy the Canarian plants along the way.

What you likely won’t get is the longer beach time that people rave about. The data here is clear that the extra time is what lets you reach the coast and get that sea-breeze moment on the beach.

The 2-hour ride

If you want the best “wow, I’m on a horse near the water” payoff, go for the 2-hour option. You’ll go to the coast, catch the sea breeze more directly, and experience the coastline views from horseback. Many riders mention horses wading into the water, and that adds a special, memorable element.

It also tends to be the choice that feels most complete, especially if you want a real change of scenery from start to finish. You’ll spend longer on the volcanic path, then finish with that sea-side atmosphere before returning.

What the Instructor Really Does (And Why It Matters for Beginners)

You’re not just handed a horse and pointed in one direction. Your instructor is part of the whole experience, and that’s why the ride works so well for first-time riders.

In practice, this means:

• Clear instruction before you start moving
• Help adjusting your control as you go
• Ongoing guidance so you feel steady, not rushed

I’ve seen many Tenerife activities where the instruction is minimal. Here, the emphasis is on making you comfortable. Riders describe getting taught basics, and a few even mention the instructor pairing horses with rider experience, including slower horses for brand-new riders, with the guide walking alongside when needed.

Language is the one thing you should plan for. The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch, but Spanish is the native language. In the real world, that can mean some groups communicate easily in English, while others connect better with Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish, keep it simple: nod, smile, and ask one key question like Are we walking or trotting?. It usually goes fine.

The Ride Itself: Volcanic Ground, Canarian Plants, and Ocean Views

This is the part you’ll feel most in your legs and your eyes. The route takes you through terrain shaped by Tenerife’s volcanic past. The ride includes time along a lava bed formed thousands of years ago, and it’s the kind of ground that looks dramatic but feels surprisingly approachable when you’re moving at a steady walk.

As you ride, you’ll notice typical Canarian vegetation. The experience specifically calls out plants like:

• tabaiba
• cacti, including cardones

That sounds “plant-nerdy,” but that’s actually the point. Tenerife is volcanic and dry in many areas, and these plants are how the island makes sense in your mind. You start to see why the scenery looks the way it does, not just what it looks like.

Then the view opens. Mountains sit above you, and the ocean sits below you. Even if you’re not the type who stops for photos, this is the stretch where it’s worth slowing down mentally and looking around. The sea breeze is noticeable, and the climate tends to feel comfortable for time outdoors.

Beach Time on the 2-Hour Ride: What It Feels Like When the Sea is Close

The best part of the 2-hour option is the coastline portion, especially on a day when the air feels good. Riders highlight the sea breeze on the beach, and some describe horses splashing into the water.

That moment has two layers:

1. It’s visually impressive, because you’re on horseback right where a lot of people only stand.
2. It’s emotionally easy, because the horses handle the conditions, and the instructor keeps the pace controlled.

There may be practical aspects you should expect. One rider noted crossing a road on the way to the coast, so if your route includes that step, keep a hand ready for balance and follow the instructor’s direction.

Also, plan your clothing and footwear for beach-adjacent riding. You’re not allowed swimwear, and you can’t go barefoot. Even if the horses wade, you’ll be on solid ground at times, and your shoes need to handle both the dry path and damp areas.

Helmet, Clothing, Shoes, and Small Rules That Prevent Big Problems

This ride includes a helmet, which is a comfort. Still, you’re responsible for being properly dressed.

What you should bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water

What you should not wear:

• Shorts
• Swimwear
• Bare feet

Shoes and boots are not included, so bring appropriate footwear. I’d treat this like hiking-adjacent riding. You want something stable under your feet and safe if the ground turns uneven.

One more practical note: the center is small. If it’s busy, you might be asked to modify your selected time. That’s not a reason to avoid it, it’s just smart planning. Build in a little flexibility, so you’re not stressed if your start time shifts.

How Good Is the Value at About $47 per Person?

At around $47 per person, this ride lands in the “reasonable for what you get” category, especially if you compare it to other guided outdoor activities in Tenerife.

Here’s why the value feels strong:

• You get a guided, instructor-led experience (not self-guided)
• Helmet is included
• The group is capped at 6, which usually means more attention
• You get genuinely different scenery than you’d get on foot, because you’re traveling on horseback down to the coast

You’re not paying for an all-day excursion. It’s short, focused, and designed to be accessible for a range of riders, including people doing it for the first time.

If you can stretch to the 2-hour option, it’s often the better value per “main memory,” because the beach time is the part that most people describe as the standout.

What You’ll Probably Love Most (Based on Patterns in Real Experiences)

A lot of riders write about the same things in different words. That repetition usually means there’s something real going on.

The most praised aspects include:

• Horses that feel well behaved and calm, especially for beginners
• Instructors who are patient and keep the ride smooth, even when the group includes nervous riders
• The scenery payoff, especially the walk down to the sea and the volcanic path
• Extra touches like guide explanations of what you’re seeing and photos afterward

Some riders even mention specific instructors by name, like Germain and Dori/Dorry, who were described as friendly and supportive. Whether your instructor matches that exact vibe or a slightly different style, the consistent message is clear: you’re guided, not thrown into it.

Also, people often say the ride feels relaxing. That matters in Tenerife, where many activities can feel crowded or rushed.

Small Downsides to Know Before You Go

No activity is perfect, and this one has a few realistic considerations:

1. Communication can vary

If your Spanish is limited, you might rely on basic words and the instructor’s gestures. The good news is that the ride itself is visual and guided, so it usually doesn’t become scary.

1. Timing can shift

Because the center is small, a delayed start can happen if there’s a previous tour. The brighter side is that many riders still feel they got the full time they paid for.

1. You may not be able to do every riding speed

Some riders report walking only on their route, while others get trotting or cantering in an arena afterward. That depends on the group and how the instructor runs the session.

When This Horse Ride Makes the Most Sense for You

You’ll probably be happiest booking this if:

• You want an easy, guided introduction to horseback riding
• You like dramatic scenery without doing a long hike
• You want a short activity that feels like a real change of pace
• You’re traveling as a couple, family group over age 6, or a small set of friends (group size is limited)

It’s also a strong “first Tenerife adventure” if you’re staying in the south. Arona is a convenient base for getting out into less urban terrain.

And it’s not for everyone. The activity isn’t suitable for children under 6. It also lists weight limits around 91 kg and 95 kg. If you’re near that range, check the operator’s stated limit before booking.

Should You Book This Horseback Ride in Tenerife?

If you want a calm, guided way to see southern Tenerife from a horse, I think it’s a smart booking. The 1-hour option works well when you’re trying riding for the first time or you’re time-limited. The 2-hour option is the one to choose if your goal is coastline and beach time, plus the sea-breeze moment that many riders remember most.

Book it if:

• You’re comfortable following simple instructions
• You can dress correctly (no shorts, no swimwear, no bare feet)
• You want a small-group, instructor-led experience in volcanic terrain

Skip it if:

• You’re expecting a long day or a highly athletic riding session
• You have trouble with the Spanish-led communication style
• Your plans can’t handle a possible start-time adjustment

If your ideal Tenerife day is outdoors, scenic, and hands-on but not stressful, this horseback ride from Xanadu in Arona is exactly that.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the horseback ride?

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

How long is the ride?

You can choose 1 hour or 2 hours, depending on the option you select.

What’s the difference between the 1-hour and 2-hour options?

The 2-hour ride goes to the coast, so you can enjoy the sea breeze on the beach and see the coastline views. The 1-hour ride is a shorter version of the Tenerife scenery experience.

What’s included in the price?

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

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and water.

What clothing is not allowed?

You can’t wear shorts, swimwear, or bare feet.

Is this suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

What are the weight limits?

The activity lists weight limits around 91 kg (200 lbs) and 95 kg (209 lbs). You should check your weight against those stated limits before booking.

Can I cancel and keep my travel plans flexible?

Yes. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also has a reserve now & pay later option.